Google Maps Slow: Why is New Google Maps Lagging?

Troubleshooting Slow Performance in Google Maps

While the latest iteration of Google Maps functions efficiently for many users, some individuals experience significant slowdowns on their personal computers. This can be a frustrating issue, especially when others aren't facing the same problem.

Identifying the Root Cause

A recent query posed to SuperUser, a question-and-answer platform within the Stack Exchange network, highlighted this very predicament. Fortunately, a straightforward solution was offered to assist a user struggling with sluggish Google Maps performance.

The core of the problem often lies not with Google Maps itself, but with the browser's handling of cached data. Accumulated temporary files can impede the application's responsiveness.

A Simple Solution: Clearing Browser Cache

The recommended fix involves clearing your browser's cache and cookies. This process removes temporary internet files that may be causing conflicts or slowing down the application.

Here's a general outline of how to clear your cache (specific steps may vary depending on your browser):

• Access your browser's settings or preferences.
• Locate the section related to privacy or browsing data.
• Select the option to clear browsing data, ensuring that "cached images and files" and "cookies and other site data" are included.
• Confirm the action.

After clearing the cache, restart your browser and relaunch Google Maps. The performance should be noticeably improved.

This solution effectively addresses the issue for many users, restoring Google Maps to its optimal speed and functionality.

Investigating Slow Performance in the New Google Maps

A SuperUser user, Wayne, has reported significant slowness when using the updated Google Maps on both his personal and professional computers. He is seeking potential causes and solutions to this ongoing issue.

System and Browser Details

Wayne's systems both operate with Windows 7 64-bit. Despite this, performance is notably poor. Interestingly, colleagues with comparable hardware configurations do not experience the same difficulties.

Troubleshooting Steps Already Taken

Several common troubleshooting steps have already been attempted without success. These include:

• Clearing browser caches.
• Utilizing Incognito/Private browsing modes.
• Disabling browser extensions.

The problem persists across multiple browsers, specifically Chrome and Firefox. It's worth noting that disabling extensions in Chrome, and the lack of plugins in Firefox, did not resolve the issue.

Partial Workaround and Key Observation

A temporary workaround has been identified: the new Google Maps functions with acceptable speed within Internet Explorer 11. Furthermore, reverting to the classic version of Google Maps completely eliminates the performance problems.

The Core Issue

The problem has persisted for several months, suggesting a deeper underlying cause. The fact that the classic version works flawlessly, and Internet Explorer 11 offers partial functionality, points towards a compatibility issue with the newer Google Maps code and Wayne’s specific system configuration.

Further investigation is needed to pinpoint the exact cause of the slowdown and determine a permanent solution for Wayne’s computers.

Addressing Performance Issues with Google Maps

A SuperUser community member, weinerk, provides a potential solution to slow performance in Google Maps.

The issue may stem from problems with hardware acceleration. For users of Google Chrome (version 36), the following steps are recommended, though compatibility with other versions isn't assured:

Steps to Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome

• First, launch Google Chrome and navigate to the settings menu by clicking the Control Button, then selecting "Settings."
• Alternatively, you can directly input chrome://settings/ into the browser's address bar to access the Settings page.
• On the Settings page, scroll down and click the "Show Advanced Settings" link.
• Further down, within the "System" section, locate the "Use hardware acceleration when available" option.
• Deselect this option and then completely restart Google Chrome.

This information was originally sourced from AskVG.

Additionally, Akemi notes that hardware acceleration can be disabled in Firefox through the options window, as illustrated below.