Microsoft Edge, the default browser in Windows 11 and Windows 10, has evolved significantly over the years, particularly after its transition to the Chromium engine. While it offers a fast and efficient browsing experience out of the box, like any web browser, Edge can slow down over time. Factors such as bloated cache, unnecessary extensions, outdated settings, or a cluttered startup page can negatively impact performance. If you’ve noticed Edge taking longer to open or lagging while loading websites, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, there are several ways to optimize Edge for faster performance without needing technical expertise. From basic adjustments in the settings to advanced clean-up tools, you can transform your browsing experience from sluggish to snappy. In this guide, we will walk through practical, effective, and safe ways to speed up Microsoft Edge—ensuring it loads faster, responds quicker, and operates more smoothly on your PC.
1. Clear Browsing Data Regularly
Over time, Microsoft Edge stores large amounts of temporary data such as cached files, cookies, browsing history, and site permissions. While caching improves speed in the short term by storing resources locally, it can slow the browser down if left unchecked.
Steps:
- Open Edge and click the three-dot menu (•••).
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
- Select items like Cached images and files, Cookies and other site data, and Browsing history.
- Click Clear now.
To automate this process, set it to clear upon closing:
- Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data on close, select the data types to be cleared every time Edge is closed.
Regular cleanup ensures Edge stays lean and responsive.
2. Disable or Remove Unnecessary Extensions
Extensions can be useful, but too many—or poorly optimized ones—can drastically affect Edge’s performance. Each extension consumes memory and may run in the background.
Steps:
- Open Edge and click the three-dot menu.
- Select Extensions > Manage extensions.
- Review installed extensions and disable or remove the ones you don’t need.
Stick to essential extensions, and avoid those that run scripts or perform background tasks unless absolutely necessary.
3. Enable Efficiency Mode
Efficiency Mode is a built-in feature in Edge that limits resource usage when your PC is under strain, especially when you’re on battery power.
To enable:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Scroll to Optimize Performance.
- Toggle on Turn on efficiency mode.
You can choose when this activates—either always, or only when unplugged.
Efficiency Mode reduces CPU and memory usage, helping Edge load faster and improving responsiveness.
4. Turn Off Startup Boost (If Not Needed)
Startup Boost preloads Edge when your computer boots up, so it opens faster. While helpful, it may slow down system startup or interfere with performance if your device is already under stress.
To disable:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Find Startup Boost and toggle it off.
Disabling this may slightly delay Edge’s launch, but could improve overall PC performance, indirectly helping browser speed in certain cases.
5. Optimize Startup Page and Tabs
A cluttered startup page can slow down Edge when it first opens. If Edge is set to load multiple tabs or a heavy site at startup, the launch time increases.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Start, home, and new tabs.
- Under When Edge starts, select Open a new tab or Open a specific page or pages.
- Avoid setting multiple pages or resource-heavy websites.
Also, close unused tabs frequently. Edge’s vertical tabs and tab grouping can help organize better without overloading the session.
6. Update Microsoft Edge Frequently
Outdated versions of Edge may not be optimized and can cause lag or security vulnerabilities.
To update manually:
- Go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
- Edge will automatically check for updates and install them.
Keeping Edge up to date ensures you benefit from the latest performance improvements and bug fixes.
7. Use Sleeping Tabs Feature
Sleeping Tabs in Edge allows inactive tabs to “sleep,” freeing up memory and CPU usage.
To enable:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Scroll down to Save resources and toggle Save resources with sleeping tabs ON.
- You can specify how long a tab must be inactive before it sleeps.
This feature is especially useful if you often keep multiple tabs open at once.
8. Adjust Site Permissions
Websites often request permissions such as location access, notifications, camera usage, and more. These permissions can run scripts in the background.
Manage permissions:
- Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions.
- Review and disable unnecessary permissions, such as auto-playing media or background sync.
Reducing these permissions can speed up site loading and reduce resource usage.
9. Disable Background Apps
Edge can continue running background apps and extensions even after closing. This can consume RAM and CPU cycles.
To disable:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Toggle off Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
This ensures Edge fully shuts down and frees up system resources.
10. Use Hardware Acceleration Wisely
Hardware acceleration offloads tasks to your GPU, but it can slow things down or cause graphical issues if your hardware isn’t compatible.
To toggle:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Scroll to Use hardware acceleration when available and toggle it on or off.
- Restart Edge after changing this setting.
Experiment with this option to determine what gives you better performance on your specific device.
11. Scan for Malware or Edge-Specific Adware
Browser hijackers and malicious extensions can slow down Edge drastically. Use Windows Defender or another reputable antivirus to scan your system.
Windows Defender scan:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection > Quick scan or Full scan.
Alternatively, use Microsoft’s Safety Scanner for a thorough inspection.
12. Reset Edge Settings
If you’ve customized too many settings or suspect something’s wrong, a reset can bring Edge back to a clean slate.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
This will remove extensions, clear startup pages, and reset search engine and permissions—but keep your favorites and saved passwords.
13. Manage Your Profile and Sync Settings
If you’re signed into Edge with a Microsoft account, sync can sometimes slow down browsing—especially when syncing tabs, history, and extensions across multiple devices.
To adjust:
- Go to Settings > Profiles > Sync.
- Disable syncing for items you don’t need, such as tabs or extensions.
Minimizing sync helps Edge use fewer background resources.
14. Use a Lightweight Theme
Heavy themes or custom appearances can cause unnecessary strain on resources.
Change your theme:
- Go to Settings > Appearance.
- Choose the default light or dark theme instead of custom or animated themes.
Sticking to simpler visuals can speed up the browser subtly but meaningfully.
15. Consider Internet Connection Factors
Sometimes, what appears to be a slow browser is really a weak or inconsistent network.
Tips:
- Restart your router/modem.
- Switch to a wired connection.
- Use a VPN only when necessary—some VPNs slow down browsing.
Additionally, test your internet speed using Speedtest to identify potential connection issues.
16. Use the Edge Performance Troubleshooter (Windows 11)
Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter for apps that may help if Edge is sluggish.
To use:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
This can help detect and fix issues related to app performance, including Microsoft Edge.
17. Avoid Excessive Site Notifications and Pop-Ups
Edge can become overwhelmed by websites that constantly push notifications or run auto-loading media.
To control:
- Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications.
- Block notifications from unnecessary or suspicious sites.
You can also disable pop-ups under the Pop-ups and redirects section.
Conclusion
Speeding up Microsoft Edge doesn’t require advanced technical skills—just the right combination of clean-up, configuration, and careful usage. Whether you’re dealing with slow startup times, sluggish web pages, or laggy tabs, the solutions covered in this guide address a wide range of potential culprits. By regularly clearing your cache, managing extensions, enabling performance-enhancing features like Sleeping Tabs, and staying current with browser updates, you can transform Edge into a swift and responsive tool for your daily browsing.
Moreover, making informed decisions about hardware acceleration, background app activity, and system settings ensures your entire browsing ecosystem stays optimized. Microsoft has built Edge to be a powerful and flexible browser, but like any software, it requires a bit of maintenance for peak performance. Apply these strategies, and you’ll enjoy faster page loads, smoother navigation, and a significantly improved browsing experience with Edge on your Windows device.