How to Speed up Browsers

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You can significantly speed up your browser by updating and clearing its collected data regularly. With just a few clicks, you can speed up your browsing experience on Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. You can even enhance your browsing speed just by limiting the number of tabs and windows you have open!

Method 1
Method 1 of 8:

Chrome on Desktop

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  1. Updating your web browser may result in improved speed, security, compatibility with new technology, and general ease of use. [1] If there is a new version available, the browser will update automatically when you quit Chrome. If you have a tendency to leave your browser open, you will have to check for updates manually. [2]
    • Windows users, click on the Chrome menu button (three vertical lines). It is located to the right of the search bar. Select "About Google Chrome" from the drop-down menu. A new webpage will open and Google Chrome will automatically check for updates.
    • Mac users, select "Chrome" from the top menu bar. Click "About Google Chrome". A new webpage will open and Google Chrome will automatically check for updates.
    • Chrome's menu button changes color when a new update is available. Green indicates that an update has been available for two days. Yellow means that an update has been available for four days. Red means that an update has been available for seven days.
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  3. You must quit Chrome to finish the process. [3]
  4. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. This feature allows you to use the back and forwards button. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data. [4]
  5. This will launch a dialog box.
  6. Check the box next one or more of the following options:
    • “Browsing history”
    • “Cookies and other site and plugin data”
    • “Cached images and files”. [5]
  7. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 8:

Chrome on Mobile

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  1. Launch the App Store. Click “Updates” (found in the very bottom, right corner). Scroll through the list and search for a Google Chrome update. Press “Update”. [7]
  2. Launch the Google Play Store. Click the menu button (three dots in a vertical row)—find this button in the very top, right corner of the screen. Select “My Apps” from the drop-down menu. Scroll through the list and search for a Google Chrome update. Press “Update”.
  3. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. This feature allows you to use the back and forwards button. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  4. This button—three dots in a vertical row—is located in the very top, right corner of the screen.
  7. This step only applies to Android users.
  8. This step only applies to Android users.
  10. [8]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 8:

Safari on Desktop

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  2. This icon (downward pointing arrow inside of a circle) is right of the “Purchased” icon and left of the search bar.
  3. Safari's updates are included in Apple's OS X updates. In order to update Safari, you must install the newest OS X. Updating Safari may result in improved speed, security, compatibility with new technology, and general ease of use. [9]
  4. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. This feature allows you to use the back and forwards button. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  5. It is located to the right of the apple icon and to the left of “File”.
  6. It is good to note that this will clear your browser's history, cache, and cookies. If you want to clear the history AND keep Safari's stored data, hold down ⌥ Option . “Clear History” will become “Clear History and Keep Website Data”. Press this new option and then release ⌥ Option . [10]
  8. Safari will only clear data collected from the timeframe you selected. Options include:
    • “the last hour”
    • “today”
    • “today and yesterday”
    • “all history” (default).
  9. [11]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 8:

Safari on Mobile

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  1. Like Safari for desktop, Safari's mobile app is updated when you install the latest iOS on your device. [12]
  6. You update will begin momentarily. Once complete, the Safari app will be up to date.
  7. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. This feature allows you to use the back and forwards button. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  9. Please note, this will erase your history, cookies, and cache.
  10. [13]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 8:

Microsoft Edge

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  1. By default, Windows automatically updates your device's software. If for some reason this feature is disabled, you can still update the browser manually.
  4. Any available updates will start downloading immediately. [14]
  5. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  6. This icon looks like a paragraph of text. It is located to the right of the search bar. [15]
  9. Options include:
    • “Browsing history”
    • Cookies and saved website data”
    • Cached data and files” [16]
  10. [17]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 8:

Firefox on Desktop

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  1. By default, Firefox automatically checks for and installs updates. However, you may still update your browser automatically. Updating your web browser may result in improved speed, security, compatibility with new technology, and general ease of use. [18]
  2. Locate this icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner of the window.
  3. This icon (question mark inside of a circle) is located at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
  4. Firefox will automatically check for updates.
  5. [19]
  6. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. This feature allows you to use the back and forwards button. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  7. This will launch a dialog box.
  8. This will expand a menu.
  9. Check the box next one or more of the following options:
    • “Browsing & Download History”
    • “Cookies”
    • “Cache”
    • By default, “Form & Search History” and “Active Logins” will also be selected. You can uncheck the boxes next to these two options if desired.
  10. This will activate a drop-down menu.
  11. Options include:
    • “Last Hour”
    • “Last Two Hours”
    • “Last Four Hours”
    • “Today”
    • “Everything”
  12. [20]
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Method 7
Method 7 of 8:

Firefox on Mobile

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  2. This is located in the very bottom, right corner.
    • Press “Update”. [21]
  5. This icon—three dots in a vertical row—is located in the very top, right corner of the screen.
    • Select “My Apps” from the drop-down menu.
    • Scroll through the list and search for a Firefox update.
    • Press “Update”.
  6. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. This feature allows you to use the back and forwards button. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  7. This icon—a square with a number in it—is located in the very top, right corner of the screen.
  8. Find this icon (a gear wheel) in the very top, left corner of the screen.
  9. This option is located in the “Privacy” section.
  10. By default, the following options are selected:
    • “Browsing History”
    • “Cache”
    • “Cookies”
    • “Offline Website Data”
  12. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  13. This icon is three vertical dots. The menu button is typically located in the very top, right corner of the screen.
  14. On some devices, you may have to click “More” then “Settings”.
  16. Options include:
    • “Browsing & download history”
    • “Cookies & active logins”
    • “Cache”
  17. [22]
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Method 8
Method 8 of 8:

Internet Explorer

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  1. Windows 10 automatically updates Internet Explorer. Windows Vista, 7, and 8 users may enable automatic updates. [23] If necessary, you can check for updates manually.
  2. Windows Vista, 7, and 8 users, open the “Control Panel”.
  4. The updating process will start immediately. [24]
  5. Every time you visit a webpage, your browser stores data. Clearing this data on a regular basis can improve your browser's speed.
    • Cache: When you visit a page, the cache stores the content and images locally. The next time you visit the page, the cache can quickly call up and load the content. As your cache fills up, however, it takes longer to find the content and images associated with a specific page.
    • History: Browsers keep a record of every site you visit. Clearing your search history erases this record.
    • Cookies: Cookies are files that store information about you, the user. This information may include user names, passwords, the contents of your shopping cart, your account information, and autofill entries. Clearing cookies will remove all of this saved data.
  6. This will launch a dialog box.
  7. Options include:
    • “Temporary Internet files and website files”.
    • “Cookies and website data”
    • “History” [25]
  8. [26]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I speed up my Chrome browser?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If your Chrome browser is running slowly, open your Task Manager and shut down the largest Chrome processes that are running. Once Chrome removes itself from the Task Manager, count slowly to 3 and launch Google Chrome again. If that doesn't help, you may need to check your extensions or reinstall the browser.
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      Tips

      • Close unused tabs. Each tab you have open uses a small portion of your device's RAM. The more tabs you have open, the slower your computer will operate. Closing unused tabs, especially if you have several open, can significantly speed up your browser. [27]
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      • Open a new tab instead of a new window. When you have multiple windows open, it can be challenging to find the page you need—maximizing, scanning, and minimizing several windows can take a lot of time! Opening multiple tabs that you can quickly click through instead of multiple windows can make your browsing experience more efficient—just close the tab when you're done with it. [28]
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      • Your browser will only function as fast as your internet connection allows. Streaming and downloading content may also slow down your browsing experience.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://browser-update.org/update.html
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95414?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95414?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
      4. ↑ https://kb.iu.edu/d/agwm
      5. ↑ http://refreshyourcache.com/en/internet-explorer-11/
      6. ↑ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/manually-automatically-clear-browser-history/
      7. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-update-an-app-on-your-iphone.html
      8. ↑ http://refreshyourcache.com/en/internet-explorer-11/
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541
      1. ↑ https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7254707?start=0&tstart=0
      2. ↑ https://guides.instructure.com/m/4214/l/334964-how-do-i-clear-my-browser-cache-on-a-mac
      3. ↑ https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/releasenotes/General/WhatsNewIniOS/Articles/iOS9.html
      4. ↑ http://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-clear-everything-in-safari-on-iphone-ipad/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSX8xwjrJe8
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17171/windows-10-get-to-know-microsoft-edge
      7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10607/windows-10-view-delete-browser-history-microsoft-edge
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10607/windows-10-view-delete-browser-history-microsoft-edge
      9. ↑ https://browser-update.org/update.html
      10. ↑ http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001388.htm
      11. ↑ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/manually-automatically-clear-browser-history/
      12. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-update-an-app-on-your-iphone.html
      13. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-your-browsing-history-and-other-personal-data
      14. ↑ http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000538.htm
      15. ↑ https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4807-check-install-windows-update-windows-10-a.html
      16. ↑ http://refreshyourcache.com/en/internet-explorer-11/
      17. ↑ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/manually-automatically-clear-browser-history/
      18. ↑ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-can-you-do-to-speed-up-your-browser/
      19. ↑ http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-tips-for-faster-web-browsing/

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