Quick Answer

Open Chrome Settings, select Performance and turn on Memory Saver. Start with Balanced. If an important tab keeps reloading when you return to it, add that particular site to Always keep these sites active. Then repeat the same task with the tab in the background long enough to reproduce the reload.

Decide which tabs must stay active

Memory Saver deactivates tabs you have left unused. When you return, Chrome reloads the inactive page. That can be fine for a news article or an old reference tab. It can interrupt a page that takes a while to reconnect or restore your place. Start the experiment with a public page that has no unsaved work. Leave it open while you use another tab, then check what happens when you return. Chrome offers Moderate, Balanced and Maximum settings. Moderate waits longer before deactivating tabs, while Maximum acts sooner. Balanced is a sensible first test because you can compare the browser's behaviour without changing how you use the rest of the computer. Chrome also documents cases that can prevent deactivation, including some active media, downloads and partially completed forms. Stop important tabs reloading

Keep a troublesome site active

Under Performance, use the exception list for a site that needs to stay ready. If Chrome offers the current site from open tabs, pick the exact entry. A broad exception can cover more pages than you intend. Reproduce the same activity after adding it. If the tab still reloads immediately, check whether the site itself has a session timeout or whether the connection changed. Those causes can look like the browser discarded the tab. Before buying anything, compare your usual workload with fewer tabs, then test with Memory Saver on. Look at operating system memory use while your normal apps are open. all memory (ram) is relevant if a desktop runs short of memory across several programs. Check the motherboard and existing modules before pricing an upgrade. If you are comparing all laptops on special, check the installed memory and whether that exact configuration allows expansion.

Keep the cheapest fix in place

The setting costs R0. If a narrow exception protects the work tab and the rest of the session feels responsive, leave the hardware decision for later. If the system struggles when Chrome is closed, the browser setting only addresses part of the workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Memory Saver?

It is in Chrome Settings under Performance on supported desktop versions.

What happens to an inactive tab?

Chrome reloads the page when you access it again.

Which level should I try first?

Balanced is a practical starting point for comparison.

Can I exclude one site?

Add it to Always keep these sites active.

Will every idle tab deactivate?

Some activities, including active media or downloads, can keep a tab active.

Does this require new RAM?

The browser setting is free. Check the full system workload before buying memory.

Stop important tabs reloading Choose Balanced first.