The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Start by finding which process is using memory; don’t disable the YouTube tab that is actively playing music or buy RAM based on a guess. Use Windows Task Manager to identify the main consumer, then Chrome’s Task Manager to inspect individual tabs, extensions, and background pages. Reduce only unnecessary work, make one change at a time, and check whether memory pressure improves.
Why is my PC using so much memory while YouTube music is playing?
Memory use can come from Chrome, other open applications, extensions, background pages, or Windows startup apps—not necessarily from the YouTube player alone. A PC’s total memory use is a starting point, not a diagnosis. First identify which process is consuming memory, then decide whether it is safe to close or reconfigure.
Check memory use in Windows and Chrome
Find the biggest applications in Windows Task Manager
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Windows Task Manager.
- In Processes, review the Memory column and note which applications are using the most.
- Open Performance and select Memory to see overall memory use and whether it is consistently under pressure while the stream is running.
- Close only applications you recognize and do not need. Avoid ending unfamiliar Windows or system processes.
Identify a specific Chrome tab, extension, or background page
- In Chrome, open More tools > Task Manager.
- Sort by Memory footprint (the wording can vary by Chrome version).
- Look for unnecessary tabs, extensions, or entries labeled Background page.
- Select a task only if you recognize it and know it is safe to end. Ending a task can discard unsaved work or stop something you rely on.
This two-level check helps distinguish Chrome’s overall footprint from the particular browser task responsible for it. Google documents sorting Chrome tasks by memory and ending a selected task in its Chrome performance help; Microsoft recommends monitoring memory and other resource use in Windows Task Manager.
Use Chrome Memory Saver for tabs other than the music stream
Chrome Memory Saver deactivates eligible inactive tabs to free resources; a deactivated tab reloads when you return to it. The setting is under Chrome Settings > Performance. Its three levels trade memory savings against how soon inactive tabs are deactivated:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
| Level | What to expect | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Waits longer before tabs become inactive. | Less aggressive memory saving; tabs are less likely to reload soon after you leave them. |
| Balanced | Chrome’s recommended balance. | Middle ground between preserving inactive tabs and freeing memory. |
| Maximum | Deactivates tabs after a shorter interval. | Greater savings, with inactive tabs more likely to reload when revisited. |
Keep the YouTube page open and playing. Active audio or video is among the conditions that can prevent a Chrome tab from being deactivated, so Memory Saver is mainly useful for other eligible tabs—not as a way to unload the tab providing the always-on music. Google explains Memory Saver levels and exceptions in its Chrome performance settings guidance.
Keep a required site active only when your workflow needs it
If a non-streaming page must remain loaded, use Always keep these sites active in Chrome’s Performance settings and add the relevant site pattern. Google documents URL patterns, including a YouTube watch URL example. Excluding a page prevents it from being deactivated, but that page continues retaining resources; use exclusions selectively.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Reduce avoidable Chrome and Windows background work
Trim Chrome extensions and background tasks
Use Chrome Task Manager to identify a high-memory extension or background page before changing anything. Remove extensions you no longer need, and avoid disabling an extension required for playback or another part of your workflow. Chrome also provides preload settings; change them only if you have a specific reason, then observe the effect before making another change. Google’s performance guidance covers high-memory tasks, unwanted extensions, and preload settings.
Review Windows startup apps
- Open Windows Task Manager and select Startup apps (on some Windows versions, the section may be labeled Startup).
- Review which applications launch automatically when you sign in.
- Disable startup only for apps that do not need to launch automatically; leave needed services and unfamiliar items alone.
- Close unused applications, then recheck memory with the stream running.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 labels can differ slightly. Microsoft recommends monitoring system resources, reviewing startup apps, and closing unused applications in its PC performance guidance.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
When should you consider more RAM?
Consider a hardware change only after checking actual memory use and removing unnecessary background work. Microsoft’s general guidance says, “If you primarily browse the web, work on documents, or stream videos online, aim for at least 4 GB of memory,” and “8 GB of memory is recommended to keep your device running long term.” These are broad recommendations, not a diagnosis or guarantee for a particular 24/7 streaming PC. Whether an upgrade is possible also depends on the computer’s platform and RAM compatibility. See Microsoft’s memory guidance.
Windows’ default virtual-memory settings are generally expected to perform optimally. Manually changing the page file is not a routine way to reduce memory consumption; Microsoft’s page-file guidance describes why Windows manages it.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Troubleshoot common memory problems
| What you notice | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Memory use is high, but the cause is unclear. | Compare Windows Processes and Performance with Chrome Task Manager sorted by memory. | Identify the largest recognizable application, tab, extension, or background page before closing anything. |
| Memory Saver does not seem to reduce the streaming tab’s use. | Check whether that tab is actively playing audio or video. | Leave the active playback tab alone; use Memory Saver for other eligible tabs instead. |
| A tab reloads when you return to it. | It may have been deactivated by Memory Saver. | Choose a less aggressive level, or add the site to Always keep these sites active if it must remain loaded, understanding that it retains resources. |
| Chrome remains a large memory user after closing spare tabs. | Inspect extensions and entries labeled Background page in Chrome Task Manager. | Remove only unwanted extensions or end a task you recognize and do not need; change one thing at a time. |
| Memory pressure returns after signing in or restarting. | Review Windows Startup apps for applications that do not need to launch automatically. | Disable only unnecessary, recognized startup apps, then observe memory while the stream runs. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If the reason for keeping a PC on is to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud keeps the stream running without leaving your computer on at home. Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. To try it, start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
