Tech Reference

'What is Google Chrome Helper?': How to disable Google Chrome Helper if it's slowing down your browser

Google Chrome 4
You might want to disable Google Chrome Helper on your browser if it's running slow. Shutterstock/Evan Lorne
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Chrome users can sometimes run into browser speed issues if there's an issue between a plug-in and the built-in Google Chrome Helper feature.

It's difficult to determine what it is exactly that Google Chrome Helper does, but after doing some research, long story short is it's basically the bridge between your browser and the remote servers needed for plug-ins to work.

And while you can't actually see the Helper, the tool is using a portion of your computer's memory and processing power.

So, if you've already tried several troubleshooting methods, and Chrome is still running slow, then it might be a good idea to disable Google Chrome Helper.

Here's how to manually disable Google Chrome Helper.

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How to disable Google Chrome Helper

1. Open Google Chrome on your Mac or PC.

2. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.

3. Click on "Settings."

What is Google Chrome helper
You can also enter chrome://settings/ in your browser to get to your Chrome settings easily.  Emma Witman/Business Insider

4. Click "Advanced" in the left hand menu bar and then select "Privacy and security" from the dropdown menu.

What is Google Chrome helper
Advanced settings in Chrome.  Emma Witman/Business Insider

5. Scroll down and under "Privacy and security," select "Site Settings."

What is Google Chrome helper
Click on "Site Settings."  Emma Witman/Business Insider

6. Scroll down and click "Unsandboxed plugin access."

What is Google Chrome helper
Click on the blue slider so it turns gray.  Emma Witman/Business Insider

7. Click the blue slider next to "Ask when a site wants to use a plugin to access your computer (recommended)" so it turns gray and the text changes to "Do not allow any site to use a plugin to access your computer."

What is Google Chrome helper
Disabling all plugin access to your computer is the best way to stifle an overactive Helper.  Emma Witman/Business Insider

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Emma Witman is an Asheville, NC-based freelance journalist with a keen interest in writing about hardware, PC gaming, politics, and personal finance. She is a former crime reporter for a daily newspaper, and has also written extensively about bartending for Insider. She may or may not judge your drink order when behind the bar. Follow her on Twitter at @emwity.