Google docs is a web-based word processor that enables users to edit, store and collaborate and share documents online. You can customize and edit documents to your liking such as adding word art and drawing Venn diagrams among others.
While some users have recently found Google Docs to be slow while typing and editing documents, some are experiencing lags while uploading and collaborating on documents. Whichever the issue, if your Google Docs is running slow, it is really annoying.
However, in this article, you will find the main reasons why Google Docs is running slow. At the end of this post, you will be able to eradicate any lags and solve the issue of Google Docs running slow.
Quick Note: One of the quick and easiest fixes to try is disabling extensions or switching browsers.
Letās solve this!
Reasons why Google Docs is Running Slow
- Slow Internet. Since Google Docs is web-based, it depends on the internet to run. Unstable and slow network connections will have Google Docs running slow.
- Excess Cache and Cookies. Your browser stores cookies and cache of various sites you visit. Excess Cache and Cookies will clog your browser and cause lags generally with your browser.
- Conflicting Browser Extensions and Addons. Browser extensions and Addons can conflict with Google Docs. When they accumulate, can cause the application to lag while you are typing.
- Unsupported System hardware. Low system specifications such as low RAM, and lower core processor versions will cause Google Docs to run slow.
- Conflicting apps. Have you recently installed a new program on your device? It is possible that it is causing all the trouble and affecting performance issues. Uninstall any newly installed software and this will improve Google Docs speeds as you type.
- Editing large files. It is possible that the document you are trying to edit is large and this will generally cause lags while using Google Docs. This can be attached to low system specifications that will make it hard for your PC to handle the task easily.
How to Fix Google Docs Running Slow Issue
1. Restart your Device
This is an obvious fix that helps a lot. Rebooting your device is one of the simplest fixes that you can always try for any device.
So, before you get to browse any solutions, it is better to restart your device. This will make your device let go of any apps, or programs using up memory and start afresh. This will allow Google Docs to start faster and without any lags.
Simply press the power button to restart your device.
However, if you do not want to close your tabs or restarting hasnāt helped fix the problem, then try the other fixes below.
2. Check your Internet connection
First and foremost you should ensure that you are having a stable network connection.
Since Google Docs is a web-based application, it depends on the internet and your browser to run. Any alterations to the internet connectivity can make it lag. This might possibly be the reason why Google docs are running slow.
To fix issues with the internet, ensure that your network, modem, router, or Wi-Fi are strong and fast. Head to speedtest.net and check the speed of your connection.
3. Update Your Browser
Avoid running on outdated software and programs. Whenever a new update surfaces, make sure to install it.
Running on an outdated version of your browser can possibly be the reason why the responsiveness, while you type and edit in Google Docs, is being affected.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
The more you surf the internet, the more cache and cookies are accumulated in your browserās storage. When the cookies and cache increase, they cause Google Docs to act sluggishly and lag.
A workaround for this will be clearing your browser cookies and cache to enable Google Docs to function fast.
After clearing the cache and cookies, close all tabs and restart your browser. Check the performance while typing and editing in Google Docs.
To clear cache in Google Chrome;
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- In the address bar, input chrome://net-internals/#dns and hit Enter.
- Click the Clear host cache button. You won’t see any change or confirmation but the cache will have been cleared.
- Close and re-open Google Chrome
5. Open Google Docs with another browser
Have you tried updating your browser, clearing cache and cookies, and having a stable internet connection but nothing seems to make Google Docs faster?
Consider changing your browser. If you are using Chrome, then switch to other browsers like Firefox, Edge, Opera, and others.
Running Google Docs on a different browser can help fix the issue of Google Docs running slow.
6. Disable Google Docs Addons
Google Docs Add-ons function exactly like extensions. With these add-ons, you can add extended functionality to Google Docs. These include; Grammar checkers among others.
If you have recently added a Google Docs Add-on to your collection, then it can possibly be the one conflicting and causing lags. It is also possible that the addons have accumulated and causing issues with being slow.
Disable the addons and try using Google Docs, to check if the issue has been solved.
7. Disable Browser Extensions
Although browser extensions are helpful in adding extra functionality to your browser, they can be the cause of conflicts and lags in Google Docs.
For instance, some users in forums reported typing lags with the Grammarly extension turned on.
Disabling a recently installed extension or all can improve the speed and fix slowness in Google Docs.
8. Close other apps and tabs while using Google Docs
Have other apps and tabs running in the background? Close them and allow Google Docs to run on your device without any disturbance or use of resources from other apps.
Simply close all the running tabs, and apps and allow Google Docs to run without any intrusions.
9. Check System Specifications
Generally, computers with low specifications like Pentium or dual core will have difficulty running Google Docs smoothly without slowing down.
Switch devices to run Google Docs on computers with better specs like i5, and i7 with better RAM like 4GB, 8GB,16GB, and above. This will help solve the issue of Google Docs slowing down.
Make Google Docs Faster
The quickest fixes are to switch browsers and disable extensions.
I hope this article helped solve your problem. I have discussed the reasons why Google Docs is running slow. Why you are experiencing editing and typing lags.
I have also provided step-by-step solutions to follow in order to make Google Docs run faster.
You can as well check out other tutorials on how to disable auto-capitalization, double underlining text, and creating a ticket system in Google Docs.