High CPU utilization through Firefox - that could be the reason
You noticed an unusually high CPU usage in Firefox. This practical tip will tell you what it can be and what you can do about it.
Firefox: High CPU usage - this can be the reason
When Firefox runs the CPU at full speed and your computer lies down or freezes, comfortable surfing the Internet quickly becomes a stress test. If content is downloaded, viewed or processed from the Internet, Firefox can put a heavy load on the CPU. That is normal. If the CPU usage is consistently high, you will find some solutions here. A previous update of Firefox is mandatory.
Disable extensions in Firefox
Extensions and themes could be the trigger for the high CPU utilization. Deactivate it. To do this, start Firefox in safe mode. The extensions and themes are then automatically deactivated. If you notice a serious difference, the high CPU utilization is most likely due to the extensions. Uninstall the extensions you don't really need. This could improve Firefox's performance.
Hide disruptive content in Firefox
Hide annoying content. This includes, for example, unnecessary scripts and advertising on websites. With Adblock Plus you can hide advertisements on websites and with NoScript certain scripts can be deactivated and activated.
Check plugins in Firefox
Check the plugin test page to see if your plugins are up to date. Update them as needed. To test which plugin takes up a lot of CPU power, you can test-disable your plugins.
- Click on the Firefox menu (the three short horizontal lines, see screenshot) and on "Add-Ons". Select the "Plugins" item.
- Select "Never activate" from the drop-down list next to the listed plugin. Restart the browser.
- If you don't see any improvement after restarting the browser, try another plugin. If the CPU is used less, you have found a possible reason for the high CPU utilization.
Check hardware acceleration
Check under "Settings -> Advanced" in the Firefox menu (three short horizontal lines) whether Firefox hardware acceleration is switched on. Accelerating the hardware reduces CPU utilization. Your graphics driver should also be up to date.
Delete the damaged content-prefs.sqlite file
Delete the "content-prefs.sqlite" file in your profile folder. This could be damaged and the reason for the high CPU utilization.
- You can reach the profile folder in the Firefox menu under the question mark. Select "Troubleshooting information."
- Click on "Show folder". Your profile files folder opens.
- Delete the above file and restart the browser. The deleted file, which contained the settings of various websites, is newly created when you restart and reduces your CPU usage.