When you close the Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 11, it doesn’t actually close. Microsoft enabled a feature called “Startup Boost” by default. This feature forces several core Edge background processes to remain permanently running in the background, even when you have completely exited the application.
The goal is to make the browser launch a fraction of a second faster the next time you click its icon. However, if you are working on a low-end laptop, a device with limited RAM, or if you simply prefer using Google Chrome or Firefox, this feature is silently draining your battery and consuming valuable system resources for a browser you aren’t even actively using.
How to Disable Startup Boost in Edge
You must turn off this feature from within the Microsoft Edge settings menu.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of the window.
- Scroll down the menu and click on Settings.
- In the left-hand navigation pane, click on System and performance.
- Look at the very top of the main window under the “System” header. You will see a toggle switch labelled Startup boost.
- Click the toggle to turn it Off.
How to Disable Background Extensions
Even with Startup Boost disabled, Edge may still allow certain installed extensions to continue running after the browser is closed. You should disable this as well to ensure the browser completely terminates.
- Directly below the Startup boost toggle, locate the setting labelled Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
- Toggle this switch Off as well.
Now, when you click the ‘X’ to close Microsoft Edge, the application will completely shut down, freeing up your RAM and extending your laptop’s battery life.