Is your Microsoft Edge browser moving at a snail’s pace? If you’re using an older or slower computer, Edge can sometimes feel sluggish and unresponsive. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Below are 8 simple ways to make Microsoft Edge faster and lighter for your machine. Let’s dive in and get Edge running like a champ!
1. Use Sleeping Tabs
This feature is a lifesaver for slow PCs. Sleeping tabs help you save memory by putting inactive tabs to “sleep.”
Here’s how to turn it on:
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Toggle on Save resources with sleeping tabs.
Now, Edge will make snoozy tabs instead of hogging resources!
2. Clear the Clutter
Your browser can collect a lot of junk — cookies, cache, and browsing history can pile up and slow things down.
Quick clean-up:
- Hit Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
- Select what you want to clear (like cached images and cookies).
- Click Clear now.
Do this once a week and watch your browser breathe easier.
3. Turn Off Edge Startup Boost
Startup Boost tries to make Edge open faster when you click its icon. But on slower machines, it can hog valuable memory all the time.
To disable it:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Switch off Startup Boost.
This frees up system power for more important things.
4. Disable Extensions You Don’t Use
Browser extensions are cool, but having too many can seriously slow you down.
Time for a little tidy-up:
- Go to Menu > Extensions.
- Review what’s there.
- Disable or remove anything you don’t use regularly.
Less clutter = better speed!

5. Use Efficiency Mode
This is like power-saving mode for Edge. It lets your browser sip rather than guzzle your system resources.
To turn it on:
- Go to Settings > System and performance.
- Toggle on Turn on efficiency mode.
Your battery (and computer) will thank you!
6. Close What You Don’t Need
Got 20 tabs open “just in case”? They’re eating up memory like a buffet!
Try this:
- Keep open only the tabs you’re using now.
- Use bookmarks to save stuff for later.
- Right-click a tab and choose “Close tabs to the right.”
Your browser will start acting fast again!
7. Skip Fancy Features You’re Not Using
Edge has lots of bells and whistles. But on slow PCs, those extra features can make it crawl.
Turn off stuff like:
- Preload new tab page
- Show suggestions as you type
- Visual search if you never use it
Find these in Settings > Privacy, search, and services, and also in Appearance.
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8. Keep Edge Up to Date
Last but not least — updates! Microsoft sneaks in performance fixes with every Edge update.
Update in a flash:
- Go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
- Edge will check for updates automatically.
- If there’s an update, hit Restart to install.
Staying updated helps keep bugs and slowness away!
Final Tip: A lighter browser makes for a better day. These tweaks only take a few minutes, but you’ll feel the difference instantly. Give your old computer a boost and browse happier in Microsoft Edge!