Microsoft Edge is a popular web browser that offers fast performance, security, and compatibility with various web standards. However, sometimes you may experience Microsoft Edge running slow or lagging on your device. This can be frustrating and affect your browsing experience. Several factors can affect edge browser performance, starting with your internet speed and quality to the number and type of extensions and add-ons you have installed. Again accumulated browser cache, a number of tabs you have open or Hardware Limitations affect browser performance. This article explores some of the common reasons why is Microsoft Edge so slow, and some of the tips and tricks to make Microsft Edge faster and smoother.
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Why is Microsoft Edge so slow?
Many factors can affect the performance and functionality of Microsoft Edge. Some of the most common ones Why Microsoft Edge Running Slow are:
- Corrupted or outdated browser files
- Conflicting extensions or add-ons
- Malware or virus infection
- Incorrect network settings
- Low disk space or memory
- Hardware or software compatibility issues
Here are some of the steps you can take to make Microsoft Edge faster and more responsive:
Outdated Browser Version
Using an outdated browser version may lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities, impacting overall performance. The first thing you need Update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge. Keeping Edge up to date ensures that you have access to the latest optimizations and enhancements, which can lead to improved speed and overall browsing experience.
To update Microsoft Edge:
- Open the browser, and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to “Help and feedback,” and select “About Microsoft Edge.”
- Edge will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
This will ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
In addition open settings and check for Windows updates that also fix certain issues that may impact browser performance.
Accumulated Cache and Cookies
Browser cache and cookies are temporary files stored on your device to improve website loading times and remember user preferences. While these data are intended to improve browsing speed by loading frequently visited sites faster, they can also become outdated or corrupted, leading to performance issues. Clearing the browser cache regularly frees up disk space and ensures that Edge loads web pages efficiently, without relying on outdated or unnecessary data.
To clear the cache and cookies in Microsoft Edge:
- Open Microsoft Edge, Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Settings
- Go to Privacy, search, and services from the sidebar, Under “Clear browsing data,” click on “Choose what to clear.”
- Check the boxes for “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,”
- Select the types of data you want to clear (such as browsing history, cookies, and cached images) and the time range all time.
- Click on “Clear now” to delete the selected data.
Too Many Extensions installed
Browser extensions add functionality to Microsoft Edge but can also consume system resources and impact performance, especially if there are too many installed. Disabling or removing unnecessary extensions reduces the browser’s workload, leading to faster browsing speeds and improved responsiveness.
- To manage extensions in Microsoft Edge, click on the three-dot menu icon, select “Extensions,” and review the list of installed extensions.
- Disable or remove unnecessary extensions by toggling the switch next to each extension or clicking on “Remove.”
Heavy Website Content
Websites with lots of multimedia content, scripts, and advertisements can significantly slow down page loading times and overall browsing performance. In addition, Each open tab in Edge consumes system memory and processing power, especially if those tabs contain complex web content or active scripts.
Having too many open tabs can tax system resources and slow down your browsing.
Limiting the number of open tabs reduces the browser’s memory footprint and CPU usage, resulting in faster browsing speeds and improved responsiveness, particularly on systems with limited resources.
Also, Consider using an ad blocker extension to reduce the load from advertisements.
Strict Tracking Prevention Setting
Microsoft Edge tracking prevention feature is big on privacy it comes with three different settings to choose how you want to be protected. This is an excellent feature, However, it can sometimes slow down the browser, especially if you choose the Strict setting. Because it blocks most trackers from all sites you visit, which can sometimes stop other parts of the pages to work. changing it balanced helps fix edge slow loading times.
- Open Microsoft Edge Settings by clicking the three-dot menu
- click Privacy, search, and Services, Under the Tracking Prevention section, choose Balanced instead of Strict.
- Now check if these changes speed up Edge.
Hardware Limitation
Older or underpowered hardware may struggle to handle the demands of modern web browsing, resulting in slow performance. In addition, Other applications and processes running in the background can consume system resources and impact Microsoft Edge’s performance.
Close unused applications and background processes to free up system resources. Use the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to identify and close any unnecessary processes.
If possible, upgrade to a device with better hardware specifications, such as a faster processor, more RAM, or a solid-state drive (SSD) for quicker data access.
Malware or Viruses infection
Malware infections can significantly impact system performance, including browser responsiveness. Malicious software may run in the background, consuming resources and interfering with normal browser operation.
Running a thorough malware scan helps identify and remove any malicious programs, ensuring that Edge can operate at peak performance without interference from unwanted software.
Repair Microsoft Edge
If removing the browser cache or disabling the extensions didn’t help, still edge very slow to load, try reset Microsoft Edge default settings. This can resolve underlying configuration problems.
- Launch the Edge browser, From the menu, select “Settings.”
- Tap on “Reset settings” then “Restore settings to their default values”
- Edge will display a confirmation dialog box. typically ask you to confirm whether you want to reset Edge and warn you that this action will delete your browsing data, including cookies, settings, and extensions.
- If you’re sure you want to proceed, click on the “Reset” or “Restore settings” button to confirm.
How does Microsoft Edge compare with other browsers?
Microsoft Edge is not the only browser available for Windows 10 users. Many alternatives offer better speed, reliability, security, and features. Some of the most popular ones are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi etc.
Here are some of the pros and cons of each browser compared with Microsoft Edge:
Google Chrome
Pros:
- The most widely used browser in the world
- Supports a huge number of extensions and add-ons from the Chrome Web Store
- Offers fast performance and compatibility with most web pages
- Syncs your data across devices with your Google account
- Has a built-in translator, password manager, and dark mode
Cons:
- Consumes a lot of memory and CPU resources
- Collects a lot of your personal data and tracks your online activity
- Has some security and privacy issues
Mozilla Firefox
Pros:
- The second most popular browser in the world
- Supports a large number of extensions and add-ons from the Firefox Add-ons site
- Offers fast performance and compatibility with most web pages
- Syncs your data across devices with your Firefox account
- Has a built-in reader mode, screenshot tool, and dark mode
- Has strong security and privacy features, such as tracking protection, and private browsing.
Cons:
- Consumes a lot of memory and CPU resources
- Sometimes crashes or freezes
- Has some compatibility issues with some web pages
Opera
Pros:
- A fast and lightweight browser
- Supports a moderate number of extensions and add-ons from the Opera Add-ons site and the Chrome Web Store
- Syncs your data across devices with your Opera account
- Has a built-in ad blocker, VPN, battery saver, and dark mode
- Has a unique sidebar with shortcuts to various apps and services, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc.
Cons:
- Not very popular or widely used
- Has some compatibility issues with some web pages
- Collects some of your personal data and tracks your online activity
Brave
Pros:
- A fast and secure browser that focuses on privacy
- Supports a moderate number of extensions and add-ons from the Brave Web Store and the Chrome Web Store
- Syncs your data across devices with your Brave account
- Has a built-in ad blocker, tracker blocker, Tor mode, and dark mode
- Rewards you with cryptocurrency for viewing ads and content
- Cons:
- Not very popular or widely used
- Has some compatibility issues with some web pages
- Requires you to create a wallet and verify your identity to use some features
Vivaldi
Pros:
- A highly customizable browser that lets you tweak every aspect of its appearance and functionality
- Supports a moderate number of extensions and add-ons from the Vivaldi Web Store and the Chrome Web Store
- Syncs your data across devices with your Vivaldi account
- Has a built-in note-taking tool, screenshot tool, tab stacking, tab tiling, and dark mode
- Has a unique sidebar with shortcuts to various apps and services, such as Gmail, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
Cons:
- Not very popular or widely used
- Consumes a lot of memory and CPU resources
- Has some compatibility issues with some web pages
Should you switch from Microsoft Edge to a different browser? It depends on your personal preferences and needs. Microsoft Edge is not a bad browser by any means. It has improved a lot since its switched to Chromium, the same engine that powers Google Chrome. It offers decent speed, security, compatibility, and features. It also integrates well with other Microsoft products and services.
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