YouTube is a go-to place for many of us looking for information, fun stuff, and how-to guides. But it gets super annoying when you switch to full-screen mode to get into your video vibe, and it starts stuttering. This issue pops up a lot for those using Chrome. We’re going to explore why YouTube videos might stutter on Chrome in full screen and how you can fix it.
Linked issue: High GPU Usage While Watching YouTube Videos
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Why does YouTube lag when in fullscreen?
Running into stutter while watching YouTube videos in full-screen on Chrome? There are a few reasons why this might be happening, and getting to know them is key to sorting it out.
1. Hardware limitations
Today’s web apps, especially when they’re streaming high-quality videos in full-screen, need a lot of power from your hardware. If your device isn’t up for it, you’ll likely see some lag. Here are a few common hardware issues:
- Not enough CPU or GPU juice: High-quality, full-screen videos make your computer’s brain (CPU) and its visual brain (GPU) work hard. Older or weaker CPUs and GPUs might not keep up, causing stutter.
- Not enough RAM: If you don’t have enough RAM, your computer might use slower storage options, making your videos lag.
- Old graphics driver: An outdated graphics driver might not play nice with newer video streams, causing issues in full-screen mode.
Useful tip: How to Set CPU Affinity and Priority for a Process in Windows 11/10
2. Internet connection
Smooth streaming needs a steady and quick internet connection. A slow or choppy connection means buffering and, you guessed it, video lag in full-screen mode.
Handy guide: How to Know Which App is Using The Internet in Windows 11
3. Browser extensions and add-ons
Browser extensions and add-ons can add cool features to Chrome, but some can also eat up resources or mess with YouTube, causing lag in full-screen mode. Here’s how:
- Some extensions might run stuff in the background or use too much CPU and memory, slowing down Chrome.
- Some extensions might not get along with YouTube’s features, leading to stutter.
Other relevant issue: Game Lag When Watching YouTube or Twitch on Chrome
4. Browser settings and cache
Not-so-great browser settings or too much stored cache and cookies can also mess with video performance. If Chrome isn’t set up right, you might see lag in full-screen mode.
- Hardware Acceleration: This feature lets Chrome use your computer’s GPU for better performance. But sometimes, it might cause issues. Turning it off (or on) might help.
- Browser Cache and Cookies: Too much stored data can slow down Chrome, affecting video playback. Cleaning them out might speed things up.
How to resolve YouTube videos lag on Chrome in fullscreen mode
Now that we’ve covered why videos might lag, let’s talk about how to fix it.
1. Check your hardware
Start with your hardware. Make sure it’s good enough for smooth video playback. If your computer is old or doesn’t have enough power, think about getting more RAM or a better graphics card.
Learn more: How to Check What Graphics Card You Have on Windows 11/10
2. Disable hardware acceleration
Hardware acceleration uses your GPU to take some load off your CPU. While it usually boosts performance, it can cause issues with video playback in full screen. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Click the three dots in Chrome’s top-right corner and go to “Settings.”
- Under “System,” turn off “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
- Restart Chrome to see the changes.
Test a YouTube video in full screen to see if it’s better. If not, or if things seem slower, you might want to turn acceleration back on.
3. Disable conflicting extensions
If extensions are messing with YouTube, try this:
- Click the three dots, go to “More tools,” then “Extensions.”
- Turn off extensions one by one and check YouTube in full screen each time. This can help you spot the troublemaker.
- Get rid of extensions you don’t really use to keep Chrome running smoothly.
4. Clear browser cache and cookies
Old cache and cookies can slow things down. Clear them like this:
- Go to Settings from the three dots.
- Click “Privacy and security.”
- Then, click “Clear browsing data.”
- Pick “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.” You can also choose how far back you want to clear.
- Hit confirm to clear the selected data.
5. Update graphics drivers
Old graphics drivers can mess with video playback. Head to your graphics card’s website and grab the latest drivers for your system.
For detailed instructions: How to Update Graphics Driver in Windows 11
6. Optimize your internet connection
A smooth internet connection is key for uninterrupted streaming. If videos lag, give these tips a try:
- Close apps you’re not using: Background apps can hog your bandwidth, slowing things down.
- Go wired: If you can, use an Ethernet cable to connect to your router. It’s usually more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Avoid interference: Make sure your router’s in a good spot, away from things that could mess with the signal.
Related problem: Ethernet Internet Speed Capped at 100 Mbps (Fix)
7. Video resolution too high
YouTube lets you choose from a bunch of video resolutions. High ones like 4k or 2k, especially at 60 FPS, need more from your internet and computer. If they can’t handle it, you’ll see lag in full screen.
- Lowering Video Quality: While watching a video, click the “Settings” gear icon and choose a lower resolution (like 480p, 720p, or 1080p) to see if that helps.
- Auto Quality: YouTube can adjust video quality based on your internet speed and device. Turn this on by going to YouTube settings, then “Playback,” and choosing “Auto” under “Video quality.”
Also see: How to Set YouTube to Always Play Highest Video Quality
Summing things up
Lagging videos in full screen on Chrome can be a drag, but with these tips, you can usually find and fix the problem. Sometimes, the issue might be on YouTube’s end, so if nothing works, give it some time and try again later.
Everyone’s setup is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Feel free to mix and match these solutions to find what works best for you.
