Disable Edge Chromium Background Processes after Closing

Microsoft's updated web browser, Microsoft Edge Chromium, allows for many new features and improvements over the previous browser, Microsoft Edge. Built on the open-source Chromium engine, Edge Chromium offers faster browsing, security, enhancements, features, and more. One feature allows for Edge Chromium to run processes in the background, even after it is closed. Microsoft does this to allow for the browser to launch and load faster as well as allow for notifications and more to continue while the app is closed.

Typically, Windows 10 runs apps in a suspended state when you navigate away or minimize the app. For some apps, this means your computer will retain the memory the computer allocated but it draws little from the CPU. It's the retaining of system resources coupled with the possible drain (however minimal) of power that might give some users reason for concern. Turning this feature off is a simple configuration change handled within Edge Chromium itself.

1. Press the Windows key and type (without quotes) "Edge", then press Enter. This launches the Microsoft Edge Chromium browser. If you have the app pinned you could also click on the pin.
2. In the web address bar type "edge://settings/system" (without the quote marks) and then press Enter. This displays the settings for Edge in a new browser tab.
3. In the list of settings at the left of the tab, click on "System" to open the Microsoft Edge Chromium system settings. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. Microsoft Edge Chromium system settings.

4. Click on the toggle for the "Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed" setting.
5. Close Edge or navigate to a webpage or site, your change takes effect immediately.

While Microsoft Edge Chromium running in the background shouldn't use a large number of system resources, controlling which of your apps has the use of background resources puts you more in control of your computer.

 This tip (13734) applies to Windows 10.