Startup Boost makes Microsoft Edge open faster by leaving a lightweight part of the browser running in the background after all Edge windows are closed. The trade-off is a small amount of ongoing memory use and possible battery drain on laptops.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Microsoft Edge on Windows when Edge launches instantly but msedge.exe keeps running after you close the browser, or when you want to reduce background activity.
Turn off Startup Boost
This makes Edge fully shut down more often, though the next launch may be slightly slower.
- Open Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu and choose Settings.
- Select System and performance in the left sidebar.
- Find Startup boost.
- Switch it off.
- Close and reopen Edge so the change applies.
Check whether Edge is running in the background
Task Manager can confirm whether Edge processes remain after the browser windows close.
- Close every Edge window.
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc, or right-click the taskbar and choose Task Manager.
- Open the Details tab.
- Look for msedge.exe.
- If msedge.exe remains with every Edge window closed, Startup Boost or another background Edge setting is keeping part of the browser alive.
More control
Also check background extensions and apps
On the same System and performance page, turn off Continue running background extensions and apps after Microsoft Edge closes if you want Edge to quit with no web apps, notifications, or extensions running in the background.
Keep it on for convenience, off for battery savings
On a desktop that is always plugged in, Startup Boost usually costs little and makes Edge feel faster. On an older PC or laptop where battery life and memory matter, turning it off can be worthwhile.
Efficiency mode is separate
Efficiency mode reduces resource use while Edge is open, especially for background tabs. Startup Boost controls what remains after Edge closes. You can change either setting independently.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Startup Boost in Microsoft Edge (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Manage performance settings in Microsoft Edge (2025)
- Microsoft Learn – Efficiency mode in Microsoft Edge (2025)