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When we use our computers, it’s worth knowing that there can be a decent number of processes that are designed to run in the background, allowing things to function smoothly without getting in your way. Most of the time, these processes don’t cause problems.
However, that doesn’t mean they are always quiet and helpful. In some cases, processes you don’t normally see can start to have negative effects on the way your computer runs. One such example includes the Google Chrome Helper that can often be found on Mac computers.
Table of Contents
Looking at Google Chrome
If you’ve used the internet, then you’ve likely used some kind of internet browser. There are a number of different browsers out there. Some are made to be the default for certain kinds of devices. For example, many PCs that use Windows tend to be built with Internet Explorer as their default browser.
In other situations, certain browsers can be downloaded and used by just about any kind of computer. Options like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome can be used by both Mac and Windows computers, but in some cases you may notice that they are more prevalent in those who use certain kinds of computers. It’s really a matter of choice.
Related Reading: What to Do When YouTube is Not Working on Chrome
What is Google Chrome Helper?
Most of the time, the Google Chrome Helper isn’t something you’re going to notice running. It typically hangs out in the background while you go about your business. It’s only when too many Chrome-using processes are running that this can become an issue.
Simply put, Google Chrome Helper is exactly what the name implies, a helper. It strives to quietly handle embedded content and other features that may not be part of Chrome itself. When content has to come from outside of Chrome, this helper is what assists in allowing that to happen smoothly.
That said, some can find that Google Chrome Helper can become more of a problem than an assistant sometimes. In addition, you can typically continue to use plug-ins and other features without the helper enabled, which can become a bonus.
Can Google Chrome Helper Become a Problem?
Typically, Google Chrome Helper becomes a problem when users start to notice that their browser is suddenly using up entirely too much CPU. What makes this even worse is that it’s not very clear that the problem is coming from the helper and not Google Chrome itself.
When this happens, you may have to do a little searching to find out what’s going on. With just a little bit of digging, you’ll be able to tell that the helper has become less helpful, and has begun to act like a parasite instead. The good news is that there are solutions to this issue that can get you running smoothly again.
When Google Chrome Helper Takes Up Space
Google Chrome Helper can be a useful tool when no other problems are present, but an issue it can cause results in your CPU usage going up, due to the space the helper is using. This can occur for a number of reasons.
Google Chrome Processes
Typically, the use of the Google Chrome Helper isn’t a problem. However, it can become one when several applications are in use that work with Chrome. In addition to that, problems with spyware or malware that you may not be aware of can also cause problems for your CPU usage. Because of that, you’ll need to sort through these issues carefully and get them solved in order to return to normal levels of usage.
Stopping Google Chrome Helper On Your Mac
When Google Chrome Helper is becoming a problem, you have an option to stop the program from taking up so much space on your Mac. What’s worth keeping in mind is that you may have some issues with viewing materials that require Flash. Depending on how often you rely on such materials, this may be more or less of an issue for you.
Tips For Handling CPU Usage
Things like undesirable programs and extensions can also have an effect on the usage on your CPU. Because of that, it’s important that you use these methods to locate and get rid of software that you don’t want.
Method A
In some cases, you may find that you have picked up some extensions on Google Chrome that you don’t particularly want, or that might be dangerous. In these cases, you can remedy the situation by opening up Google Chrome, heading to your settings, followed by more tools and then extensions. At that point, you can get rid of any extensions you may want to.
Method B
Google Chrome processes can cause some major issues for CPU usage. However, you can shut down several processes using this method:
Get Chrome opened up
- In the upper right corner, select the three dots
- Choose more tools
- Select task manager
- Remove any unwanted process by right-clicking it and then choosing the option to end process.
Method C
Another method you can use to decrease the CPU usage is simply to get your settings back to default by resetting it.
For this, all you need to do is open your Google Chrome and choose the three dots located in the upper right corner. Next, go to settings, and then advanced.
From that screen, you can choose to reset the program.
Conclusion
If you find that none of these methods improve your experience, it may be time to look into getting a little extra help. Contacting Mac customer service may provide you with some options that aren’t listed here, and helpful employees can guide you through the process of getting back on track.
Otherwise, you may need to seek out some kind of repair. Just make sure to do plenty of research and find a repair shop that will meet your needs and budget. If you have a relatively new computer, it may also be under warranty, so don’t forget to take a look into what the warranty entails.