Reduce Chrome High Data Usage On Windows 10 &11

Table of Contents

 To disable Google Chrome from running background data and processes on Windows, follow these steps. This is particularly helpful for saving system resources and improving privacy.

1. Disable "Continue Running Background Apps"

This is the primary setting that prevents Chrome from staying active in your Task Manager after you close the browser window.

1. Open Chrome.

2. Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner and select Settings.

3. On the left sidebar, click System.

4. Toggle OFF the switch labeled: "Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed".

2. Enable Memory Saver (Performance Mode)

If you want to limit data and RAM usage while the browser is actually open, use the Performance suite:

1. In Chrome Settings, click on Performance in the left menu.

2. Toggle ON the Memory Saver mode.

   • This deactivates tabs you aren't using, stopping them from consuming data and CPU in the background.

3. Disable Background Sync (Site-Specific)

This prevents websites from finishing tasks (like uploading photos or sending messages) after you leave the site.

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and security.

2. Click Site Settings.

3. Scroll down to the "Additional content settings" section and click Background sync.

4. Select "Don't allow recently closed sites to finish sending or receiving data".

4. Windows Level: Set Connection as "Metered"

If you want to stop Windows (and Chrome) from using data for updates and background tasks automatically, you can tell Windows you are on a limited data plan.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).

3. Select your network and toggle ON the "Set as metered connection" switch.

   • Chrome and other apps will now restrict high-data background activities.

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5. Disable Chrome Update Services (Advanced)

Chrome uses two background services to check for updates constantly. To stop these:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Find Google Update Service (gupdate) and Google Update Service (gupdatem).

3. Right-click each, select Properties, change the "Startup type" to Disabled, and click Apply.

   • Note: You will have to manually check for Chrome updates in the future if you do this.

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