Many macOS users have reported issues with Google Chrome, particularly that the browser doesn't stay open or continue running in the background once all its windows are closed. This can be frustrating, especially for those who prefer to have Chrome running in the background for easier access or for syncing purposes.
Original Problem Statement
The original problem could be summarized as: "On macOS, Chrome is not running in the background and seems to shut off when all windows are closed."
Understanding the Issue
When Chrome is closed, some users expect the browser to continue running in the background to facilitate tasks like syncing extensions, bookmarks, and updates. However, due to specific settings or potential glitches, Chrome may shut down completely instead of remaining active in the background.
Reasons Why Chrome Might Not Run in the Background
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Settings Configuration: The most common reason for Chrome not running in the background is the settings configuration. By default, Chrome can be set to continue running background apps when closed, but this may be disabled.
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macOS System Preferences: Sometimes, macOS preferences may interfere with background processes, especially if the operating system is configured to save resources when applications are not actively used.
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Extensions or Add-ons: Some extensions or add-ons may inadvertently cause Chrome to terminate entirely when the last window is closed, thus preventing it from functioning in the background.
How to Fix Chrome Not Running in the Background on macOS
To address this issue, follow these steps to ensure that Google Chrome continues running in the background:
-
Enable Background Apps:
- Open Chrome.
- Click on the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper right corner.
- Navigate to
Settings. - Scroll down and click on
Advanced. - In the "System" section, ensure that "Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed" is toggled on.
-
Check macOS Settings:
- Open
System Preferences. - Select
Energy Saver. - If using a MacBook, ensure "Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off" is checked.
- Open
-
Review Extensions:
- Go to Chrome’s
Extensionsby clicking on the menu and selectingMore tools>Extensions. - Disable any suspicious or unnecessary extensions to see if it resolves the issue.
- Go to Chrome’s
-
Reinstall Chrome:
- If the problem persists, consider reinstalling Chrome. First, back up your bookmarks and preferences, uninstall Chrome, and then download the latest version from the Google Chrome website.
-
Update macOS:
- Always ensure your macOS is updated. Sometimes, bugs are fixed in newer releases, which can affect application behavior.
Practical Example
Let’s say you’re working on a project and have a few tabs open in Chrome for research. You close the browser to take a break, but when you come back, you notice that Chrome has completely shut down. This can disrupt your workflow if you rely on quick access to those tabs. By enabling the background apps setting, you can ensure that while the main browser window is closed, Chrome still runs in the background, syncing your tabs and extensions for a seamless experience when you return.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it can be frustrating when Chrome doesn’t stay active in the background on macOS, it’s usually a matter of adjusting a few settings. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to keep Chrome running even when its windows are closed. This will provide you with a more efficient browsing experience without interruption.
Additional Resources
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