Firefox uses too much memory
I have Firefox 15.0.1, and I have just recently started getting notices of high memory usage. When I check the task manager, it shows "Memory (Private Working Set)" is in the 2,734,000 K range. The first page always hangs with the spinning green circle, and it takes about 2 minutes for Firefox to "load" to the point where I can actually browse and click on links. During that time, it shows "(Not Responding)", and greys out when anything is clicked on.
I've even tried restarting in safe mode, and the memory usage is the same.
Is this amount of memory usage normal? Are there any other ways to reduce it?
All Replies (3)
Are there any tabs reopened from the previous session when this happens?
Do you keep a large history?
You can check for problems with the places.sqlite database file in the Firefox Profile Folder.
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Bookmarks_history_and_toolbar_buttons_not_working_-_Firefox
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file
You can try to check and repair the places database with this extension:
Try to create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems.
See "Creating a profile":
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Profile_issues
There may be extensions and plugins installed by default in a new profile, so check that in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions & Plugins" in case there are still problems.
If the new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile, but be careful not to copy corrupted files.
See:
You can also try to reset Firefox:
There was only one tab when it opened.
I tried the Reset Firefox, and that appears to have fixed the problem. The memory usage is down to a peak of about 160,000 K, and there is no more hanging when Firefox is initiated.
Thanks for your help.
I have the same problem. After clearing all the histories and caches it still hangs. Firefox does NOT go well with Youtube, it hangs, stutters and creates a shadow covering the viewing area. The only way to resolve it is to close/reopening the browser but until it repeats again. Very frustrated in Firefox lately. I am forced to use IE9 and so far it is VERY stable!