Google Chrome has introduced a fresh suite of features to enhance user control over memory and energy consumption. Building on last year’s launch of Memory and Energy Saver modes, Chrome’s new update introduces three customisable performance tiers, the ability to hide inactive tabs, and real-time alerts with a Performance Detection Tool to boost performance on desktop devices.
The latest Chrome update, available with version 130, debuts three distinct modes in its upgraded Memory Saver tool, designed to help users better manage system resources based on their usage patterns:
- Standard Mode: Previously labelled ‘Moderate,’ this mode prioritises deactivating inactive tabs based on the user’s system’s immediate needs. It’s optimal for those seeking baseline performance without extensive resource allocation to background tabs.
- Balanced Mode: This mode combines system requirements and the user’s browsing behaviour. Unlike Standard Mode, Balanced Mode keeps more frequently accessed tabs active based on observed usage, making it an excellent choice for users who judge multiple tasks across a range of tabs.
- Advanced Mode: The most aggressive of the three, Advanced Mode promptly deactivates tabs when they go unused, ensuring maximum resource availability. Users prioritising high-speed, single-tab browsing or working on resource-intensive projects will find this mode particularly advantageous.
Users can access these new Memory Saver tiers by heading to Settings > Performance > Memory Saver and then selecting the appropriate mode.

A significant addition to Chrome’s update is its ‘Performance Detection tool,’ which provides real-time notifications when the browser detects resource-heavy activities. Represented by a speedometer icon near the address bar, this tool proactively alerts users to any ‘Performance Issues,’ enabling them to resolve these issues in real-time.
For instance, if certain tabs are consuming excessive memory or other resources, the user can click the ‘Fix now’ button, which promptly deactivates the offending tabs. This feature aims to prevent unexpected slowdowns and browser crashes, especially for users with numerous tabs.
Users can head to Settings > Performance >Performance to disable this tool.
In addition to Memory Saver and Performance Detection, Chrome 130 brings new customisation options for handling inactive tabs. Users can now choose to hide the ‘inactive tab’ indicator that appears when hovering over tabs.
To adjust these settings, users can explore Settings > Appearance > Show memory usage on the tab hover preview card and Settings > Performance > Inactive tab appearance.
In the News: Proton VPN announces Apple TV app, Vision Pro support