Picture this: You've been working from home for about a year now and have invested in a dedicated work laptop. You opted for a Chromebook, figuring your usage was simple enough that you didn't need anything bigger.
Now, several months into your work, you're having issues loading web pages. You click several times on Google Docs or Sheets to get your spreadsheets and documents for work to pull up, and they won't respond. You attempt to run a presentation for your Zoom meeting and find your system locking up. Furious, you ask, "Why is my Chromebook so slow?"
Despair no more, for your answers lie ahead. Here are some common Chromebook issues, and how you can fix them.
Before We Begin...
Have you tried turning it off and turning it back on again? We know, we know, no one wants to hear the standard IT response. However, you would be surprised what a simple power cycle can fix.
Many consumers never bother to turn their Chromebooks off so that it's easier to start work when the time comes. However, putting a computer into sleep mode doesn't give it a chance to reset itself and resolve any ongoing issues. Only powering it off and back on again will do that.
So, before you search for any other solutions, give the old IT standard a try. It might just fix your problem.
Problem: Chromebook Loads Web Pages Slowly, Or Not At All
More often than not, lagging web performance is a sign of too many tabs open at once or an external issue with the internet connection itself.
Your first port of call should be to check your tab usage. Chrome is a RAM-heavy program as it is. If you have more than 10 tabs open at a given moment, your system will lock up in a hurry. If you can trim your tab usage, try doing that first. However, if you can't, there are a number of Chrome extensions able to help you put tabs that aren't in use to sleep, freeing up RAM for your active tabs.
If that fails, you should check to ensure your connection to the internet is active and stable. Sometimes, systems can disconnect from the internet due to fluctuations in signal strength or any number of other problems.
Simply turn on your Wi-Fi by selecting the time and 'not connected' in the bottom right corner of your screen. Afterward, search for your network's name on the list and try to reconnect. If your network doesn't show up, the issue may be with your router or modem, rather than your Chromebook.
Problem: Can't Sign In to Google Account
The fact that Chromebooks are bound to your Google account is a benefit and a drawback. It's beneficial in that you can access your files across all computers bound to your account. However, it's a drawback in that, if you're locked out of your Google account, you're locked out of most functions of your Chromebook.
If you can't sign in to your account, you should first check that your password was entered correctly. Or, if you have the password saved, make sure you haven't recently changed it. If you don't have time to go through a full password reset protocol or account unlock, you can browse or use the computer as a guest in a pinch. Just know that you may not have access to all your files and programs.
Problem: Peripherals Aren't Connecting With My Chromebook
Chromebooks tend to be smaller computers. While you can search amazon.com, bestbuy.com, and www.lenovo.com for fifteen-inch monitors, most Chromebook screens will be fourteen inches or less across. Not to mention, the built-in keyboard and touchpad may not work for your job's needs. As such, you might need to connect a mouse, keyboard, or other peripherals to improve your work life.
If your peripherals won't connect, first check that your connector cables are not damaged. Then, double-check the ports on your Chromebook and the peripheral in question. If it's a Bluetooth-based device, make sure your device is supported on Chrome OS. Otherwise, turn the Bluetooth function off and back on again.
Problem: Unknown File Type
Chromebooks lack the compatibility available to Mac and Windows machines. As such, there are some file types that won't load on your device by default. The types of files Chrome can handle natively include:
- Office Files: .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, and .xlsx
- Image Files: .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .webp, .png, .gif
- Media File Types: .mp3, .mp4, .mov, .avi, .m4v, .m4a, .wav, .ogg, .ogm
So, if you have a file type that isn't one of the above, what can you do? There are three potential options.
- Option One: Find an extension or app that can open this file format
- Option Two: Upload the file to a file conversion site to make it one Chrome can use natively
- Option Three: Use a cloud storage program and see if you can open it there
If none of these work for you, then the file is not compatible with Chrome OS, and cannot be made so. You'll need to see if you can have the file converted.
Problem: Chromebook Can't Hold a Charge
Nothing is worse than a laptop that forces you to remain tethered to a power cord. The whole point of a laptop is to be portable, not chain you to the nearest outlet.
Your first order of business should be to check that the power cord is connected to the wall and the Chromebook properly. Obviously, if your cord isn't plugged in the right way, your Chromebook won't charge. If neither the cord nor the outlet is damaged, and all connections are there, there's another solution.
First, unplug your charger from both ends, the wall, and the device. Then, plug it into the Chromebook, then the wall. Afterward, leave the device alone for thirty minutes or more to give it a chance to charge unimpeded. If this didn't work, then hard reset your Chromebook's hardware according to the instructions from Google.
If even this fails, then it's time to reach out to the manufacturer to see if the unit is defective or can be repaired.
Problem: Chrome OS Lags and Refuses to Load
"Why is my Chromebook so slow?", you grumble while waiting on the computer to boot and load a single program.
If your Chromebook experiences consistent lag, even when you're not doing anything, it might be time to update your system. Not switch it out for a new Chromebook, but go through the process of installing a system update. The thing is, Google releases updates and patches on a very consistent basis. If you don't keep your machine up to date with the most recent patch, it can not only cause compatibility issues with your apps but can leave you exposed to hacks and viruses.
Check the bottom right corner of your screen. If there's an arrow pointing up, then you have updates that need installing. If you've installed the latest updates and are still experiencing issues, double-check to ensure you haven't installed a beta release. Some beta releases can cause system errors, and as such, can lead to system lag and other problems.
Problem: Unable to Hear In Chrome OS
If you're using your Chromebook for school or work, not being able to hear what's going on in meetings is a real problem. First, double-check your connections with your audio devices. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as disconnected or loosely connected headphones.
If that doesn't fix the problem, head over to the status area and click on your profile. After that, you should be able to adjust your volume to an appropriate level with a slider.
Failing all else, hard-resetting your Chromebook should do the trick. This will reset the device's audio drivers and wipe any potential problem files from the computer.
Problem: Second Monitor Woes
There is a known issue with Chromebooks where any secondary monitor you connect won't mirror your current screen, but rather act as another full desktop. If you're multitasking, this might be a preferable situation. However, if you're wanting to watch a movie on TV or broadcast your presentation, it's a pain to deal with.
So, how can you fix it? The best way is to follow the following path: Profile->Settings->Device->Displays. Once you arrive at the final destination, make the necessary adjustments.
"Why Is My Chromebook Running So Slow?" Now You Know!
Now that you understand some potential answers to the question, "Why is my Chromebook running so slow?", as well as a host of other common Chromebook issues, you should be able to self-diagnose and fix your Chromebook for most issues. In most cases, it comes down to making sure your system is up to date and your connections are connected.
If you need further assistance in figuring out how to troubleshoot your tech, then worry no more. The tech section of our blog has a host of articles available each day that you can browse for further solutions.
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