Performance improvement enables a set of experimental tweaks that cut down the work the embedded web app does — fewer animations, lighter rendering paths, less background churn.

On older laptops it is the difference between a fan that spins constantly and one that stays quiet.

What it does

  • Lower CPU and memory use during normal playback
  • Trims animations and rendering work in the embedded interface
  • Most noticeable on older or low-power hardware

How to enable Performance improvement

  1. Install YouTube Music Desktop App for Windows, macOS or Linux.
  2. Open the app menu and choose Plugins.
  3. Switch on Performance improvement.
  4. Open its options entry to adjust the settings — this plugin is marked beta, so enable it on its own first.

Frequently asked questions

What breaks when I enable it?

It is marked beta because some visual effects and less-used interface corners can misbehave. Turn it off if you see rendering glitches.

What else reduces CPU use?

Song mode via the Video Toggle plugin, and turning off Visualizer and Ambient Mode, save more than anything else.

Performance improvement ships with the app

Free, open source, and one toggle away — along with 42 other plugins.

Download free