Google Chrome is one of the most popular Internet browsers around with nearly 2.65 billion users worldwide. The chrome is known for providing fast and safe browsing experience. While chrome works like a charm right out of the box, there are certain hidden settings that can considerably improve user experience.

In this post, we will talk about hidden chrome settings that you should know if you want a better browsing experience.

Access Google Settings

To access Chrome’s settings, click the three vertical dots that appear on the top right hand corner of the browser. Next, click Settings from the menu.

Google chrome has several internal pages and Chrome: // Settings is one of it. You can also type the Chrome: // Settings in the Omnibar to access the Settings page. To see all internal pages of the Chrome type Chrome: //about in the omnibox and press Enter on keyboard.

The Settings page gives you access to basic settings of the Chrome browser. Look for Privacy and Security option in the left hand pane and click on it. Here you can change permissions regarding how Chrome manages security certificates, passwords, and accesses services like Gmail. You can also determine how Chrome caches data.

Chrome Permission Settings

Chrome has a dedicated section for site settings. These are high priority settings that give websites to access your computer’s hardware.

As web technologies improve, web applications have become smarter and offer better user experience by accessing your computer hardware. To access site settings follow the steps given below.

• Click Privacy and Security
• Click Site Settings

Some of the important site settings you need to look at are

All sites –It gives you an overview of current settings along with specific site settings

Cookies – they are integral part of your browsing experience. The recommended settings are “Allow Sites to save and read cookie data”.

Location – today’s website access user’s geographical location to deliver specific content to the browser. The recommended setting is “Ask before accessing”

Camera – Some websites need access to camera for initiating video chat. The recommended setting is “Ask before accessing”

Microphone – some websites need access to microphone for audio chat. The recommended setting is “Ask before accessing”

Motion Sensors- Some websites access motion sensors to collect data about users. The websites collects information about unique patterns that tie specific users to their devices. It allows them to track users. The recommended setting is Block sites from using motion sensors”.

Notifications – When you visit a website, it seeks your permissions to send notifications. Websites create notifications in your browser even when you are not visiting the website. The recommended settings is “Ask before sending”

JavaScript – Most website use JavaScript (ECMA 6), CSS 4, and HTML5.  The recommended setting is “Allowed”

Flash – Though Flash was a great technology in the past, it carries inherent risks in current Internet infrastructure. Hence, most companies are phasing out flash from their websites and switching to new technologies. The recommended setting is “Ask First”

Images – they are integral part of websites but they also affect the user experience. Too many images can slow down browsing and increase the data you use. You can turn off all images that can load the pages faster and also reduce data usage.

Popups and Redirects – they are not only annoying but can be harmful too. Hence Chrome blocks popups and redirects by default. Hence, the recommended setting is “Blocked”

Ads- Advertisements are annoying most of the time. Besides they consume around 40% of your data. You cannot block all ads in chrome. However, you can certainly block the misleading ones. The recommended settings is Blocked on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads”.

Background Sync – Sites like Twitter and Facebook have multiple platforms. For example, you can access your Facebook through browser and also through Facebook app on smartphones. The Background sync allows websites to sync information even after closing the tab. The recommend setting is “Recently closed sites can finish sending and receiving data”

Sound – allows websites to play sound. The recommended setting is “Allow sites to play sound”

Automatic Downloads – Many sites attempt to download files on your PC without your permission. The file being downloaded could be a malware or tracking app. The recommended setting is •   Do not allow any site to download multiple files automatically”.

Unsandboxed Plugin Access – Some websites have plugins that allows accessing your PC’s system which can be a dangerous thing. The recommended setting is “Ask when a site wants to use a plugin to access your computer”.

Handlers – they refer to Internet Information Services (IIS) components that are configured to process requests to specific content. For example, ASP.NET Web page is one type of handler. The recommended setting is “Allows sites to prompt you before becoming default handler of the protocol

MIDI Devices – This setting allows website to access any MIDI devices on your PC. The recommended settings are “Ask when a site wants to access MIDI devices on your computer.

USB Devices – this setting prevents websites access to connected drives or USB on your computer. The recommended setting is “Ask when a site wants to access USB devices.

Payment Handlers – It allows website to install payment management protocols. The recommended setting is “Allow sites to install payment handlers”.