How to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC

Are you tired of Microsoft Edge hogging your system’s resources even after you’ve closed it? You’re not alone. Many users find it frustrating when they can’t stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background, consuming precious RAM and CPU power. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the steps to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background, ensuring a smoother computing experience on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Step 1: Disable the background apps feature in Edge’s settings

The first and most straightforward step is to disable the background apps feature directly within Microsoft Edge settings:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three dots (…) in the upper right corner to access the menu.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Navigate to System and Performance or simply System in the settings sidebar.
5. Look for the option labeled Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed and toggle it off.

This action prevents Edge from running background processes related to extensions and web services after you’ve closed the browser window.

Step 2: Adjust Windows System Settings

Windows itself offers controls over which apps can operate in the background:

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing WIN + I.
2. Go to Apps > Startup from the sidebar.
3. Find any instances of Microsoft Edge on the list and toggle it off.

This step ensures that Edge doesn’t run in the background at the system level, offering additional assurance beyond the browser’s settings.

Step 3: Use Task Manager to end Edge processes

If Edge continues to run in the background despite the above measures, you can manually end the processes using Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click the Taskbar with your mouse on Windows 11 to open Task Manager too.
2. Look for Microsoft Edge under the Processes tab.
3. Select any Edge processes you see under Apps or Background processes and click End task for each.

Be cautious with this method, as it forcefully closes Edge and any ongoing activities within the browser.

Step 4: Disable Startup Boost

1. Open Edge and go to Settings > System.
2. Find Startup Boost and toggle it off.

Step 5: Keep Edge and Windows updated

Ensure both Microsoft Edge and your Windows operating system are up to date. Updates often include optimizations and bug fixes that can resolve unexpected background activity.

1. Update Microsoft Edge through the About Microsoft Edge section in the browser’s settings.
2. Update Windows through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Additional tips to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background

• Regularly review and manage your browser extensions, as some may cause Edge to run in the background unnecessarily.
• Consider using browser task managers (accessible through Edge’s menu) to monitor and control resource usage by tabs and extensions.

By following the steps in this guide, you can stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background, thus freeing up system resources and potentially extending battery life on portable devices. This is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize performance optimization and battery saving, as background processes can consume power and slow down your system.

While it’s advantageous to halt unnecessary background processes, be aware that some features designed to enhance performance or functionality may be affected. For instance, real-time notifications from websites or apps may not be available if Edge is not running in the background. Additionally, installed apps and extensions that require background updates to provide the latest features and security protections will not be able to do so.

To balance your needs, adjust your settings based on your usage preferences. If you frequently rely on certain extensions or apps that need to run in the background, you may choose to allow them while stopping others. Regularly review your settings to ensure they align with your current requirements for both privacy and security, as well as performance and battery life.

Moreover, keep your operating system and Microsoft Edge updated, as updates often include optimizations that can improve performance and reduce background activity. Utilizing features like Efficiency mode in Edge can also help extend battery life by reducing resource usage on inactive tabs and modifying background tab activity.

Managing Microsoft Edge’s background processes is a balancing act between maintaining system performance and leveraging the browser’s full functionality. Customize your settings to find the right mix that supports your work habits while conserving battery life and system resources.