Microsoft Edge keeps running in the background. It, therefore, launches faster and is useful if you want to receive notifications. While Windows 11/10 keeps it in a suspended state, it still can consume some power and resource. In this post, I will show how you can disable the new Microsoft Edge (Chromium) from running in the background.
Block Edge from running in the background
When Edge runs in the background, it will appear in the system tray. While you can close Edge from here, it is best to make sure it is not running in the background. Follow these methods to disable the background option:
- Disable via System Tray icon
- Turn off via Settings
- Disable it using the Registry
- Configure the Group Policy setting.
Turning off is an option. It depends on how you use the browser. If you want to keep getting notifications from websites while it is not open, do not turn it off.
1] Disable via System Tray icon
When Edge is running in the background, you will see its icon in the Taskbar Notification Area.
- Right-click on the Edge Taskbar icon
- Uncheck Let Microsoft Edge run in the background option.
- Restart Microsoft Edge.
1] Turn off via Settings
- Type edge://settings/system in the address bar, and press the Enter key
- Toggle off the Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed setting.
I have noticed at times that even after disabling the option, Edge keeps running in the background and vice versa.
If that is the case with you, follow either the Registry method or the Group Public method. Windows Home users can only use the Registry method.
2] Change Registry setting to disable Edge from running in the background
Open Registry Editor and navigate to-
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\
If you are not able to find, then create a new key or folder under Microsoft and name it MicrosoftEdge.
Under MicrosoftEdge key, create another key Main. Verify if the path now looks exactly like as below-
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Main
If yes, then in the Main folder, create a new 32-bit DWORD with name AllowPrelaunch.
Double click to open it, and set the value as 0 (Zero).
Click OK.
This will stop Edge from running in the background.
3] Use Group Policy to change pre-launching settings for Edge
- Open Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Run prompt followed by pressing the Enter key
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge
- Find the policy which says, “Allows Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows Startup….and each time Edge is closed.”
- Double click to edit it, and then choose the Disabled radio button
- You can also choose from the dropdown “Prevent Pre-launching.”
- Click on the OK button to complete
If you prevent pre-launch, Microsoft Edge won’t pre-launch during Windows sign in, when the system is idle, or each time Microsoft Edge is closed.
You may follow any of the methods, but always make sure to check which worked for you. I hope one of them worked for you, and you were able to disable the new Microsoft Edge Chromium from running in the background.