How To Stop Google Chrome From Opening Multiple Processes [2026 Guide]

Chrome can keep running background apps and extensions even after you close all windows. I’ll show you the quick setting to change so Chrome fully shuts down when you close it, which can reduce memory and CPU usage. This helps free up resources for other tasks and can make your computer feel more responsive.

Why Chrome opens multiple processes

It’s normal to see multiple Chrome processes while the browser is open. Chrome separates tabs, extensions, and some site content into different processes on purpose, which improves stability and security. The fix below targets what happens after you close Chrome, preventing it from continuing to run in the background.

If you’re also battling tabs that keep opening on their own, see this guide to fix unexpected tabs: stop Chrome from opening new tabs.

Turn off background apps to stop extra processes

Start by opening Google Chrome.

Look to the top right corner for the three dots icon, also called the More menu.

Click Settings in the drop-down menu.

On the Settings page, click System in the left-hand sidebar.

If your window is narrow and the sidebar is hidden, expand the menu to reveal System.

Find the toggle labeled Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.

Turn this toggle off.

Quick path

You can also open the page directly:

chrome://settings/system

Then set:

Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed: Off

This means when you close all Chrome windows, Chrome won’t leave extensions or Chrome apps running in the background. That change helps cut down on extra processes and frees up memory and CPU. If you depend on background features like certain extension tasks or notifications, you can return here and turn the toggle back on later.

If Chrome keeps opening separate windows instead of staying in one, use this fix to rein it in: stop Chrome from opening a new window.

Apply and test the change

Close all your Chrome windows.

Reopen Chrome to make sure the change is fully applied across the browser.

Close Chrome again and confirm it no longer lingers as multiple background processes.

Normal multi-process behavior while open

A quick note for clarity. It’s expected to see multiple processes when Chrome is running because tabs and extensions are isolated for stability and security. The setting you changed only affects behavior after closing Chrome.

Re-enable if you need background tasks

If you rely on background notifications or extension activity while Chrome is closed, you can enable them again. Go to Settings > System and switch Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed back on. That restores background behavior when Chrome is not open.

If you’ve accumulated several Chrome profiles and want to tidy them up for better performance, here’s an easy cleanup: delete multiple Chrome profiles.

Final thoughts

Turning off Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed is a fast way to stop extra processes after you exit Chrome. It can noticeably improve responsiveness by cutting memory and CPU usage. If you need those background features later, you can toggle them back on in the same System settings.