How To Increase Download Speed On Google Chrome

Are you tired of slow download speeds in Google Chrome? You're not alone.
Many users face the frustration of waiting for files to download, especially when dealing with large files or multiple downloads at once.
Google Chrome is a widely popular web browser that was first released by Google in 2008. Since its inception, Chrome has gained a massive user base, thanks to its clean design and fast performance. Google Chrome is a versatile and powerful browser that seamlessly integrates with various operating systems, including Mac, Ubuntu, Windows, and Linux, Apple, Andriod etc. The browser offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate the web. Additionally, Chrome supports a wide range of extensions and themes, allowing users to customize their browsing experience to their liking. Do you like it? We are, too, and that's why we've made a Chrome extension for Seedr.
One of Chrome's most notable features is its cross-platform synchronization, which enables users to access their bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history across multiple devices. This feature is handy for users who frequently switch between computers, tablets, and smartphones.
While Chrome's benefits, such as device synchronization, passwords, and history, can lead to a large amount of data being stored and processed by the browser, this does not necessarily mean that it will become slower due to information overload. Google Chrome is designed to handle these features and the associated data efficiently.
However, other factors, such as having numerous extensions installed, an excessive number of open tabs, or a large cache, can contribute to slower browser performance. To maintain optimal performance, regularly clearing browsing data, managing extensions, and closing unused tabs is a good idea.
Download speed is a crucial factor when using Google Chrome, as faster downloads can significantly enhance the browsing experience. Slow download speeds can lead to frustration and decreased productivity, especially when dealing with large files or media content. In the following sections, we will discuss various methods to increase download speed in Google Chrome, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience.
In this article, we'll explore the common issues that lead to slow download speeds and provide you with practical solutions to increase your Chrome download speed. By following these tips, you'll be able to increase your download speeds and enjoy faster file transfers in no time.
Tip 1. Enable parallel downloading
Parallel downloading is a nifty feature that allows Chrome to break a file into smaller pieces and download them simultaneously. This means that instead of downloading a file from start to finish in one go, Chrome can grab different parts of the file at the same time, which can lead to faster download speeds.
To enable this feature, follow these simple steps:
- Open your Chrome browser and type "chrome://flags" into the address bar. This will take you to a page with many experimental features you can tinker with.
- In the search bar at the top of the page, type "parallel downloading". You should see a flag called "Parallel downloading" in the search results.
- Click on the dropdown menu next to the "Parallel downloading" flag and select "Enabled". This will turn on the feature and allow Chrome to use parallel downloading.
- After enabling the feature, you'll need to relaunch Chrome for the changes to take effect. Click on the "Relaunch" button at the bottom of the page, and Chrome will restart with parallel downloading enabled.

And that's it! With parallel downloading enabled, you should notice a boost in your download speeds when grabbing files in Chrome. Give it a try and see how much faster your downloads become!
Tip 2. Close unused tabs
We've all been there – you're browsing the web, opening tab after tab, and before you know it, you've got a gazillion tabs open. While it might seem convenient to keep all those tabs open, it can actually slow down your browser and impact your download speeds.
Here's the deal: each open tab in Chrome uses up a portion of your computer's resources, like memory and processing power. The more tabs you have open, the more resources Chrome needs to keep everything running smoothly. This can lead to slower performance and, you guessed it, slower download speeds.
To keep Chrome running at its best, it's a good idea to regularly close tabs that you're not actively using. If you've got a bunch of tabs open that you haven't looked at in a while, take a moment to go through them and close the ones you don't need. This will free up resources for the tabs you are using and can help speed up your downloads.
Plus, closing unused tabs can also help declutter your browser and make it easier to find the tabs you actually need. It's a win-win situation!
So, the next time you find yourself with a ton of tabs open, take a few seconds to close the ones you're not using. Your browser (and your download speeds) will thank you.
Small smooth alternative to tabs
People often keep multiple tabs open because they're juggling different tasks and think they'll get to them all in one day. But, as you wisely pointed out, you can't do everything in a single day.
Instead of leaving all those tabs open and slowing down your browser, there's a better way to manage your tasks and websites: bookmarks and the list feature in Chrome.
Bookmarks are a great way to save websites you want to come back to later without having to keep the tab open. Just click the star icon in the address bar to save a site to your bookmarks. You can even organize your bookmarks into folders to keep things tidy.
And if you're worried about losing track of the websites you wanted to visit, Chrome's list feature can help. When you open a new tab, you'll see a list of recently closed tabs. This makes it easy to find and reopen tabs you might have closed prematurely.
By using bookmarks and the list feature, you can keep your browser clutter-free and running smoothly. This means faster download speeds and a more enjoyable browsing experience overall.
So, the next time you find yourself with a bunch of tabs open, take a moment to bookmark the important ones and close the rest. Your browser will thank you, and you'll be able to focus on the tasks that really matter.
Tip 3. Clear browsing data
Over time, as you browse the web, Chrome accumulates a bunch of data like cached images, cookies, and other files. While this data can help websites load faster and keep you logged in to your favorite sites, it can also start to slow down your browser if it builds up too much.
Think of it like a closet that you keep stuffing things into. Eventually, it gets so full that it's hard to find what you need, and everything takes longer to pull out. The same thing happens with your browsing data – the more of it you have, the slower Chrome can get.
To keep Chrome running at its best, it's a good idea to clear out your browsing data every now and then. Here's how to do it:
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of Chrome to open the menu, then go to "Settings".
- In the settings menu, click on "Privacy and Security" in the left sidebar, then click on "Clear Browsing Data".
- In the "Clear Browsing Data" window, you'll see a bunch of options for the types of data you can clear. Some common ones to select are "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data".
- Once you've selected the data types you want to clear, click on the "Clear Data" button. Chrome will then delete the selected data, freeing up space and potentially speeding up your browser.
It's a good idea to clear your browsing data every few weeks or so to keep Chrome running smoothly. You might be surprised at how much faster your downloads become after a good data purge!
Tip 4. Check for malware
Malware, short for "malicious software," is any software designed to harm or exploit your computer. This can include viruses, worms, trojans, and other nasty stuff. Not only can malware mess with your files and personal information, but it can also slow down your browser and impact your download speeds.
Malware often runs in the background, using up your computer's resources without you even knowing it. This can leave less power for Chrome to use, resulting in slower downloads and overall performance.
To make sure malware isn't bogging down your browser, it's a good idea to check for and remove any malicious software on a regular basis. Luckily, Chrome has a built-in tool to help with this. Here's how to use it:
- In Chrome, go to the address bar and type in "chrome://settings/cleanup" (without the quotes), then hit enter. This will take you to Chrome's built-in malware scanner.
- On the cleanup page, click on the "Find" button to start the scan. Chrome will then search your computer for any known malware and alert you if it finds anything suspicious.
- If Chrome finds malware, it will allow you to remove it. Simply follow the prompts to get rid of any unwanted software.
By running regular malware scans, you can help keep your browser running smoothly and protect your computer from harm. It's a quick and easy way to ensure you get the fastest download speeds possible.
Tip 5. Update Google Chrome
Just like any other software, Chrome is constantly being improved and updated by its developers. These updates can include new features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements that can help your browser run faster and more efficiently.
Using an outdated version of Chrome can lead to slower download speeds and other performance issues. That's why it's essential to keep your browser up to date.
Here's how to check for updates in Chrome:
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of Chrome to open the menu, then go to "Settings".
- In the settings menu, click on "About Chrome" in the left sidebar. This will take you to a page showing which Chrome version you're currently using.
- If there's an update available, Chrome will automatically start downloading it. Once the update is downloaded, you'll need to relaunch Chrome to complete the installation.
- If you don't see any updates available, that means you're already using the latest version of Chrome. You can rest easy knowing you've got the most up-to-date browser.
By keeping Chrome updated, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible performance and download speeds. It's a quick and easy way to keep your browser running at its best.
Tip 6. Close unused extensions
Extensions are like little apps that add extra features and functionality to Chrome. They can do all sorts of cool things, from blocking ads to managing your passwords. However, each extension you have installed uses up some of your computer's resources, even if you're not actively using it.
The more extensions you have, the more resources Chrome needs to keep everything running smoothly. This can lead to slower download speeds and overall performance. That's why it's a good idea to disable or remove any extensions you're not using.
Here's how to do it:
- In Chrome, click on the three dots in the upper right corner to open the menu, then go to "More Tools" > "Extensions". This will take you to a page that shows all the extensions you have installed.
- Look through the list of extensions and find any that you don't use regularly or don't need anymore. You can either uncheck the box next to an extension to disable it or click on the trash can icon to remove it completely.
- If you're not sure what an extension does, you can click on the "Details" button to learn more about it. This can help you decide whether to keep it or get rid of it.
Disabling or removing unused extensions can free up Chrome resources, potentially speeding up your downloads and improving overall performance. It's a quick and easy way to streamline your browser and keep things running smoothly.
Tip 7. Use Seedr for unstable connections and low speed.
Let's explore the next tip for speeding up your Chrome downloads: using Seedr instead of traditional downloading on your PC.
Seedr is a cloud storage and download manager that offers a convenient and efficient way to handle your downloads. With Seedr, you can use magnet links or regular links to add files to your Seedr cloud storage. The best part? Everything happens on Seedr's servers, so even if you have an unstable internet connection, you won't have to worry about interrupted downloads.
Using Seedr is a breeze, especially with its handy Chrome extension. Here's how it works (you can read a complete Chrome extension beginner's guide too):
- Install the Seedr Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- When you come across a file you want to download, simply copy the link or magnet link.
- Open the Seedr extension (or use Seedr in a browser tab) and paste the link into the provided field.
- Seedr will take care of the rest, downloading the file to your cloud storage on its servers.
Also, you can use Seedr simply through the Chrome browser.
Once the file is in your Seedr storage, you can easily access and manage it from anywhere. Seedr offers built-in support for various file types, including ePub and PDF readers and a media player. This means you can work with your files directly within Seedr without having to download them to your computer or a smartphone first and have quick access from everywhere.
By using Seedr, you can enjoy faster downloads, a more stable downloading experience, and the convenience of accessing your files from any device with an internet connection. For better speeds and fewer limitations, buy Seedr Premium.
Tip 8. Check your internet connection.
In addition to using Seedr for faster and more stable downloads, there are a couple more tips for optimizing download speeds in Chrome.
First, consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi is convenient, it can be prone to interference and signal drops, impacting your download speeds. By connecting your computer directly to your router with an Ethernet cable, you can enjoy a more stable connection and potentially faster speeds.
If you've tried all the previous tips and are still experiencing slow downloads, it might be worth checking with your internet service provider (ISP) to see if there are any issues. Sometimes, slow speeds can be due to problems with your ISP's network or your specific plan. Contacting your ISP and discussing your speed concerns can help you identify and resolve any underlying issues.
Tip 9. Turn off the VPN
Turning off your VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be a simple yet effective way to increase your download speed in Google Chrome. While VPNs are great for protecting your online privacy and security, they can also slow down your internet connection by routing your traffic through a remote server. When you're trying to download files quickly, this extra step can cause delays and reduce your download speed. By temporarily disabling your VPN in Google Chrome, you can bypass the remote server and take advantage of your full internet bandwidth, resulting in faster download speeds. Just remember to turn your VPN back on once your downloads are complete to ensure your online privacy remains protected.
Tip 10. Flush DNS cache
Flushing your DNS (Domain Name System) cache can be a helpful tip to improve your download speed in Google Chrome. The DNS cache stores information about visited websites, including their IP addresses, to speed up the browsing process. However, sometimes this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to slower connections and reduced download speeds. By flushing the DNS cache, you can clear out any problematic entries and force your browser to fetch the latest information, potentially improving your download speeds. To flush the DNS cache in Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open a new tab in Google Chrome and type "chrome://net-internals/#dns" in the address bar.
- Click on the "Clear host cache" button.
- After clearing the cache, close the tab and try downloading your files again to see if there's any improvement in download speed.

Another method to flush the DNS cache is by using the Windows Command Prompt app. This can be a faster alternative to clearing the cache directly in Google Chrome. Here's how to do it:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt app.
- In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig /flushdns" (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Close the Command Prompt app and try downloading your files in Google Chrome again to see if there's any improvement in download speed.
- You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.
This method is particularly useful if you're experiencing slow downloads across multiple browsers or applications, as it clears the DNS cache system-wide rather than just within Google Chrome. Keep in mind that this tip may not always result in a significant speed increase, but it's a quick and easy solution to try when you're experiencing slow downloads.
Tip 11. Change DNS server
Changing your DNS servers in Google Chrome can be another effective way to potentially increase your download speed. By default, your computer uses the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which may not always be the fastest or most reliable option. Switching to a different set of DNS servers, such as Google's Public DNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1, can sometimes result in faster browsing and download speeds. Here's how to change your DNS servers in Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner.
- Go to Settings, then scroll down and click on "Advanced."
- Under the "System" section, click on "Open proxy settings."

- In the "Internet Properties" window, go to the "Connections" tab and click on "LAN settings."
- Check the box that says "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter your preferred DNS server addresses. For example, for Google's Public DNS, enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or for Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1, enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Click "OK" to save the changes and close the settings windows.
- Restart Google Chrome and try downloading your files again to see if there's any improvement in download speed.
In conclusion, if you're struggling with slow download speeds in Google Chrome, don't lose hope! There are several tips and tricks you can try to improve your browsing experience. Start by working through each of the methods mentioned in this article, such as turning off your VPN, flushing your DNS cache, and changing your DNS servers. Remember, every system is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the combination of solutions that works best for you.
We also have prepared a complete guide on How to: Find and organize your files in Seedr, so give it a try. It can solve many problems if you need some files in speedy access from every device you have.