Google Chat in Gmail Causing Issues/Error in Chrome

Environment

U-M Google - Chat in Gmail

Issue

There are severe performance issues for Google Chat within Gmail when using the 32-bit version of Chrome on Windows machines. Users may see sluggish Chrome performance related to high levels of system resource use. Potentially, an error message may appear stating there is not enough memory available for Chrome.

Resolution

• Option 1

  • Download and install the Chrome bundle for Windows 64-bit.

• Option 2

  • Turn off Google Chat in Gmail, then:

    • Access Google Chat via a separate browser window.
      [OR]

    • Download and install the Google Chat application for Windows.
      [OR]

    • Install the standalone Google Chat Chrome app.

• Option 3

  • Use a different web browser other than 32-bit Chrome.

Note: We have discovered that these workarounds may not work 100% of the time and may even affect 64-bit Chrome users. We are in contact with Google and will keep this updated.

Additional Information

Google states that the 32-bit version of Chrome caps physical memory use at 4 GB. If possible, users should download, install, and use the 64-bit version of Chrome.