Chrome now lets you block heavy ads without an ad blocker: Here's how

(Image credit: Future)

As popular as ad blockers have become, many of us want to be able to just browse the web without having to install an extension or third-party software. Google is answering the call for less intrusive ads with the latest version of its browser, Chrome 80.

A new feature called Heavy Ad Intervention is designed to block the most annoying ads that use the most system resources. You know the ads, the ones that chew up your memory and CPU cycles and wind up causing your laptop's fans to start whirring.

Here are a few simple steps to enable Heavy Ad Intervention on Chrome.

1. Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome, Chrome 80.

Chrome browser 80 — (Image credit: Future)

Click the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser and click Settings.

2. Enter chrome://flags/#enable-heavy-ad-intervention in the address field

3. Click the button to the right of “Heavy Ad Intervention” so that it says “Enabled.”

Chrome heavy ad intervention flags — (Image credit: Future)

4. Restart your browser by clicking Relaunch.

Now when you load websites Google should prevent any ads from loading that take up too many system resources.

Mark Spoonauer

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.