Top 10 Solutions to Fix High CPU Usage in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a widely used browser, but it can sometimes consume excessive CPU usage on both Windows and Mac devices. This can result in a slower performance and reduced battery life. If you're facing this issue, don't worry! Here are 10 effective ways to fix high CPU usage in Microsoft Edge.

Check Microsoft Edge CPU Usage

To begin, let's confirm whether Microsoft Edge is indeed causing high CPU usage on your device. Follow these steps to check:

For Windows Users

1. Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Look for Microsoft Edge in the list and check if it shows a high CPU usage percentage.

For Mac Users

1. Press the Command + Space keys to open Spotlight Search.
2. Type “Activity Monitor” and hit Return.
3. Check the CPU usage of Microsoft Edge in the Activity Monitor.

1. Disable Startup Boost

Microsoft Edge has a feature called Startup Boost, which opens the browser faster when you start your device. However, this feature can contribute to high CPU usage. To disable Startup Boost, follow these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
3. Choose “System and performance” from the left sidebar.
4. Disable the “Startup boost” toggle under System.

2. Enable Efficiency Mode

Microsoft Edge comes with an efficiency mode that minimizes power usage and saves computer resources. To enable Efficiency Mode:

1. Open the System and performance menu in Microsoft Edge (refer to the steps above).
2. Under the “Optimize Performance” tab, enable the “Turn on efficiency mode” toggle.

This option should help reduce Microsoft Edge's high CPU usage. However, you should turn off Chrome efficiency mode in case you experience compromised browsing speeds.

3. Close Unnecessary Tabs

When you have multiple tabs open in Microsoft Edge, it can lead to high CPU usage. To fix this, simply close unnecessary tabs or use Microsoft Collections to save important tabs for later.

4. Pause Background Streaming

If you're streaming music or videos in multiple tabs on Microsoft Edge, it can contribute to high CPU usage. Pause any unnecessary media streaming processes running in the background to alleviate the issue.

5. Pause Download Process on Microsoft Edge

Downloading large files on a slow internet connection can cause high CPU usage. Consider either connecting to a faster internet connection or pausing the download process temporarily.

6. Disable Unnecessary Extensions on Microsoft Edge

Installed extensions in Microsoft Edge launch during startup, which can lead to higher CPU usage. If you have numerous extensions installed, it's time to revisit the list and disable or remove any irrelevant ones.

1. Launch Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
2. Go to “Extensions” and select “Manage extensions.”
3. Disable unnecessary extensions or click “Remove” to uninstall them completely.

7. Stop Microsoft Edge from Running at Startup

Prevent Microsoft Edge from running at system startup to avoid unnecessary CPU usage.

For Windows Users

1. Open the Windows Settings menu (Windows + I keys).
2. Select “Apps” and click on “Startup.”
3. Disable the Microsoft Edge toggle in the Startup menu.

For Mac Users

1. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar and open “System Preferences.”
2. Open “Users & Groups” and navigate to “Login Items.”
3. Select Microsoft Edge and click the “-” icon at the bottom.

8. Remove Malicious Files

Perform a Windows Security scan to identify and remove any malicious files that might be causing unnecessary CPU usage in the background.

1. Press the Windows key and search for “Windows Security.”
2. Open the app and select “Virus & threat protection” from the left sidebar.
3. Run a quick scan on your PC.

9. Update Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge usually updates automatically in the background. However, you can also manually update it from the Settings menu.

1. Go to Microsoft Edge Settings (refer to the steps above).
2. Select “About Microsoft Edge” from the sidebar.
3. Edge will start downloading the latest build. Restart your browser to complete the installation.

10. Install Microsoft Edge Beta Version

If none of the above solutions work for you, consider downloading and installing the Microsoft Edge Beta or Microsoft Edge Dev build from the Microsoft Edge Insider Channels website. The beta build might already have the issue fixed.

By following these 10 effective solutions, you can put an end to high CPU usage in Microsoft Edge and enjoy a smoother browsing experience. However, if the problem persists, you may want to consider switching to alternative browsers like Chrome, Brave, or Opera on both Windows and Mac devices.