Many of us have noticed our browsers consuming a substantial amount of RAM, causing our systems to slow down. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this and what you can do about it.
One of the main culprits of high memory usage is the number of tabs and extensions you have open. Each tab operates as an independent process, consuming some of your computer's memory. Similarly, extensions add extra functionality but also use additional resources.
Modern websites often rely heavily on JavaScript and other resource-intensive components. While this makes web pages more interactive and feature-rich, it also increases the memory footprint of your browser.
Browsers cache data to improve performance when you revisit websites. They also preload content that might be needed soon. While these features enhance user experience, they can also cause your browser to gobble up more memory.
Sometimes, browsers may experience memory leaks, where RAM that is no longer needed is not released back to the system. This can lead to increasing memory usage over time.
To minimise your browser’s RAM consumption, consider the following tips:
By understanding the factors contributing to your browser’s heavy RAM usage, and taking a few simple steps, you can maintain smoother and more efficient browsing.