Does Edge keep using memory after you close it? Fortunately, you can stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background in under a minute. Consequently, extensions and services close with the browser. Furthermore, this can help battery life on laptops with limited resources.
Key Takeaways
- The setting lives under System and performance in Edge Settings.
- Turn off Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
- Edge may then start slightly slower, but it frees resources on exit.
How to Stop Microsoft Edge Running in the Background
Step 1: First, open Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 computer.
Step 2: Next, click the three-dot Settings and more icon at the top right. Then select Settings.
Step 3: After that, select System and performance from the left sidebar.
Step 4: Finally, turn off Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed. Microsoft documents Edge data and background behaviour in its official Edge privacy guidance.
That is it. From now on, when you quit Edge, its background extensions and services stop as well.
In short, one toggle gives you a cleaner shutdown and lower idle usage. Turn it off if Edge feels heavy after closing.
