Why Is My Browser So Slow? Tips for Faster Speeds

A slow browser can wreak havoc as you try to stream your favorite shows or connect to an important work meeting. Excessive internet files, malware, or extensions are several of the things that can cause sluggish performance.

Delays in loading time are frustrating, but a few quick steps can improve your speeds.

Why is my browser so slow?

Your browser can slow down for many reasons. It could be anything from your internet connection to issues with the browser itself. Start by checking to see if your internet connection is causing your browser to slow down. Using an internet speed test can tell you the download and upload speeds.

Download speeds are how fast data is sent from the internet to your device. It determines if you can stream videos without any lag.

Meanwhile, upload speed refers to how quickly data from your device is sent to the internet. Work-from-home employees may need high upload speeds to conduct video conferencing calls.

If your internet speeds are normal, there may be something wrong with your computer or browser. Some common issues include:

• Too many open tabs
• A surplus of temporary internet files
• Outdated apps or browsers
• Device infected with malware

How can I speed up my browser?

There are some actions you can take to speed up your browser. Here are some tips on how to optimize your browser:

Clear cache, cookies, and browsing data

Your browser stores a lot of data. Every time you visit a website, temporary internet files called cookies get stored on your browser. These files make it easier for websites to download quickly the next time you visit them. However, sometimes your browser gets overwhelmed with the amount of data in its cache.

Go to your browser's settings and clear the cache and cookies. You may even find it helpful to delete your browsing history to get more space back.

The process to clear cache, cookies, and browsing data will look different for every browser.

On Chrome, select the three vertical dots on the upper-right corner of the browser. Choose Delete browsing data. A new tab will appear, and you can determine what data you want to delete. Once you've made your choices, click on Delete data.

Remove unnecessary extensions

Browsers like Chrome and Firefox let you add extensions to enhance your online experience. However, sometimes browsers get overloaded with too many active extensions, which can slow them down.

Go through your extensions and remove any that you aren't using actively. You can access your extensions on Chrome by clicking the three vertical dots > Extensions > Manage extensions.

Check for malware

Viruses or malware may be slowing down your internet because they take up a lot of bandwidth when they infect your device. You can check for malware by downloading a reputable antivirus software program.

Antivirus will scan your device for malware and help remove it. Once you've removed any malicious files, you may see an increase in internet speeds.

Update your browser and router

Browsers need to stay updated to operate efficiently. The latest version will contain protections against security threats. Browsers usually automatically update, but you may want to double-check that you are using the latest version.

In some cases, you may need to switch to a more secure browser altogether. Internet Explorer is no longer maintained, so you’ll need to upgrade to a newer option like Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.

Check your router

You should confirm that your router is receiving updates. A router can affect your internet speed if it isn't properly updated. You may also want to consider moving the router closer to your devices to see if that improves the connection.

What speed do I need?

The exact internet speed you need will depend on your specific needs. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides general minimum guidelines for internet speed:

• Basic web browsing and email: 1-10 Mbps
• Streaming videos: 3-25 Mbps
• Video conferencing: 1-6 Mbps
• Gaming: 3-4 Mbps

Keep in mind that these recommendations are for minimum download speeds. You may need additional bandwidth depending on your circumstances.

You may need to increase your internet speeds if you are gaming or streaming constantly. There is also a higher demand for bandwidth if you have multiple devices or users in your household. The FCC also offers recommendations for household use:

• One user on one device: 3-25 Mbps
• Two users or devices at a time: 3-25+ Mbps
• Three users or devices at a time: 12-25+ Mbps
• Four users or devices at a time: 12-25+ Mbps

Checking your current internet connection can help you determine if you have the right bandwidth. You can test your internet speed in a myriad of ways, but we recommend Ookla’s Speedtest. One click can measure your internet connection and tell you its performance.

FAQs

Bottom line

A slow browser can impact your work, schooling, or valuable leisure time. There are various reasons why your browser slows down. Malware, outdated browsers, and too many connected devices are potential causes.

However, there are a few simple changes you can make to enhance your speed. You can close out tabs, delete excess internet files, scan for viruses, and manage your extensions.

Optimizing your browser is a great strategy to ensure a smooth online experience. If you have multiple devices and users in your household, you may want to consider upgrading your internet package to receive additional bandwidth.

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Author Details

Jordan Stevens

About the Author

Jordan earned a B.S. in education from Saint Joseph's College. He spent a decade teaching while editing part-time in the evenings, and he left public education in order to raise his children.