Huge spike in Firefox Quantum's memory usage. Already followed basic troubleshooting steps, no improvement. Would like support from developers.
Dear Firefox Support,
I've noticed a huge spike in Firefox Quantum's memory usage recenlty imgur.com/XCDtJy8 What do you think is the cause for this? Didn't install any new extensions or plugins, already ran scans with various antivirus/antispyware & registry fixer tools, they didnt detect any malware & fixed all registry issues. I also already cleared cache & cookies, saved data, refreshed & unistalled/installed Firefox Quantum multiple times, without improvement.
Normal usage until recently was about 300-500MB total, 50 MB per subprocess. Now is about 500MB PER subprocess (around 3-4 GB total) all the time. Is there a way you could look at some data or files from my Firefox installation to determine what is the cause for this memory usage increase? Maybe looking at the "about:memory" information to see what is making the processes use so much memory? I added the troubleshooting information to this question, and am willing to provide any other information you deem neccessary for troubleshooting purpose.
Thank you so much in advance, looking forward to hear from you!
Miguel
All Replies (12)
You did not give details on what you already tried.
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} by holding down the <Shift> (Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox.
A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?
"...already ran scans with various antivirus/antispyware & registry fixer tools, they didnt detect any malware & fixed all registry issues. I also already cleared cache cookies & saved data, refreshed & unistalled/installed Firefox Quantum multiple times, without improvement."
I did try starting in Safe Mode (Add-ons disabled) too, that was the first basic troubleshooting step I performed before doing a Refresh & uninstall/reinstall. Yes the problem is still here after that and all the other steps I've gone through. I'm looking to get support from someone who can read my memory report file and identify the source of the increased memory usage issue.
Modified by CyberChaosCrew
When I open 20 tabs it goes up to several gigabytes here without problem. They just made a mistake somewhere in Quantum-development, your browser-behavior actually is "normal" I think.
Micha1982 said
When I open 20 tabs it goes up to several gigabytes here without problem. They just made a mistake somewhere in Quantum-development, your browser-behavior actually is "normal" I think.
I normally also have around 10-15 tabs open and from November to mid February the RAM usage would be in the 300-500 MB range. After the last Firefox Quantum & Windows update it is in the 3-4 GB range all the time. At least it doesn't slow down but I also think this is some sort of bug within the browser's code. Hoping that it gets fixed in the next release and would like someone to look at the technical info I automatically submitted with this Question & also my memory report file that I will provide on demand.
Modified by CyberChaosCrew
Hi, fyi add-ons/Extensions use about 20megs each so that adds up and will also show in Task Manager as another Process. It is possible you have a memory leak. For a less than 10min fix can try this to see if it makes a difference : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(x86) Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do :
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer
Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 58.0.2 with a Full Version Installer
Can also do this : Go the 3 Bar Menu then Options --> General --> Performance and untick everything. change the recommended size lower then see how it runs. Note: 1 = No Multiprocessor = slow again. Try 2 Restart Firefox after making these changes please.
Note : Acceleration is for your Video Card, monitor to see if need to turn back on.
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Pkshadow said
Hi, fyi add-ons/Extensions use about 20megs each so that adds up and will also show in Task Manager as another Process. It is possible you have a memory leak. For a less than 10min fix can try this to see if it makes a difference : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(x86) Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do : Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 58.0.2 with a Full Version Installer Can also do this : Go the 3 Bar Menu then Options --> General --> Performance and untick everything. change the recommended size lower then see how it runs. Note: 1 = No Multiprocessor = slow again. Try 2 Restart Firefox after making these changes please. Note : Acceleration is for your Video Card, monitor to see if need to turn back on. Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Thank you for more basic troubleshooting suggestions but I've already gone through all of those and others without any positive result. As I've written before I'm looking for advanced troubleshooting from someone who can interpret the information I've automatically submitted and my memory report file.
CyberChaosCrew said
the information I've automatically submitted
What was automatically submitted? Was it a crash report?
Nevermind I found the Bugzilla site and filed a bug there. Thanks anyway.
Please post the web address to your bug.
Hi, So you uninstalled and reinstalled exactly as the message asked.....
Ok well version 57 started using all the cores of your cpu chip so you can adjust that here please : Go the 3 Bar Menu then Options --> General --> Performance and untick everything. change the recommended size lower then see how it runs. Note: 1 = No Multiprocessor = slow again. Try 2 Restart Firefox after making these changes please.
Note : Acceleration is for your Video Card, monitor to see if need to turn back on.
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance
Pkshadow said
Hi, So you uninstalled and reinstalled exactly as the message asked..... Ok well version 57 started using all the cores of your cpu chip so you can adjust that here please : Go the 3 Bar Menu then Options --> General --> Performance and untick everything. change the recommended size lower then see how it runs. Note: 1 = No Multiprocessor = slow again. Try 2 Restart Firefox after making these changes please. Note : Acceleration is for your Video Card, monitor to see if need to turn back on. Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance
Please stop posting this suggestion here and flooding my email inbox. I already told you I've gone through all of those basic troubleshooting steps.