It doesn’t take much to slow down an internet browser. A poorly coded extension, a bad combination of settings, or too many cookies all do the trick. And Google Chrome, themost popular browserby some distance, is no exception. If your Chrome browser runs slowly or behaves strangely, resetting is a simple solution toimprove your Google Chrome experience. Before you rush out and buy anew Chromebook, the steps below might get you back up to speed.
What happens when you reset a Google Chrome profile?
When you reset a Google Chrome profile, you return your Chrome browser settings to their default state. You retain your passwords, bookmarks, and history. Here’s a rundown of what happens when you reset your Chrome profile:
In short, you lose most of what is personalized about your browsing experience. Resetting your profile on one device updates across all devices where you’re logged in. It’s also possible to reset Chrome settings locally. So, rather than resetting your Chrome profile settings, you’ll restore the application installed on your device. In this situation, you may log in to your Chrome profile and retain your profile settings but lose local data.
When should you reset Google Chrome?
If laggy browsing is caused by how your Chrome is set up, resetting Google Chrome can speed things up. However, it’s not a specific solution. It’s a bit like replacing the wheel of a bike because you have a puncture. Why not fix the hole? With slow browsing, it’s not always easy to spot the cause of the problem. There could be a mix of factors, some of which might have something to do with your Chrome setup.
To avoid losing all browser personalization by resetting Chrome, consider completing the following tasks as part of a troubleshooting process:
If you choose to go ahead with a reset, make a note of the extensions that you want to reinstall later.
How to open the Chrome Web Store to add your favorite extensions
Learn how to open and navigate the Chrome Web Store to find and install extensions and themes that enhance your browsing experience
How to reset Google Chrome
This section walks you through resetting your Chrome profile, which is most easily achieved via your desktop app. The screenshots and terminology in this section are taken from Windows. However, the process is the same for Macs.
Resetting Chrome on Windows or Mac
Reinstalling Google Chrome on Windows
This option doesn’t reset your Chrome profile. you’re able to log back in, and your settings resync. However, it removes the data on your device and resets local Chrome settings, which can improve performance. To install Google Chrome, follow these steps:
Uninstall Google Chrome on Windows
Reinstall Google Chrome on Windows
To reinstall Google Chrome, follow these steps:
Reinstalling Google Chrome on Mac
This option doesn’t reset your Chrome profile. You can log back in, and your settings resync. However, it removes the cached data on your device and resets local Chrome settings, which can improve performance.
Uninstall Google Chrome on Mac
If you want a fresh start, delete Chrome’s user data. This action erases bookmarks, history, passwords, and settings that aren’t synced with a Google account.
Reinstall Google Chrome on a Mac
After completing the process, Google Chrome is reinstalled on your Mac, and you can start fresh.
Resetting Chrome on Android via uninstalling updates
On most Android devices, Chrome is preinstalled and can’t be removed. However, you can remove all updates, restoring Chrome to its original state. This option doesn’t reset your Chrome profile. You can log back in, and your settings resync. However, it removes the data on your device and resets local Chrome settings, which can improve performance.
Resetting Chrome on iOS via reinstalling
Resetting Google Chrome: Not a fix-all
Resetting Chrome is a relatively painless process that can speed up your browsing experience. However, it’s best used as part of a troubleshooting process, as your browser may not be at fault. If you see little to no effect, you may need to look beyond your browser setup for the source of the issue.
