Alex Ruben
Stop Microsoft Edge from Running in the Background: A Step-by-Step Guide
Microsoft Edge can sometimes continue to run in the background even after you’ve closed the browser, consuming valuable system resources and slowing down your PC. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to disable Microsoft Edge’s background processes and optimize its startup settings for improved performance. By following these steps, you can enhance your PC’s speed, free up memory, and prolong battery life on your device.
Before proceeding, ensure that you are using a recent version of Microsoft Edge on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 system. You should also have administrator access to your computer to change these settings.
Step 1: Access Microsoft Edge Settings
To begin, open Microsoft Edge on your computer. Once the browser is open, locate the three dots in the top-right corner of the window. Click on these dots to open a dropdown menu, and then select Settings from the list.
Step 2: Navigate to System and Performance Settings
In the left sidebar of the Settings menu, find and click on System and performance. This section allows you to manage various performance-related settings for Microsoft Edge.
Step 3: Disable Background Apps
On the right side of the System and performance settings, look for an option labeled Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed. By default, this option may be enabled, allowing Edge to run in the background. To stop Edge from using system resources when it is closed, toggle this option off.
Step 4: Adjust Startup Boost Settings
Still in the System and performance settings, locate the Startup boost option. This feature allows Microsoft Edge to pre-load in the background when you start your computer, facilitating faster access when you open the browser. If you prefer to disable this feature, you can toggle it off as well. This will help further optimize your system’s performance by reducing unnecessary background processes.
Step 5: Close Microsoft Edge
Once you have made your adjustments, you can close the Microsoft Edge browser. These changes will take effect immediately, and you should notice an improvement in your PC’s overall performance.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To enhance your experience further, consider the following tips:
- Regularly check for Microsoft Edge updates to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
- Monitor your system’s performance using Task Manager to identify any other applications that may be using excessive resources.
- If you encounter issues disabling background apps or startup settings, try restarting your computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background, thus optimizing your system’s performance. This simple fix can lead to a smoother experience on your Windows device, allowing you to use your resources more efficiently. For further tips on Microsoft Edge and other system optimizations, consider exploring additional resources and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Microsoft Edge if I disable background apps?
Yes, you can still use Microsoft Edge as normal. Disabling background apps simply prevents it from running when closed, which can help improve your system’s performance.
What happens if I enable Startup Boost?
Enabling Startup Boost allows Microsoft Edge to start faster by pre-loading certain processes when you boot your computer. However, it consumes some system resources during startup.
How can I monitor resource usage on my PC?
You can monitor your PC’s resource usage by opening the Task Manager. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together, or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. This will show you which applications are using the most resources.