Browsers write more to SSDs via caches, databases, and persistent storage than Windows background processes

Browsers generate continuous SSD writes through HTTP caches, IndexedDB, Cache Storage, SQLite databases, and extension data, with Chromium-based browsers allowing up to 60% disk usage per site.

Cache types

HTTP, GPU, media, service worker, and code caches

Storage quotas

Chromium: 60% disk per site; Firefox: 10% or 10GB per origin

Database writes

SQLite WAL files, session storage, and extension data generate multiple writes per page load

Windows comparison

Windows writes occur in bursts during updates/scans; browsers write continuously with every click

Measurement caveat

Folder size ≠ SSD wear; actual wear depends on cumulative host writes and controller amplification

Browser role

Modern browsers function as persistent database engines, app runtimes, and media clients