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Chromebook Running Slow or Lagging During Class

Updated
If your Chromebook is freezing, lagging, or running slowly during class — especially when opening Google Docs, Meet, or multiple tabs — don’t worry! Follow the steps below to help speed things back up.

 

What You'll Need

  • Your Campus-issued Chromebook
  • Stable Wi-Fi connection
  • About 10–15 minutes
Symptoms: Chromebook lags, freezes, or disconnects during class when multiple tabs or apps are open.

 

Step 1: Restart Your Chromebook

Restarting clears out background processes that can cause slow performance.

  1. Click the time in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Select Power off.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then press Power again.

 

Step 2: Check for ChromeOS Updates

Pending updates can cause performance issues until installed.

  1. Click the clock → Settings ⚙️.
  2. Select About ChromeOS → Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates, then restart your Chromebook.
Note: If you see “Restart to update,” make sure to restart; updates only apply after rebooting.
Show Screenshots

 

 

Step 3: Close Extra Tabs and Apps

Each open tab or app uses memory. Keeping too many open can overload a Chromebook.

  1. Close any tabs or apps you’re not using.
  2. Try to keep 3–4 open during class, maximum.
💡 Tip: Check What’s Using Memory

Press Search + Esc to open Task Manager and see which tabs or extensions use the most memory. 

 

Step 4: Turn Off Unneeded Extensions

Extensions can run in the background even when you’re not using them.

  1. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar of your browser.
  2. Toggle off any extensions you don’t need for class.
Show Screenshot

 

 

 

Step 5: Clear Cache & Cookies

Cached files can slow Chrome down or cause freezing in Docs and Meet.

  1. Open Chrome → click the three dots ⋮ → Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.

  3. Select Cached images and files and Cookies, and the time range for All Time. Then click Clear data.

     

Note: This only removes temporary files — your bookmarks, passwords, and Google Drive files are safe.
Show Screenshot

 

Clearing Cache and Cookies: Google Chrome

 

 

Step 6: Powerwash (Last Resort)

If performance doesn’t improve after all steps, a Powerwash resets your Chromebook to factory condition.

  1. Back up any files to Google Drive (Powerwashing will remove any locally saved data).
  2. Go to Settings → Reset settings → Powerwash.

  3. Follow the prompts and sign back in with your Campus account after it restarts.

     

Note: Powerwashing removes local files but keeps everything stored in your Google account.
Show Screenshot

 

How to Powerwash reset a Chromebook - iFixit Repair Guide

 

 

Need Help?

If your Chromebook still feels slow or keeps freezing, contact Campus Tech Services — we can check your device’s logs and help further:

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