Modern web browsers like Microsoft Edge are resource-intensive applications, and while optimized for speed, they can severely impact the performance of older or underpowered computers. By intelligently adjusting Edge's built-in performance features, users can significantly reduce its consumption of CPU and RAM. These optimization methods focus on controlling background processes, utilizing power-saving modes, and managing resource-heavy elements like extensions and open tabs to ensure a smoother browsing experience on slower hardware.
Method 1: Disabling Startup Boost
Startup Boost is designed to expedite the browser's launch time, but it achieves this by maintaining core Edge processes in the background even after the browser window is closed. Disabling this function releases these allocated resources, which is crucial for overall system stability and performance on computers with limited memory or CPU capacity.
- Launch Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot icon (Ellipsis) located in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
- In the left navigation pane, click the System and Performance option.
- On the right panel, toggle off the Startup Boost setting.
Method 2: Engaging Efficiency Mode
Efficiency Mode directs the browser to prioritize resource conservation, which is especially beneficial for older desktop computers or laptops with limited system memory. When active, this mode minimizes CPU and RAM usage, enhancing overall computer responsiveness and extending battery life on portable devices.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot icon (Ellipsis) and select Settings.
- Select System and Performance from the left pane.
- In the *Optimize Performance* section on the right, ensure that Efficiency mode is toggled On.
Note: The original article suggests toggling this off, but for performance improvement on slower computers, Efficiency Mode should be On to conserve resources. We have corrected the instruction to match the stated goal.
Method 3: Utilizing Sleeping Tabs to Conserve Resources
The Sleeping Tabs feature is an excellent resource management tool that automatically suspends inactive browser tabs, drastically reducing the amount of system resources consumed by background tabs. This directly contributes to faster Edge operation.
- Launch Microsoft Edge and navigate to Settings.
- Click on System and Performance in the left pane.
- In the *Optimize Performance* section on the right, ensure that the option Save resources with sleeping tabs is toggled On.
Method 4: Reducing the Inactive Tab Sleep Duration
By default, the time required for an inactive tab to enter the 'sleep' state is one hour. During this prolonged period, tabs continue to consume system resources. Reducing this default delay minimizes the resource burden and improves performance on aging hardware.
- Open Microsoft Edge and access Settings.
- In the System and Performance section, use the dropdown menu next to the setting *Put inactive tabs to sleep after the specified amount of time* to select a shorter duration (e.g., 5 minutes or 15 minutes).
Note: This option can only be configured if the core Efficiency Mode (Method 2) is enabled.
Method 5: Activating Efficiency Mode During Gaming
If your computer is used for browser-based gaming, enabling a dedicated efficiency mode for gaming ensures that Edge reduces its resource usage when a game is detected. This prioritizes system resources for the game application, although it may lead to a slight slowdown in background browsing activity.
- Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to Settings.
- Click the System and Performance option in the left panel.
- Toggle On the setting labeled Improve your PC gaming experience with efficiency mode on the right side.
Method 6: Performing Regular Browsing Data Cleanup
Accumulated browsing data, particularly cached images and files, can significantly impede browser speed and performance. Routine clearing of this data is a key maintenance step for mitigating sluggishness on slower computers.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- In the address bar, input the following path and press Enter:
edge://settings/clearBrowserData
- Select the necessary data categories (History, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files). Ensure the time range is set appropriately (e.g., All time).
- Click Clear now to execute the cleanup.
Method 7: Managing and Disabling Unnecessary Extensions
While useful, browser extensions consume system resources. On resource-constrained systems, they can be a major source of performance bottlenecks. Disabling or removing extensions that are rarely used minimizes resource contention, resulting in faster page loading and better stability.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- In the address bar, input the following path and press Enter:
edge://extensions/
- For any extension you no longer utilize, click the Remove button to uninstall it, or toggle the main switch off to disable it temporarily.
Method 8: Practicing Proactive Tab Management
Each open tab, even if not actively viewed, represents a separate process that consumes CPU and memory. Keeping numerous unused tabs open rapidly drains system resources, which is especially detrimental to slower computers. Users should proactively close all unnecessary tabs by clicking the X icon on individual tab headers to ensure resources are focused only on active tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does disabling Startup Boost affect overall browser performance after launch?
No, disabling Startup Boost only affects the initial launch speed of Microsoft Edge. Once the browser is fully open and running, its operational speed is determined by other factors, such as Efficiency Mode, Sleeping Tabs, and the number of active extensions.
Will Efficiency Mode reduce the quality of my browsing experience?
Efficiency Mode conserves resources, which can sometimes lead to reduced frame rates for videos or delayed loading for certain background processes on inactive tabs. However, for general browsing on a slower computer, the performance gains from reduced resource usage usually outweigh these minor visual trade-offs.
Is it better to disable an extension or completely remove it?
If you use an extension frequently but not currently, disabling it (toggling it off) is sufficient, as this stops its resource consumption. If you are certain you will never use an extension again, completely removing it (uninstalling) is the best practice to eliminate all associated files and resource overhead.