How to identify Chrome GPU Process on Windows 10

Chrome comes with its own task manager. The Shift + Esc key can be used to open it. Chrome’s task manager only displays Chrome-run processes and Chrome-installed extensions. It can be used to close a tab, but if you want to monitor your system’s resources ( Chrome GPU Process ), you’ll need to use Windows 10’s Task Manager (or Activity Monitor on macOS).

Chrome GPU Process

You’ll see processes with names that match the tabs you have open if you open the Chrome Task Manager (Shift+Ese in a Chrome window). GPU PProcess will also be visible. Chrome isn’t a graphics-intensive game or a graphics editor like Photoshop or GIMP (or Affinity), but it can still make use of the GPU.

1. Identify GPU process tab

The Chrome GPU process may be idle, meaning it is not actively using the GPU, or it may be actively using the GPU. Going to the Task Manager is the only way to find out what’s going on. It’s important to note that just because GPU Process appears in Chrome’s task manager doesn’t mean it’s 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

You can disable Chrome’s use of the GPU if you want to.

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 disable Chrome’s use of the GPU in Windows 10 by changing a setting.

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 continue to use the graphics card built into the computer. It’s used by all apps, and it’s not uncommon for the browser to do so as well. You may still see the GPU Process in Chrome’s task manager, but you don’t need to worry about it as long as it isn’t using your GPU.