Sometimes Firefox uses too much RAM that slows down the processes. If it crosses the permissible limit, you may have to experience a Firefox crash.
To make the things clear and how to solve these problems, this guide on ‘Firefox using a lot of memory (RAM)’ will be helpful.
It is advised to up-to-date your browser before you work on Firefox. If your problem still persists, you are definitely going to find the solution here.
Let’s start with the reasons for Firefox using too much RAM.
Why Does Firefox Use So Much Memory? – You Must Know This!
The consumption of memory may link to various factors. In most of the cases, it is because of multiple tabs opened in the browser.
By reducing it to 2-3 tabs, you can get the normal performance of Firefox.
Some users also work on low RAM on the computer system. It not only slows down the process of Firefox but also Windows won’t function appropriately.
If you increase RAM, this could be a solution to the slow working of PC and Firefox.
Do you have a query on ‘how much memory should Firefox use’? It depends on many factors including a number of tabs, type of website (e-commerce or others), version and more.
It has been observed that users face challenges of memory uses up to 1500 MB and above. And, this could be fixed if you follow the below-mentioned guidelines.
Note:
Check the memory usage parameters by using Windows Task Manager. It will display the CPU, memory, disk and network processes.
It is also advised to monitor the performance of your computer by clicking on the tab next to ‘Processes’ in the Windows Task Manager.
To open ‘Windows Task Manager’, press ‘Ctrl + Alt + Del’ and click on ‘Task Manager’.
At any point if you are getting error in Firefox as Your connection is not secure, check out the given link for resolution.
Firefox Using A Lot Of Memory – How To Fix It?
To reduce Firefox memory usage, there are a number of ways. I’ve mentioned them all in a step-by-step method here.
1)Restarting Firefox Browser
Whenever you find that Firefox is consuming too much memory, it is better to restart your web browser. It often helps you.
Before doing the same, configure Firefox to save opened tabs. It enables you to restart them from where you left off.
So, reopen Firefox and restore the previous session from the options on the ‘Menu’ button.
2)Disabling Extensions And Themes
It has been observed that Firefox requires additional memory to run extensions and themes. If any of the extensions are not in use, you can disable them to reduce memory usage.
And, it is advised to run Firefox on default theme so that there will be no lagging.
Step-By-Step Procedure
- Open ‘Firefox’ browser
- Press shortcut key ‘Ctrl + Shift + A’
- Click on the name of the extensions you want to disable from the browser
- Select ‘Disable’ tab
- Repeat this method for all other extensions
- Restart Firefox to make the changes effective
It will definitely work. If you want to reduce more memory usage, then you can follow the next guideline and support your work. You can also prevent Firefox from updating automatically.
3)Installing Ad Blockers
Ad Blockers are extensions used for preventing the unnecessary loading of Flash contents and advertisements. At first, you have to download and enable them for the browser.
With this approach, it significantly reduces the usage parameters of RAM. You can also select ‘Ask to Activate’ setting for Add-ons like Adobe Flash player.
Some of the best ad blockers for Firefox browser include AdBlock, NoScript and more.
4)Run Firefox In Safe Mode
By following the above-discussed methods, you can lower down the memory usage.
If you want to boost the performance to the next level, it is advised to run your browser in Safe Mode. It eases the memory usage and accelerates your browsing significantly.
Step-By-Step Procedure
If Firefox is running, follow these steps-
- Click on ‘Menu’ button or three parallel lines at the top right corner
- Go to ‘Help’ option
- Select ‘Restart with Add-ons Disabled’ tab
- Click on ‘Restart’ to make the changes
Follow these steps, if your browser isn’t running at the moment-
- Hold ‘Shift’ and click on ‘Firefox’ icon on the Windows screen or taskbar.
You get this dialog box on the Windows screen.
- Click on ‘Start in Safe Mode’ tab
It’s done.
Note:
To exit the safe mode of the browser, you have to close Firefox. Reopen it after a few seconds and use your Firefox in normal mode.
No doubt, it is the best way to reduce memory usage of the computer.
5) Updating System Drivers
At times, faulty or backdated system drivers won’t run application properly. It not only shows errors but also hampers the performance of a computer.
It is advised to check whether you have installed an updated driver or not. Once done, you must open Firefox and check its performance.
Other than this, you can also take a step to close unnecessary applications running simultaneously on your computer. It may slow down the process and consume memory as well.
How To Troubleshoot Memory Usage?
For the convenience of the users, Mozilla has introduced ‘Memory Troubleshooting Tools’. With its use, you can reduce memory instantly.
Step-By-Step Procedure
- Open ‘Firefox’ browser
- Type ‘about:memory’ on the address bar
- Press ‘Enter’ key
- Click on ‘ Minimum memory usage’
It lets you flush Firefox caches and helps you in fast browsing.
Video Walk Through Of The Process
Bottom Line
Hope this information on Firefox using a lot of memory has solved your problems.
For more information or any query, you are free to comment on the below box. If you found this helpful, you can share it with family and friends.
This may sound callous or maybe outlandish but,
this insistence on adding more memory or upgrade computer is about treating the ‘sympton’ and not the problem as to why it does what it does.
1st thing that comes to mind is a ‘potential’ memory leak.
You guys should run firefox on a machine with less that 4gb ram, not what you probably run on, as in 8cores, 16threads running @ 4ghz with 32gb ram.
Just my 2 cents worth.
right on! Also, the “reboot/restart” advice (on just about any troubleshooting page for anything) is garbage. Why (I ask rhetorically) after all these years can’t we figure out how to fix things without rebooting? Well, guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I mean, I turn my car off then on again at every red light, and, sure enough, it fixes the problem: the light turns green shortly thereafter!
It matters little if you upgrade your ram! Firefox would just consume it as well. The reason your laptop sounds like it is a launching rocket head for space, is because Firefox uses all that Ram, for two reasons. 1. it is allowing trackers used by big companies, such as Amazon, to spy on you, along with anyone else that hands Firefox a check to do the same. Memory is used by all the open apps that you can’t see opened! It all has to do with what the Jones’s are doing, and where they are shopping! Then there is Google! Google has it’s brand on about every browser out there! and what they don’t Microsoft does! They record your browsing data, and sell it to the highest bidder! Then there is the Gov. The big eye in the sky! They have to butt their noses into everyone’s business as well. With everyone wanting a piece of the pie, Your browsing data, that is, there is no pie left for the poor soul, who’s poor laptop is being over worked, and with it’s life being cut in half, because some jerk has to have a piece of the pie/memory! the poor slob not only gets a headache every time he/she want’s to serf the web, but Firefox is putting the poor guy/ladies laptop in an early grave from being over worked. Sqlite! is the culprit files in Firefox folder that is burning up ones laptop! along with all the memory! delete a few and memory usage goes down to Norm. Your Welcome! Regards
I upgraded my memory from 2×500 MB to 2x 1 GB with Firefox 52.9 + Win XP 32 bit. Whereas with 1 GB total memory FF worked fine with 8 or more open tabs. With 2 GB of memory it could be full already after 2 tabs. The task manager showed then 99 % for FF leading to constant crashes. The new RAM expansion cards are not from the same manufacturer as the 500 MB cards. I assume that the graphic card is not used to its full capacity and many functions are taken over by the RAM cards. The operation system itself is faster and Windows Explorer works fine. All 4 RAM cards are of type DDR 333 MHz. The System features are AMD Turion 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 with 795 MHz at 1 GB RAM and 397 MHz 2 GB RAM resp.. WIN XP has service pack 3. THe graphics card is ATI Mobility Radeon Xpress 200 Series. Please advise!
Are you serious? Your hardware is really outdated … ancient. You would even be able to get newer hardware for free if you ask around. But don’t get excited, FF uses alot of memory. My 2012 elitebook with 12Gb ram is slowing down with even a few tabs and FF using about 2Gb.
I appreciate you sharing this content. A well-known and widely used web browser is Firefox. It is used by millions of people. This post is now absolutely necessary for anyone using a low-end PC and experiencing this kind of problem. However, I believe Chrome to be the best web browser. Thank you.