Chromebook Running Slowly — Basic Self-Service Steps

If your Chromebook feels sluggish, takes a long time to load pages, or freezes up, try these steps to speed it up. Most performance issues can be resolved without IT help.

Step 1: Restart Your Chromebook

This is the most effective fix and is often skipped. A full restart clears memory and stops runaway processes.

1. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner.
2. Click the Power icon.
3. Select Restart (not Shut Down, which some students use).

Step 2: Close Unused Tabs and Apps

Chromebooks share memory between all open tabs. Too many open tabs — especially video or Google Meet tabs — will slow everything down.

• Close any tabs you aren't actively using.
• Press Search + Esc to open the Task Manager and see which tabs are using the most memory. Close the heaviest ones.

Step 3: Clear Your Browser Cache

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Set the time range to All time.
3. Check Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
4. Click Clear data.
5. Restart Chrome.

Step 4: Check for and Remove Unused Extensions

1. In Chrome, go to Menu (⋮) > More tools > Extensions.
2. Disable or remove any extensions you don't recognize or don't use.
3. Note: Do not remove extensions that appear to be school-managed (they'll have a building/school icon).

Step 5: Check Available Storage

1. Click the clock > Settings > Device > Storage management.
2. If storage is nearly full, delete files from your Downloads folder or move them to Google Drive.

Step 6: Update ChromeOS

1. Click the clock > Settings > About ChromeOS.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, install it and restart.

Still Slow After All of the Above?

If the Chromebook remains slow after a restart, cache clear, and update, it may need a Powerwash (factory reset) or hardware evaluation by IT. Submit a ticket:

• 📧 itsupport@redlandschristian.org
• 🎫 acarcs.zendesk.com

⚠️ Warning: Do not Powerwash your device without IT guidance — it will erase locally stored files.

Related Articles

• How to Update a Chromebook
• What to Do If Your Chromebook Won't Charge or Won't Turn On
• Who to Contact When Self-Service Doesn't Work

Contact IT Support

If you continue to experience issues, please reach out to the RCS IT Help Desk:

• Submit a ticket through the IT Help Desk Portal
• Email: helpdesk@redlandschristian.org

Keywords: chromebook slow, performance, chrome OS, troubleshoot, speed

RCS Information Technology · IT Help Center