Why Does Microsoft Edge Use So Much CPU?

Web browsers have changed how we engage with the online world by becoming essential tools for our digital lives as technology advances.

Due to its compatibility with Windows systems and the plethora of user-friendly features, Microsoft Edge stands out as a popular option among the enormous selection of accessible browsers. However, several users have reported a common issue: Microsoft Edge uses excessive CPU resources.

In this article, we investigate the elements that affect Microsoft Edge’s CPU consumption, illuminating the complex inner workings of the browser and providing information on potential ways to enhance its efficiency.

Why Does Microsoft Edge Use So Much CPU?

It is because of unused tabs, the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, cookies and cache, browser extensions, background apps, and extensions, an outdated Microsoft Edge browser, hardware acceleration, malware and viruses, and startup boost. Having a solid understanding of these factors improves performance.

Unused Tabs

The existence of idle tabs is one of the main reasons why Microsoft Edge could utilize a lot of CPU resources. The browser keeps allocating resources for each tab when users open many tabs simultaneously but do not actively utilize them.

Even though contemporary browsers are more adept at managing tabs, unused tabs can still affect CPU utilization. The browser must keep these tabs in memory, along with any associated background tasks and the rendering state of each tab.

As a result, CPU utilization rises as the browser continuously analyzes data for open tabs. It might cause performance to suffer noticeably, especially on computers with low processing or memory capabilities.

• How To Fix It

Users can take several steps to improve their surfing habits to solve the issue of high CPU utilization brought on by unused tabs. Creating a routine of consistently shutting down tabs that are not being used is a valuable strategy.

Users frequently open many tabs, but some stay idle. Dismissing unnecessary tabs frees up system resources and reduces the CPU burden. Additionally, considering the use of browser extensions created to manage and suspend idle tabs automatically might be helpful.

SmartScreen For Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge’s SmartScreen is a crucial security feature built-in and intended to protect users from dangerous websites and downloads. SmartScreen analyzes URLs, content, and download sources to monitor and scan websites and files for possible risks.

When consumers browse through several websites or often download files, the rigorous scanning procedure might consume a lot of CPU resources. While essential for user security, the ongoing scanning and analysis might momentarily tax the CPU, causing an apparent delay in the browser’s performance.

• How To Fix It

The security foundation of Microsoft Edge is complete with SmartScreen, which offers crucial defense against possible dangers from fraudulent websites and downloads. Although it is vital to improve user security, users can modify their behavior to maximize CPU consumption.

Browser settings let users change SmartScreen scanning frequency. Minimizing scanning frequency reduces CPU strain from constant monitoring and scanning, balancing security and system performance. Users can temporarily disable SmartScreen to avoid CPU use for trusted websites and file downloads.

Cookies And Cache

Microsoft Edge uses cookies and cached data like other web browsers to enhance the user experience and quicken page load times. Cache data comprises portions of previously viewed websites, whereas cookies contain user-specific information to minimize the need for repeated downloads.

However, CPU use may increase when cookies and cached material build up over time. The browser must manage these data files, necessitating regular read and write operations. As cache and cookie databases grow, the CPU must spend more time processing storage operations, which may slow down other vital processes.

• How To Fix It

Managing cookies and cached data can considerably affect Microsoft Edge’s CPU use. Users should frequently remove cookies and cached data to maximize CPU use. The majority of browsers, including Microsoft Edge, include the ability to set up automatic cookies and cache cleaning upon browser closing.

Users may avoid CPU-intensive administration of stored data by turning on this option, ensuring that extra data is routinely eliminated. Additionally, using browser add-ons created especially to manage and optimize cookies and cache helps expedite these procedures even more.

These add-ons can provide users more precise control over which cookies and cached data to keep and which to erase, maximizing browser efficiency and minimizing resource use.

Browser Extensions

Microsoft Edge offers various browser extensions that improve the browser’s functionality and let users personalize their surfing experience. Extensions offer functional capabilities but might negatively affect CPU use if badly written or use many resources.

Since each extension runs as a distinct process, the CPU might get overworked if several extensions simultaneously use a lot of CPU power. Depending on the complexity and effectiveness of the different expansions, the performance impact varies in scope.

• How To Fix It

It’s crucial to assess the installed browser extensions and find any that can generate excessive resource consumption to minimize CPU utilization. Users should carefully evaluate their installed extensions list and consider removing unused or resource-intensive ones.

The most necessary and effective add-ons can save CPU load and increase browser performance. Furthermore, it’s equally important to regularly update extensions to the most recent versions because newer upgrades frequently fix performance problems and security flaws.

Background Apps And Extensions

Some background programs and extensions may keep running even while Microsoft Edge is not actively utilized. These background processes frequently carry out such duties as updating, syncing data, checking for alerts, or maintaining browser services.

Even though these activities can appear harmless, their continued execution uses CPU resources. In particular, if several of these activities run simultaneously, the combined impact of several background processes may increase CPU utilization.

• How To Fix It

By carefully controlling background programs and extensions, extra CPU utilization may be reduced. Users should manually review the list of background programs and browser extensions to remove those unnecessary for their surfing experience.

When the browser isn’t being actively used, background programs and extensions that aren’t regularly utilized or necessary can be disabled or put on hold to stop eating CPU resources. Users may find choices to manage which extensions run continuously in the background under the Microsoft Edge settings.

Users may optimize CPU usage and ensure system resources are utilized more effectively by turning off extra background processes, improving general performance.

Outdated Microsoft Edge Browser

Operating an out-of-date Microsoft Edge installation might result in inefficiencies and greater CPU use. Web browser updates frequently include performance enhancements, bug repairs, and feature upgrades that increase overall effectiveness.

Older versions could not have these essential upgrades, which would make the browser consume more CPU power to carry out regular surfing tasks. Due to this, users can notice higher CPU usage, sluggish response times, and possible compatibility problems with contemporary websites and web technologies.

• How To Fix It

Microsoft Edge must be constantly updated to ensure the best performance and security. A proactive strategy to maximize CPU use is often checking for updates and permitting the browser to install the newest fixes and changes.

Performance improvements and bug fixes are frequently included in newer browser versions, which might result in more effective CPU utilization while doing ordinary surfing tasks. Microsoft Edge’s latest version is compatible with modern websites and online technologies, reducing the risk of performance issues or security flaws.

Hardware Acceleration

Microsoft Edge uses hardware acceleration to enhance graphics rendering and surfing performance like many contemporary browsers. Hardware acceleration, which offloads some processes to the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), may significantly improve speed in various circumstances.

But occasionally, problems with hardware and software compatibility may appear, increasing CPU consumption. When the GPU is unable to execute a given task effectively, the CPU may be forced to fill the gap, increasing resource use and perhaps affecting system performance.

• How To Fix It

While hardware acceleration can improve the speed of surfing in general and graphics rendering in particular, users may run across instances when it results in higher CPU consumption. If hardware acceleration uses more CPU power, users can disable this function in their browser settings.

Users can discover a setting that works best with their particular hardware and software combination by experimenting with hardware acceleration settings. Adjusting these settings for optimum performance may lessen unneeded CPU load and improve surfing efficiency.

Malware And Viruses

Malware and viruses can significantly impact the CPU utilization of Microsoft Edge. The underlying system or browser can become infected by malicious software, which will then cause illegal and resource-intensive operations to be executed in the background.

These undesirable programs frequently operate invisibly to users and can waste large amounts of CPU power, causing system slowdowns, browser crashes, and security breaches.

• How To Fix It

A safe surfing environment and efficient CPU utilization depend on keeping the browser and system free of viruses and malware. Users should use powerful antivirus software and run routine system scans to find and remove dangerous software.

By browsing carefully, avoiding suspicious websites, and not downloading from them, malware infection can be reduced. Build a strong defense against unwanted, resource-intensive programs that slow CPU use and system performance.

Startup Boost

The “Startup Boost” function in Microsoft Edge seeks to speed up browser startup by executing particular background operations while the system is booting up. The browser opens more rapidly when opened thanks to the preloading of critical components.

However, this function could increase CPU consumption while the computer is booting. Until the boot process is finished, the additional work necessary to initialize the browser and its related services may temporarily tax the CPU, leading to a possible increase in CPU use.

• How To Fix It

The “Startup Boost” function in Microsoft Edge can shorten the time it takes for the browser to load by starting several background activities when the machine first boots. While this function may speed up browser opening times, it may also increase CPU utilization while the computer is starting up.

Users can turn off the “Startup Boost” function if they are worried about the CPU load at startup. Even though this could result in slightly longer browser startup times, it can stop CPU overuse during boot and offer a more regulated startup experience.

Conclusion

The ease of use and Windows system compatibility of Microsoft Edge contributes to its popularity. However, consumers frequently complain about their CPUs being used excessively. It’s essential to comprehend the causes of this issue if you want to improve browser performance.

SmartScreen’s crucial security feature constantly checks files and webpages for possible threats while using CPU resources. Users may modify the scanning frequency and temporarily turn it off for trustworthy sites to balance performance and security.

Microsoft Edge’s outdated versions don’t have any speed improvements or bug patches, which increases CPU consumption. Updating the browser guarantees optimal CPU use and compatibility with contemporary websites.

Hardware acceleration can improve performance but could also use more CPU power in some cases. To achieve the best setup, users can experiment with the parameters. Although its primary goal is to hasten browser launches, Startup Boost may increase CPU load during boot. Users who worry about CPU stress can turn it off to ensure a faster start.