The default Setting in the desktop version of Google Chrome is to allow apps and extensions to continue running in background, even after the browser is closed, This allows the apps to perform their background activities, serve timely notifications and re-launch instantly.
However, this convenience comes at the expense of about 500MB to 1GB of RAM and battery life; which can have an adverse impact on the overall performance of your device.
Hence, preventing Google Chrome from running apps in background can help in improving the performance of apps on your computer; especially if its equipped with equipped with Low to Medium amount of RAM (4 to 10GB).
Prevent Google Chrome from Running Apps in Background
In earlier versions, Google Chrome browser used to provide an indication about apps being active in the background by displaying a persistent Chrome Icon in the System tray of the computer.
While the current version of Google Chrome does not provide any indication of background running apps, it does provide the option to stop Google Chrome from allowing apps to run in the background.
1. Prevent Google Chrome from Running Apps in Background
At any time, you can prevent Google Chrome from running apps in the backgrond by using the following steps.
1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your compute > click on 3-dots menu icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
2. On the Settings screen, select the System tab in the left-pane and disable Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed by moving the toggle to OFF position.
3. Close the browser window and restart the Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Allow Google Chrome to Run Apps in Background
In certain cases, you may find it necessary to allow certain apps and browser extensions to continue running in background, after the browser window is closed.
1. Open Chrome browser > click on 3-dots menu icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, select the System tab in the left-pane and enable Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed option in the right-pane.