If Microsoft Edge feels sluggish on your Windows 11 or 10 system, follow these steps to optimize its performance and improve browsing speed.
1. Clear Browsing Data
- Over time, cached files and cookies can slow down Edge.
- Steps:
- Open Edge and go to
Settings
>Privacy, search, and services
. - Under “Clear browsing data,” click
Choose what to clear
. - Select
Cached images and files
andCookies and other site data
, then clickClear now
.
- Open Edge and go to
2. Disable Unnecessary Extensions
- Extensions can consume resources and slow down browsing.
- Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>Extensions
. - Review installed extensions and disable or remove ones you don’t use.
- Go to
3. Enable Efficiency Mode
- Edge has a built-in feature to optimize resource usage.
- Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>System and performance
. - Toggle on
Efficiency mode
.
- Go to
4. Update Microsoft Edge
- Ensure you are using the latest version for optimal performance.
- Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>About Microsoft Edge
. - Edge will automatically check for and install updates.
- Go to
5. Adjust Startup Boost
- Startup Boost speeds up Edge by loading it in the background at system startup.
- Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>System and performance
. - Toggle on
Startup boost
.
- Go to
6. Optimize Windows Settings
- Update Windows: Keep your OS updated to ensure compatibility and performance.
- Free Up System Resources:
- Close unused apps running in the background.
- Disable unnecessary startup apps via
Task Manager
.
7. Reset Edge Settings
- If performance issues persist, reset Edge to its default settings.
- Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>Reset settings
. - Select
Restore settings to their default values
.
- Go to
8. Check for Malware or Viruses
- Malware can slow down your browser. Run a full system scan using Windows Security or third-party antivirus software.
9. Use a Faster DNS
- Switching to a faster DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare can improve browsing speed.
- Steps:
- Open
Settings
>Network and internet
. - Change the DNS server settings to
8.8.8.8
(Google) or1.1.1.1
(Cloudflare).
- Open
10. Hardware Acceleration
- Turn off hardware acceleration if it causes performance issues.
- Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>System and performance
. - Toggle off
Use hardware acceleration when available
.
- Go to
Quick Fix Checklist
- Clear browsing data.
- Disable unnecessary extensions.
- Enable Startup Boost and Efficiency mode.
- Update Edge and Windows.
- Reset settings if needed.