Why Is Microsoft Edge So Slow? – Reasons & Fixes

Just like the other browsers, Microsoft Edge is also not immune to issues. Let’s discuss the main reasons behind slow and laggy Edge.

It is due to resource consumption, extensions and add-ons, cache and cookies, software updates, hardware acceleration, internet connection and server response, antivirus and security software, inefficient website coding, background processes, and hardware limitations.

Here are some reasons why Microsoft Edge loads so slowly:

Resource Consumption

The amount of resources that Microsoft Edge uses dramatically affects how quickly it loads. The browser’s comprehensive feature set needs a lot of system resources, including fluid animations, real-time tracking protection, and a wide range of productivity tools.

Edge‘s memory and CPU utilization might increase as users read media-rich material or open many tabs, lengthening the loading times. These demands increase on hardware-constrained devices, which causes observable sluggishness during surfing sessions.

Extensions and Add-ons

Although the ecosystem for Microsoft Edge extensions is steadily growing, it still needs to catch up to rivals like Google Chrome regarding the total number of extensions offered. The browser’s speed may suffer if users add several extensions or add-ons.

Each extension adds new functionality, burdening the system’s resources and slowing page loads. Poorly optimized or out-of-date extensions can significantly slow down the loading of online pages and the browser’s launch, ruining the surfing experience.

Cache and Cookies

Edge’s cache and cookie storage can build up a significant amount of data over time, which could result in slower loading speeds. The browser’s cache on the user’s device keeps local copies of web page components such as pictures, stylesheets, and scripts.

As a result, it takes less time to browse previously visited websites and less time to download all the material each time a page is loaded. On the other hand, A large amount of cached data might take up a lot of disk space and make it take the browser longer to get the data for fresh websites.

Software Updates

While routine software updates are necessary to keep a browser safe and effective, they may cause unexpected performance problems. New bugs or compatibility issues might appear when updates are released, slowing the browser’s responsiveness and loading time.

While consumers may experience minor slowdowns in surfing performance during these transition periods, these upgrades are essential for improving security and feature sets.

Hardware Acceleration

The rendering performance of Microsoft Edge is improved by using hardware acceleration, which takes advantage of the device’s existing graphics capabilities. Using this option will often result in a significant increase in browsing speed.

However, some computers may experience problems with particular graphics drivers, which may slow loading times and affect overall performance. Such conflicts may prevent the browser from fully utilizing the hardware’s capabilities, decreasing browsing responsiveness.

Internet Connection and Server Response

The speed of a user’s internet connection significantly impacts how quickly Microsoft Edge loads. A shaky or unstable connection might cause delays when retrieving data from remote servers.

A bad internet connection is frequently blamed for slow-loading web pages and a generally unpleasant browsing experience because the browser’s loading speed is strongly related to the server’s response time. Network congestion and signal strength affect connection quality and surfing speed.

Antivirus and Security Software

Microsoft Edge may interact with third-party antivirus and security products, changing how well it works. Although these tools are essential for protecting against online attacks, they may cause page loading delays as they check web pages for possible risks or validate security certifications.

When a user visits a website with a complex security architecture, the additional security precautions can occasionally lengthen the time it takes for the browser to load the page.

Inefficient Website Coding

Although Microsoft Edge is built to support current web standards, it may only correctly optimize some websites. Websites with poor coding may include incompatible components with Edge’s rendering engine, resulting in slower loading times and overall performance degradation.

Users may see delays while waiting for webpages to load because the browser needs help appropriately interpreting and rendering the content. Elements like excessive scripting, poor CSS use, or significant media assets may cause ineffective website code.

Background Processes

Edge’s loading time might be impacted by concurrent background activities or operations using up important system resources on a device. For instance, background software updates, system checks, or other programs may take resources away from the browser, resulting in slower page loading and declining overall performance.

Particularly on devices with constrained hardware capabilities, users may see a more noticeable impact on Edge’s loading speeds if they have a lot of background operations running.

Hardware Limitations

Microsoft Edge may need help loading rapidly on older or less capable computers, especially when managing several tabs or media-rich material. A lack of memory and processing power can slow down the browser’s performance, causing it to load pages more slowly and respond less quickly.

Suppose a user’s device is older or their hardware configuration is less powerful. In that case, they may notice that Edge experiences more frequent slowdowns when they access the web using that user’s device.

How to Fix the Slow Loading Problem of Microsoft Edge?

You can fix it by reducing the demand for system resources, limiting the extensions, clearing the cache, using recent software versions, updating graphics drivers, upgrading connections, selecting a performance mode emphasizing system, decreasing background processes, and limiting the open tabs.

Here are some solutions to why Microsoft Edge loads so slowly:

Reducing The Demand For System Resources

Users may utilize various techniques to improve Microsoft Edge’s speed and deal with resource-related issues that result in delayed loading times. The first step in reducing the demand for system resources is to modify some particular resource-demanding features in the browser’s settings.

Users may create a smoother and quicker surfing experience by turning off or restricting animations and other visually taxing elements. Managing the number of open tabs to save memory and CPU is also crucial. Arranging active tabs and closing inactive ones speeds up Edge.

Users with hardware-restricted devices may see a substantial improvement in Edge’s performance, eliminating perceptible sluggishness during browsing sessions, by upgrading to more powerful hardware elements, such as boosting RAM or upgrading the CPU.

Limiting The Number Of Extensions

Users should be careful when adding extensions and add-ons to Edge to increase speed and simplify performance. Limiting the number of extensions to only those considered necessary can lessen the impact on system resources.

Regular evaluation and update of extensions ensure they’re still performance- and Edge-compatible with the most recent release. The loading and startup timings of the browser may also be improved by removing old or poorly designed add-ons, making surfing more seamless and pleasurable.

Clear Cache And Cookies

Users should regularly clean their browser’s cache and cookies to alleviate delayed loading speeds caused by accumulated cached data. By doing this, they free up priceless storage space and make it possible for Edge to collect new data while loading web pages more quickly.

You can change cache settings to strike a compromise between performance and storage use. It ensures a neat and practical surfing experience, enabling regularly visited websites to load quickly.

Always Use The Most Recent Versions of software 

Software updates can occasionally result in brief slowdowns, even though they are necessary for improving security and functionality. Microsoft Edge must run at its best to always use the most recent versions.

These updates frequently include performance improvements and bug fixes that take care of problems and better surfing in general. Microsoft encourages users to report any performance issues they experience following upgrades, allowing prompt fixes and enhancing the browser’s responsiveness.

Updating Graphics Drivers 

Updating graphics drivers resolves hardware acceleration problems. Users should often check Windows Update or the website of their hardware vendor for the most recent graphics driver upgrades. Updating graphics drivers prevents issues that slow Edge loading times and performance.

When consumers utilize hardware acceleration yet experience graphical hiccups or hardware-related slowdowns, temporarily turning off the functionality might be a diagnostic tool to see if it improves browsing performance. Users can force Edge to use software rendering by disabling hardware acceleration.

Upgrade To a Reliable Internet Connection 

A unstable or inconsistent internet connection can impact Edge’s loading times in numerous ways. Users can get a more constant and reliable connection by choosing a cable connection over Wi-Fi whenever feasible. Due to their reliability and speed, ethernet connections help Edge load pages faster than wireless ones.

Solving network congestion and signal strength concerns is critical if you’re experiencing slow-loading web pages. You can fix connectivity issues by contacting the internet service provider or improve data transfer effectiveness by considering network optimization technologies.

Select A Performance Mode Emphasizing System

Although security software is necessary to protect against online dangers, users may minimize how it affects Edge’s performance. It’s crucial to pick renowned security software that doesn’t significantly slow down browsers.

Users can select a performance mode emphasizing system efficiency above thorough security checks in many antivirus and security software solutions. You can achieve a pleasant surfing experience by adjusting the settings of these security technologies to lessen their influence on page loading while maintaining security.

Reducing The Number Of Background Processes

Reducing the number of concurrent background processes and open programs can improve Edge’s loading time. Users should often check the task manager or system monitor to spot resource-hungry programs that can hurt Edge’s performance.

Non-essential background activities can be disabled or rescheduled to free up vital system resources, resulting in faster page loading and a better surfing experience overall. Users should be aware of automated background processes such as software updates, system checks, or other background programs, especially when surfing.

Limiting The Number Of Open Tabs

Limiting the number of open tabs and active programs will improve Edge’s performance for users with slower speeds on older or less capable hardware because less stress is placed on the hardware, and browsing sessions load and respond more quickly.

Users should consider upgrading to more powerful hardware for a more noticeable and long-lasting boost, which can significantly increase Edge’s performance and reduce hardware-related restrictions.

Conclusion

There are several causes behind Microsoft Edge’s sluggish loading speed. Due to its extensive feature set, the browser uses many system resources, including CPU and memory. Despite their increasing popularity, extensions, and add-ons can strain the system and cause slower page loading, especially if they are old or poorly optimized.

Hardware-related conflicts can be resolved by upgrading graphics drivers and software, ensuring that hardware acceleration performs at its best. By favoring wired connections over Wi-Fi and taking steps to solve network congestion and signal strength concerns, users may also increase the stability and dependability of their internet connection.

Users may apply several techniques to solve these problems and improve Microsoft Edge’s performance. By altering particular resource-demanding features in the browser’s settings and controlling the number of open tabs, they can lower the demand for the system’s resources.

Reducing the number of extensions and periodically upgrading them can improve performance and startup times. With Microsoft Edge, users may enjoy a quicker, more responsive browsing experience, making their online experience more effective and entertaining.

Other Browser Topics:

Why Does Chrome Consumes So Much Ram?

Why Does Chrome Keep Signing Me Out?

Why Does Chrome Use So Much CPU In The Background?