Quick answer
Too many open tabs consume RAM and CPU time, making the computer slow and switching between tabs laggy. The solution is to close or suspend inactive tabs, enable memory saver in the browser, and limit the number of extensions. This frees up RAM and speeds up the entire system.
How to recognize the problem
- Computer slows down when more than 10-15 tabs are open
- Switching between tabs takes several seconds
- Fan is loud and the case is hot
- Browser reports "Out of memory" or tabs crash
- Task Manager shows the browser using several GB of RAM
Most common causes
Each tab is a separate process
Chrome and Edge run each tab as a separate process for stability. More tabs mean more processes and higher RAM usage.
Heavy web apps
Sites like Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, and social networks hold a lot of data in memory. A few such tabs can take up several GB.
Extensions and add-ons
Every installed extension runs in the background and consumes memory, even when you are not actively using it.
Not enough RAM for your habits
If the computer has 4 or 8 GB of RAM, even 15-20 tabs can lead to memory shortage and slowdown.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check memory usage
Open
Task ManagerwithCtrl + Shift + Escand click theProcessestab. Sort by theMemorycolumn to see how much the browser is using. If the browser uses more than 50% of total memory, the problem is likely the number of tabs. - 2
Close unnecessary tabs
Review open tabs and close those you do not need right away. Use
Ctrl + Wto close the active tab or middle-click a tab to close it quickly. If you want to save content for later, use bookmarks or a tab-suspension extension. - 3
Enable Memory Saver in Chrome
In Chrome, open
Settings > Performanceand enableMemory Saver. This option automatically suspends tabs you are not using, freeing up RAM. You can also add sites you never want to be suspended. - 4
Enable Efficiency mode in Edge
In Microsoft Edge, go to
Settings > System and performanceand enableEfficiency mode. Set it toBalancedorMaximum savingsto reduce memory usage and extend battery life. - 5
Disable unnecessary extensions
Open
chrome://extensionsoredge://extensionsand turn off extensions you do not use daily. Each active extension consumes memory, so this step will free up additional resources. - 6
Use tab groups
Instead of keeping dozens of tabs open, group them by right-clicking a tab and selecting
Add tab to new group. This way you can collect related tabs and close them more easily when you do not need them. - 7
Close the browser when not in use
If you are not using the browser, close it completely. This frees up RAM for other programs. Also check if your browser is set to start with the system and disable that option if you do not need it.
- 8
Check if other programs are the problem
Open
Task Managerand see which other programs are using memory. Sometimes background applications are the culprits, not the browser. Close unnecessary programs and check performance again.
If nothing helps: RAM upgrade
If the computer remains slow even after reducing the number of tabs, check if you have enough RAM. For Chrome or Edge with 10-15 tabs, at least 8 GB of RAM is recommended, and for intensive work, 16 GB. On laptops and desktops, RAM can often be expanded, but this requires technical knowledge. Contact a service center or IT support if you are unsure which memory type fits your model. Also, consider switching to a lighter browser if speed on older hardware is your priority.
How to prevent it
- Regularly close tabs you do not need right away
- Use memory saver in the browser
- Limit the number of extensions to essential ones
- Occasionally check RAM usage in Task Manager
When to call a professional
If the computer still slows down despite reducing the number of tabs and enabling memory saver, or if you are unsure how to expand RAM, contact IT support. They can diagnose hardware limits and suggest a permanent solution.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Does closing tabs delete browsing history?
No, closing tabs does not delete history. History remains saved in the browser, and you can access it via the menu or the `Ctrl + H` shortcut.
How many tabs is it safe to keep open?
It depends on the amount of RAM and the weight of the sites. On a computer with 8 GB of RAM, up to 10-15 lighter tabs are recommended, while with 16 GB you can have more. Monitor usage in Task Manager.
Does memory saver slow down tab loading?
Memory saver suspends inactive tabs, so they reload when you access them. This may cause a short delay, but in the long run it speeds up operation because it frees up RAM.