Microsoft Edge is the default browser you get with Windows 10 and 11. Also, apart from everything else that the browser boasts of, there is one aspect of it that might not be to the liking of everybody – its tendency to run continuously in the background. This is in tune with the Windows working principle, where apps run in the background. However, while that is nice, any unwanted app running in the background will eat up memory, rendering the entire system slow. Even though it’s not an issue with any of the best Windows PCs on the market, it can be crippling for those running older PCs with limited RAM. So if you are among those looking for ways to stop Edge from always running in the background, you are in the right place. The solutions listed below are helpful if you need assistance to stop Edge from running in the background.

Why does Edge keep opening in the background?

Microsoft explains this happens to be a conscious design decision. When the browser runs in the background, you can get software updates at all times. Another important reason is for live notifications. While running in the background, you do not have to wait for the browser to be launched before receiving important notifications. Quick Tip: If you notice that Edge has a habit of continuously working in the background, or if it uses too much RAM, or has memory leaks, then maybe it is time you switch to a different browser, Opera. One of this browser’s strong points is its low resource use, making it ideal if you are fed up with browsers that eat up your RAM while providing you with tools few other browsers dream of without the help of extensions.

How can I stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background?

1. Use Windows Settings

1.1 Use Windows Settings on Windows 10

1.2 Use Windows Settings on Windows 11

If Microsoft Edge keeps running in the background at the end of these steps, you should try the next solution.

2. Edit your Windows Registry

How do I stop unnecessary background processes?

Once you complete these steps, on Startup, the processes associated with these apps will no longer run by default, and you will be able to conserve more system resources.

Should I continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed?

Running background extensions and apps has no malicious consequences on your computer. However, this may be too tasking on an older computer and will make the device lag. Also, it would help if you only used apps and extensions that you trust regardless of whether or not they run in the background. That’s it. In this article, we have shown you how on Windows 10/11, you can stop Edge from running in the background. This is a straightforward process. There is no need to restart your system as well. The Edge browser (or any other app specified by you) won’t ever be bogging down your resources again. Let us know if you are successful in stopping Edge Chromium from running in the background. And if you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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