Google Chrome Error Code ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
The ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY error in Google Chrome means your browser has consumed all available RAM and can no longer load the page or run properly. This typically happens when too many tabs, extensions, or background processes are competing for limited system memory. The good news is that this is almost always fixable without any hardware changes — just a few adjustments to how Chrome is using your system's resources.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY

  1. Close Unnecessary Tabs and Windows

  2. Use Chrome's Built-In Task Manager to Find Memory Hogs

  3. Disable or Remove Unnecessary Extensions

  4. Enable Chrome's Memory Saver Feature

  5. Clear Chrome's Cache and Browsing Data

    Clearing cookies will sign you out of websites. Make sure you know your passwords before proceeding, or use a password manager.

  6. Update Google Chrome to the Latest Version

  7. Increase Virtual Memory (Windows) or Swap Space (Mac/Linux)

    Modifying virtual memory settings incorrectly can cause system instability. If you are not comfortable editing these settings, skip this step or consult a professional.

  8. Reset Chrome to Default Settings

  9. Check System RAM Usage and Close Other Applications

  10. Consider Upgrading Your System RAM

    Before purchasing RAM, verify your device's RAM is upgradeable (some ultra-thin laptops have soldered RAM that cannot be replaced). Back up your data before opening your computer.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have followed all software-based steps and Chrome continues to crash with ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY, the underlying issue is likely insufficient physical RAM on your device. If your laptop's RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, or if you are uncomfortable opening your computer, take it to a certified computer repair technician. They can confirm whether a RAM upgrade is feasible, install compatible RAM modules, and run diagnostics to rule out hardware faults such as a failing RAM stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chrome use so much memory?
Chrome uses a multi-process architecture, meaning each tab, extension, and plugin runs as its own separate process. This design improves stability and security — one crashing tab won't take down the whole browser — but it comes at the cost of higher RAM usage. Features like hardware acceleration, pre-rendering, and background sync also contribute. Chrome's Memory Saver feature (chrome://settings/performance) was introduced specifically to address this by sleeping inactive tabs.
Will ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY delete my open tabs or browsing data?
No. The error causes the affected page or tab to fail to load, but it does not delete your browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords, or other Chrome data. When Chrome runs out of memory, it may close individual tabs or display an error page, but your profile data remains intact. You can click 'Reload' on the error page once you have freed up some RAM.
Does having more browser tabs open actually use more RAM?
Yes, significantly. Each tab in Chrome runs as its own process and can use anywhere from 50 MB to several hundred MB of RAM depending on the page content. A tab with a video, interactive charts, or live data can easily consume 500 MB or more on its own. Keeping your tab count low — or using Chrome's Memory Saver feature to sleep inactive tabs — is one of the most effective ways to reduce overall memory usage.
Can Chrome extensions cause ERR_OUT_OF_MEMORY?
Yes, absolutely. Extensions run as persistent background processes and some are poorly optimized for memory efficiency. Extensions that inject scripts into every page you visit (such as certain ad blockers, SEO tools, or shopping assistants) can add up quickly. To test whether an extension is causing the error, open Chrome in Incognito mode (which disables all extensions by default) and see if the error still occurs. If it doesn't, an extension is likely the culprit — re-enable them one at a time to identify which one.
How much RAM do I need to run Chrome without errors?
For basic Chrome use with a handful of tabs, 4 GB of total system RAM is the minimum, but you will likely see performance issues. 8 GB is considered the current comfortable minimum for most users. If you regularly work with 20+ tabs, use Google Meet or Zoom, run web apps like Figma or Notion, or multitask with other applications, 16 GB of RAM is recommended. Power users and developers benefit from 32 GB or more.

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