How to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background

Some apps are pre-set to run some of their activity in the background. However, this can be more of a hindrance than a help for you or your device.

While other apps are justified for working in the background, such as antiviruses (your guardian angel, fighting against malware that is prying on your device), others are not. Among these "naughty" apps is the new Microsoft Edge, which allows some not-so-important functions to run in the background.

This article will guide you on how to stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background. The focus will be on Edge's latest development – the browser made possible by the Chromium open-source project.

The Chromium kind of Edge

Chromium is a cross-platform software that functions similarly, whether using a Windows, a Mac, an Android, or iOS.

From Internet Explorer to Chromium Edge, Microsoft has been trying to push other browser platforms to the edge, such as Chrome (Google), Firefox (Mozilla Foundation), and Opera Mini (Opera Limited).

Their latest version of Edge is coded 81.0.416.77 and is available from the website (For Windows PC).

The steps that will be shown will use this update, so ensure that your version is up to date.

Why stop, and how?

In this new version, the browser keeps running even when closed and absent in the foreground.

Stopping Microsoft Edge from operating in the background is beneficial in the following ways:

1. It saves your battery life, especially if your power supply is inconsistent.
2. It reduces the constraints of a fully engaged RAM, such that you can do your foreground business without your machine hanging.

There are up to three ways that you can use it to prevent Microsoft Edge from running when that is unintended. They are:

1. Turn off the function from within the app (Edge)
2. Using Windows Registry
3. Using Group Policy

This article shall pay special attention to number 1.

Take number one on!

These steps are for Windows PC. They have been broken down so anyone can understand.

1. Tap the Windows button on your keyboard or click on it (bottom-left corner).
2. Navigate to the "New Microsoft Edge" icon to launch it.
3. In the top-right corner of the open tab, click on the three dots that have been horizontally arranged to shoot out a menu that will show buttons that will help you configure Edge.
4. Click on "Settings" below "More Tools." The Edge Settings page will load an active tab. An array of options will also be displayed on the left side of the screen.
5. Go down and click "System," just below "Printers." The 'System' screen will show on the right with only three options. The first option of interest is "Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed." This setting has been activated.
6. Click on the slider button to disable the function.

Should work at once

Now, Microsoft Edge cannot continue running in the background, and you can enjoy an optimized PC with smooth-running functions.

If this doesn't work, consider looking up the geeky steps (two and three), but it should.

If you may need to enable the background-running feature because of this or that, you need to go back to the steps and reactivate the settings.