Instead, a tab freezes up, and users can’t close the browser with the X button. Some might ditch the browser altogether when that’s a common issue. However, a few potential resolutions might fix Edge not closing.

Why is Microsoft Edge always running?

Believe it or not, Microsoft Edge is set up by default to continue running background extensions and apps even when it’s closed. That makes sense because when you open it again, it will start a lot faster. But if you’re not using another browser, that can become a nuisance, so check out some quick ways to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background. Also, note that Edge comes with a Start-up boost feature devised for speeding up the browser’s launch when you boot the computer. Why does Microsoft Edge keep waking up? This is another issue related to the default windows-spotlight background from the lock screen. By clicking any of the words from the Windows lock screen, Edge will start searching for that particular word after unlocking. Our readers reported that changing the background in the locks screen worked for them, so you should also try it. Quick Tip:

How do I close Microsoft Edge in Windows 10/11?

1. Stop Edge from running in the background

And while you’re on the System window, you can also uncheck the Start-up boost to prevent it from starting when you boot up your PC. This well-balanced browser guarantees to work like a charm with no lagging, interference with web-based apps, and no slowness when it comes to responsiveness times.

2. Closing Edge when the X button doesn’t close the browser

A Windows hotkey also closes active desktop windows. Pressing the Alt + F4 hotkey closes the selected window. As such, that keyboard shortcut will help Microsoft Edge force close when the X button doesn’t work. SPONSORED

3. Open the Microsoft Store App troubleshooter

4. Clear Edge’s browsing data

Some users have found that clearing Edge’s cache helps in case Edge freezes and then won’t close.

5. Reset the browser

If you still can’t close Microsoft Edge, reset the browser. That will restore Edge to its default configuration and clear data.

6. Switch off Edge’s extensions

The Edge not closing error might be due to a third-party extension. You can switch off or uninstall Edge’s extensions by following the steps above.

7. Turn Off Internet Explorer

Some users have confirmed that turning Internet Explorer off, by deselecting its checkbox in Windows Features On or Off, can help if Microsoft Edge is not closing.

8. Update Windows

Microsoft fixes numerous Edge glitches with Windows 10 updates, so updating Windows might also help if Microsoft Edge won’t close. With the Windows Update Service configured for automatic updates, Windows updates automatically. However, it might still be worth manually checking for missed by following the steps from above. The process is not always smooth as there are times when you may even encounter errors. Even so, you may take a look at our guide on how to fix Windows Update errors in no time.

What can I do if the Microsoft Edge pop-up won’t close?

If a pop-up won’t close, Microsoft Edge is most likely frozen and it needs to be restarted. Solution 2 will work perfectly in this case. When the Microsoft Edge tabs won’t close, that means the browser is stuck. Just try to close the browser and open it again. Our readers reported that Microsoft Edge won’t close in Windows 11 either but luckily, all the solutions above are efficient in the latest OS as well. Those are a few resolutions that might fix an Edge browser that doesn’t always close. Has any of them worked for you? You might also be interested in our guide on what to do if Microsoft Edge keeps crashing because we have plenty of quick tips. Feel free to share your troubleshooting experience with us by reaching the comments section below.

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