If you use Microsoft Edge browser and you see it pop up and start on its own every time you log in, then you are not alone. Some of the users complained that this feature was invasive and irrelevant if they should switch to a different browser.
Fortunately, you can prevent Microsoft Edge from running on startup and clearing up your startup list would help increase your computer’s speed. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explain how to stop Microsoft Edge from opening on startup, step by step, so you can take control of your PC.
Why Does Microsoft Edge Open on Startup?
Microsoft Edge opens at startup for a few of the following reasons. As of the latest releases of Windows 10, specifically the Windows 11 operating system, Edge is tightly entwined with the operating systems and is the default browser.
Some updates for features or the system itself might also cause Edge to open when you sign in to your user account, and some settings within Edge or your system’s startup might be set to launch the browser.
That’s great for some, but not for others, especially when you do not frequently use Microsoft Edge or if it hinders your productivity. It is recommended to turn off this feature in order to cut system costs and have your PC start up in a jiffy.
Also Read: How to Stop Steam from Opening on Startup | 7 Amazing Methods
How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening on Startup
There are several ways of how to prevent Microsoft Edge from opening every time you start your computer:
Incontrollers Whether you are applying the overall management of programs running in the startup through the Windows settings
Or the configuration of the unfamiliar extension to the Edge browser, the described steps are simple enough and does not require deep understanding of the user.
1. Uninstall Microsoft Edge from Task Manager
The Task Manager is one of the easiest and quickest tools when it comes to the management of the startup programs of Windows . Turning off Microsoft Edge here means it cannot open time you boot your PC, which saves you time.
Open Task Manager:
- To open up the Task Manager, you press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
- Or, you could right-click on the button at the bottom right on your screen and select Task Manager from the list.
Navigate to the Startup Tab:
On the top of the Task Manager window, go to the Startup option. This tab presents all the applications that are scheduled to run at the time the computer starts.
Find Microsoft Edge:
Review the list of programs to follow the path to Microsoft Edge.
Disable Microsoft Edge:
Right click on Microsoft Edge to enable it and then right click on the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window and click disable.
Restart Your Computer:
Restart the computer to be sure that on the next start, Microsoft Edge will not open itself.
2. Adjust Windows Settings
You can also control the startup via the Windows Settings app, which is more convenient than the traditional list because it offers icons instead of names.
Open Windows Settings:
- To open Windows Settings, the first, click the Start button on your PC and find the gear-shaped Settings icon
- Or secondly, press Win + I keys on a keyboard.
Go to Apps:
In the Settings window, click on the Apps tab and from the left side, choose Startup.
Locate Microsoft Edge:
Go down the list of the startup applications and look for Microsoft Edge.
Turn Off Edge:
To disable this browser, turn the switch next to Microsoft Edge off.
Restart Your PC:
Restart your computer in order to allow the change to take effect.
Also Read: How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup: A Comprehensive Guide
3. Modify Microsoft Edge Settings
Sometimes, Microsoft Edge itself may have settings that cause it to open automatically. Disabling these options within the browser can help.
- Open Microsoft Edge:
- Launch the browser by clicking on its icon or searching for it in the Start menu.
- Access Edge Settings:
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the Edge window and select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Check Startup Settings:
- In the Settings menu, click Start, home, and new tabs (or a similar option based on your Edge version).
- Disable Startup Behavior:
- Look for options like Open Microsoft Edge when the computer starts or similar, and turn them off.
- Restart Your Computer:
- Restart your PC to verify that Edge no longer opens on startup.
4. Use Group Policy Editor (Advanced Users)
For those comfortable with more advanced settings, the Group Policy Editor can be used to prevent Microsoft Edge from launching on startup. Note that this option is available only on Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
- Open the Group Policy Editor:
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to Edge Policies:
- In the left-hand menu, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.
- Edit the Startup Policy:
- Find the policy that controls Edge startup behavior (e.g., Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at startup).
- Disable the Policy:
- Double-click the policy, select Disabled, and click OK.
- Restart Your Computer:
- Reboot your PC to apply the changes.
5. Modify Registry Settings (Advanced Users)
If other methods don’t work, you can edit the Windows Registry to stop Microsoft Edge from opening on startup. This approach should be used with caution and only if you’re comfortable making registry changes.
- Open the Registry Editor:
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to the Edge Key:
- Go to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
- Go to the following path:
- Create or Edit a Value:
- If the Edge key doesn’t exist, create it.
- Within the Edge key, create a new DWORD value called AllowPrelaunch and set its value to 0.
- Restart Your Computer:
- Reboot your PC to confirm the changes.
Why Disabling Microsoft Edge on Startup Matters
Stopping Microsoft Edge from opening on startup isn’t just about personal preference—it can have a tangible impact on your computer’s performance. Disabling unnecessary startup programs ensures that:
- Your computer boots faster, saving you time.
- System resources like CPU and memory are available for other tasks.
- You regain control over which apps launch when you log in.
For users who don’t rely on Edge as their primary browser, stopping it from opening automatically can declutter your desktop and streamline your workflow.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’ve tried these methods and Microsoft Edge still opens on startup, here are some additional tips to consider:
- Check for Updates: Ensure Windows and Microsoft Edge are up to date. Sometimes, older versions of software may override settings.
- Scan for Malware: Unwanted software or browser hijackers can cause Edge to launch unexpectedly. Run a trusted antivirus scan to check for issues.
- Reinstall Edge: If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Edge to reset its settings.
Conclusion: How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening on Startup
Learning how to stop Microsoft Edge from opening on startup is a straightforward process that can save you time and reduce frustration. By using tools like Task Manager, Windows Settings, or even advanced methods like the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor, you can prevent Edge from launching automatically.
Whether you’re trying to speed up your computer or simply prefer another browser, taking control of startup programs is an essential step toward a more efficient and personalized computing experience. Follow this guide today, and enjoy a smoother, more manageable system startup!
