8 Ways to Optimize Microsoft Edge for Slower Computers

Method 1: Disable Startup Boost

Startup boost improves the browser’s startup speed. However, it also means that certain Edge processes will continue to run in the background after you close the browser. Disabling this setting frees up resources for other processes on your computer. It’s also an important step to fix high memory/CPU usage in Edge.

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Click on the three point icon > Institutions.

Step 3: Click on the System and performance option in the left pane and turn off Startup boost at the right.

Method 2: Use Efficiency Mode

When you use efficiency mode on Microsoft Edge, you ensure that the browser conserves system resources. This is beneficial for older computers with less storage or memory, improving performance and extending battery life.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Click on the three point icon > select Institutions.

Step 3: Select System and performance on the left and turn off Efficiency mode in the Optimize Performance section on the right.

Method 3: Save Resources with Dormant Tabs

The Edge Sleeping Tabs feature saves system resources by automatically putting inactive tabs to sleep. It’s also a great option to speed up Edge. Here are the steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Edge browser and go to Institutions As mentioned above.

Step 2: click on System and performance on the left pane and turn off Save resources with dormant tabs in the Optimize Performance section on the right.

Method 4: Reduce the time it takes for inactive tabs to go to sleep

By default, inactive tabs go to sleep after one hour. But during this time, they consume system resources and have a negative impact on your old computers. You can reduce this sleep time to improve your computer performance by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.

Step 2: Click on the ellipses at the top right and select Institutions.

Step 3: Click System and performance in the left pane > use the drop down menu For Put inactive tabs to sleep after specified time, you can select the desired sleep time.

Remark: You can only change this option after you disable Efficiency Mode.

Method 5: Enable Efficiency Mode While Gaming

If you play browser games, you can use this Microsoft Edge setting to make sure the browser is energy efficient. While this is great for your computer, you may notice some slowdowns while browsing.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.

Step 2: Click on the ellipses top right and select Institutions.

Step 3: Click on the System and performance option in the left pane and then enable Enhance your PC gaming experience with Efficiency Mode at the right.

Method 6: Clear browsing data regularly

Clearing browser data speeds up Edge and improves performance on slower computers significantly. It’s an essential fix when your browser is running slow. Some important data to clear include browsing history, cookies and other site data, and cached images and files. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.

Step 2: Type the path below into the address bar and press Enter:

edge://settings/clearBrowserData

Step 3: Check the required boxes and click It is clear now.

Method 7: Disable unnecessary extensions

Browser extensions can significantly enhance your browsing experience and consume system resources. On slower computers, this resource consumption can impact overall performance. By disabling unused extensions, you’ll experience reduced resource usage, faster page loads, and improved stability.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.

Step 2: Enter the path below into the address bar and press the Enter key:

edge://extensions/

Step 3: Click on the To delete option for any extension you no longer use.

Method 8: Close unused tabs

In addition to the clustering and disorganization that multiple tabs can cause, they are also a huge resource hog. In most cases, they appear as separate processes that eat up your memory. You should close any tabs you are no longer using by clicking the X icon on individual tabs.