{"id":12393,"date":"2024-02-20T09:06:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T14:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msftnewsnow.com\/?p=12393"},"modified":"2025-05-20T15:34:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T22:34:19","slug":"stop-microsoft-edge-running-background","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msftnewsnow.com\/stop-microsoft-edge-running-background\/","title":{"rendered":"How to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you tired of Microsoft Edge<\/a> 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<\/a> 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<\/a>, ensuring a smoother computing experience on Windows 10 or Windows 11.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Disable the background apps feature in Edge’s settings<\/h2>\n

The first and most straightforward step is to disable the background apps feature directly within Microsoft Edge settings:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Open Microsoft Edge.<\/li>\n
  2. Click on the three dots (\u2026) in the upper right corner to access the menu.<\/li>\n
  3. Select Settings<\/strong> from the dropdown menu.<\/li>\n
  4. Navigate to System and Performance<\/strong> or simply System<\/strong> in the settings sidebar.\"stop<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Look for the option labeled Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed<\/strong> and toggle it off.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This action prevents Edge from running background processes related to extensions and web services after you’ve closed the browser window.<\/p>\n

    Step 2: Adjust Windows System Settings<\/h3>\n

    Windows itself offers controls over which apps can operate in the background:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Open Windows Settings by pressing WIN + I<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    2. Go to Apps > Startup<\/strong> from the sidebar.<\/li>\n
    3. Find any instances of Microsoft Edge on the list and toggle it off. \"stop<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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

      Step 3: Use Task Manager to end Edge processes<\/h3>\n

      If Edge continues to run in the background despite the above measures, you can manually end the processes using Task Manager:<\/p>\n

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

        Be cautious with this method, as it forcefully closes Edge and any ongoing activities within the browser.<\/p>\n

        Step 4: Disable Startup Boost<\/h3>\n
          \n
        1. Open Edge and go to Settings > System<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        2. Find Startup Boost<\/strong> and toggle it off. \"stop<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Step 5: Keep Edge and Windows updated<\/h3>\n

          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.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Update Microsoft Edge through the\u00a0About Microsoft Edge<\/strong> section in the browser’s settings. \"stop<\/li>\n
          2. Update Windows through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update<\/strong>. \"stop<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Additional tips to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background<\/h3>\n