Microsoft Edge's default configuration, like some other apps, makes it run in the background, and it may have consequences like occupying your RAM. It can reduce the speed and effectiveness of your device and drain the battery fast.
Uninstalling the apps may be a way to stop them from running in the background, but there are better ways to achieve the same. This post will show you the steps to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background.
Method 1: Disable It As the Default Browser
Microsoft Edge is the official Windows browser, and it is likely to have it as the default browser on your device. That way, you do not need to choose between applications when you want to browse. Disabling it as the default browser automatically stops it from running in the background and you can do it with the steps below:
Step 1: Settings
Navigate to the PC settings using any of the three ways below:
- Press the Windows button and select Settings under the pinned apps section.
- Right-click on the start menu and click Settings from the context menu.
- Press the Windows button + I simultaneously.
Step 2: Apps
Click Apps on the left pane of the Settings page.
Step 3: Default Apps
Next, click on Default apps on the right window pane.
Step 4: Web Browser
Scroll down on the default apps page and click on the Web browser option.
Step 5: Select A Default Browser
The system will select Microsoft Edge if it is the default browser on your system. Choose a different browser from the options and you have disabled Edge.
However, you must have installed other browsers other than Microsoft Edge on your PC to use this method.
Method 2: Disable Microsoft Edge From Running At Startup
Another reason Microsoft Edge may be running in the background is that it launches as you turn on your computer. Your computer may launch Microsoft Edge during the startup process to reduce the loading time when you finally decide to use it. Apps that launch on startup increase the time it takes for your computer to boot.
Follow these steps to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background by restricting it from launching during startup:
- Right-click on the Start menu and click Settings. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Next, click on Startup.
- You will find a list of apps in the next window. Scroll down till you find Microsoft Edge.
- Toggle the button next to Microsoft Edge to the Off position to stop Microsoft Edge from launching during the startup process.
Method 3: Use the Task Manager
The Task Manager is a system monitor program that provides information about the processes and applications running on your computer. You can check the Task Manager to see if Microsoft Edge or other applications and processes are running in the background. You can also use it to stop them from running in the background.
Follow these steps to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background using Task Manager:
- Right-click the Taskbar at the bottom of your home screen and select Task Manager. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager.
- Click on the Processes tab.
- Scroll down until you find Microsoft Edge.
- Right-click on it and select End Task.
You may have to end the task several times, depending on the number of times Microsoft Edge runs.
Method 4: Use Microsoft Edge Settings
Microsoft Edge's Settings lets you decide what you want the application to do when you are using it or not, and you can disable the app from running in the background with the settings options.
Here are the steps to do this:
- Launch Microsoft Edge on your computer.
- Click on the three dots at the top right corner of your screen to access Microsoft Excel's Options.
- Click on Settings in the Options menu.
- Next, click on System and performance in the left window pane.
- Click on the switch next to Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
Conclusion
You may need to stop Microsoft Edge and other applications from running in the background because they may drain your battery or occupy system memory. However, if Microsoft Edge stops running in the background, its extensions and other services will also stop running.
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