Firefox using too much RAM—any fixes?

[AvaJones]

Hey everyone,

I’ve noticed that Firefox is using a lot of RAM, even with just a few tabs open. I’ve tried clearing the cache and disabling some extensions, but the memory usage is still high. Are there any settings or tweaks I can try to reduce Firefox’s memory consumption?

Thanks!

[siffemcon]

What is 'a lot of RAM'? It's not a problem unless you're getting low/out-of-memory warnings.

[ehwot]

Over a gig of ram reported used, plus 12 instances of firefox and near 1 gig of ram usage reported by task manager, despite this page being the only one open.
It IS a problem when everything slows and starts stuttering, the machine acts like it's an old pentium 2,
Close firefox, everythings fine, fan stops trying to pretend it's a turbine.
Just because you don't see a message about low memory doesn't mean there's not an issue.
Restart firefox and within minutes it's back to struggling, there's an issue.

[siffemcon]

1 GB RAM is actually very low and shouldn't cause those sorts of problems. You could report a bug: Open a new tab and via the address bar, go to about:memory

- click Verbose, then click Measure and save

- attach the memory report to a new bug at https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi?format=guided.

- also paste your about:support info to your bug

[ehwot]

Firefox (mozilla) forced an "update", sinse then it has been terrible.
I tried the "fixes" they recommend, none worked
I removed all "plugins" and "extensions", no difference. Just sitting with a blank "home screen" (no graphics, nothing) still the problems of excessively slow, high memory usage.

Can't even type without long stuttering and pauses.
And now, I'm supposed to do the testing and assessing of issues that were made by Mozilla? If I want that experience, I'd stick to Micro$oft or Apple products.
Nope, I've installed another "free" to use browser that is operating smoother, faster and more reliably.  I used to like Firefox, guess things change.  I'm gone

[Richardhackman]

You can try enabling Firefox’s built-in memory saver by going to about:config and adjusting browser.tabs.unloadOnLowMemory. Also, reduce content process limits (Settings > Performance > Uncheck "Use recommended performance settings" > Adjust "Content process limit"), enable hardware acceleration, and use lighter extensions like Auto Tab Discard. 

[siffemcon]

>Adjust "Content process limit"

That setting was removed years ago. Although not recommended, it can be changed at dom.ipc.processCount.