How to identify Chrome GPU Process on Windows 10
Chrome has its own built-in task manager. You can open it with the Shift+Esc key. Chrome’s task manager only shows processes that are run by Chrome, or extensions that have been installed in Chrome. It can be used to close a tab but if you’re trying to monitor your system’s resources, you will still have to use the Task Manager on Windows 10 (or Activity Monitor on macOS).
Chrome GPU Process
If you open the Chrome Task Manager (Shift+Ese in a Chrome window), you will see processes with names that match the tabs that you have open. You will also see GPU PProcess. Chrome isn’t an app that needs to use the GPU i.e., it is neither a graphics-intensive game nor is it a graphics editor like Photoshop or GIMP (or Affinity) however, it can still use it.
1. Identify GPU process tab
The Chrome GPU process may be idle i.e. no usage, or it may actively be using the GPU. The only way to identify this is to go to the Task Manager. You should know that just because you see GPU Process in Chrome’s task manager, doesn’t mean that it is actively being used.
- Right-click the Taskbar, and select Task Manager from the context menu.
- Go to the Processes tab.
- Click the title of the GPU column to sort items by GPU usage.
- The processes at the top will be using the GPU and if it reads 0% then no Chrome tab is actively using your GPU.
- The GPU engine column will read GPU 1 if it is being used by Chrome.
2. Disable Chrome GPU process
If you want to prevent Chrome from ever using the GPU, you can.
Turn off hardware acceleration
- Open Chrome.
- Click the more options (three dots) button at the top right.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down to the System section.
- Turn off the ‘Use hardware acceleration when available’ switch.
Set Chrome graphics to Low Power mode
You can also prevent Chrome from using the GPU by changing a setting on Windows 10.
- Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
- Go to System.
- Select the Display tab.
- Scroll down, and click Graphics settings.
- From the dropdown, select Desktop app.
- Click Browse.
- Select Chrome’s executable file and add it.
- Select Chrome, and click the Options button.
- In the pop-up that opens, select ‘Power Saving’.
- Click Save.
Conclusion
Chrome will still continue to use the onboard graphics card. All apps use it and it is not unusual behavior for the browser to use it. You may also continue to see the GPU Process in Chrome’s task manager but as long as it isn’t using your GPU, you don’t have to worry about it.
