How to stop Edge from running in the background [Easy Fix]

June 2024 · 4 minute read
Fix Edge from running in the background Instead of fixing issues with Edge, upgrade to a better browser: Opera
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Microsoft Edge happens to be the default browser that you get with the Windows 10 package.

Also, apart from everything else that the Edge 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.

That however is perfectly in tune with the Windows 10 working principle, that of allowing all its app to run in the background at all times.

Microsoft explains this happens to be a conscious design decision; something that will let the app be updated at all times and in turn can keep the user updated with timely notifications.

However, while that is definitely cool, it isn’t so for those who are not using the app.

That is simply because any unwanted app running in the background will eat up memory, will render the entire system slow and make it prone to get heated up.

While that should not be an issue with new age high-end PCs that have enough memory bandwidth, it can be crippling for those running older PCs with limited RAM.

In any case, it does not make much sense to let a program that you seldom use to keep your memory engaged, thereby depriving other genuine apps that you really care about.

So if you are one among those who are looking for ways to stop Edge from always running in the background, you are in the right place. And the solution to it is as simple as you might have ever imagined.

The solutions listed below are useful if you need assistance with on how to stop Edge from running in the background.

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.

We recommend Opera, primarily because it is also built using the Chromium engine, making it very modern and customizable.

One of this browser’s strong points is a low resource use, making it ideal if you are fed up with browsers that eat up your RAM, all while providing you with tools few other browsers dream of without the help of extensions.

Opera

Opera

Enjoy surfing the Internet with a browser that will stay closed once you exit it, and not run in teh background without your knowledge.

How can I stop Edge from running in the background?

1. Use Windows 10 Settings

  • Click on the Start button on the home screen, and select Settings.
  • Go to the Privacy tab.
  • From the list of options on the left panel, select Background App.
  • On the right, you will get to see all the apps currently installed in your PC.
    • If you haven’t tinkered with the settings here before, it is likely all the apps would be turned on to run in the background, as is the default on Windows 10.
  • Locate Edge and disable it to prevent the app to run in the background.
    • It is recommended to turn the setting off for all apps that you rarely/never use.
  • 2. Edit your Windows Registry

  • Press the Windows key + R, and type in regedit.
  • Click OK.
  • Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Main
  • Go to the main folder, and right-click the empty area on the right side.
  • Select New, choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowPrelaunch.
  • Double-click this and set its value to zero.
  • This should help you stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background.
  • Having trouble opening the Settings app? Check out our guide to fix it!

    That’s it. And it’s as simple as that. There is no need to restart your system as well. The Edge browser (or any other app as specified by you) won’t ever be bogging down your resources ever again.

    If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments sections below.

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