Microsoft Edge is a popular web browser used by millions of people around the world. It offers a range of features and tools that make it a convenient and efficient tool for browsing the internet.

However, if you’ve been experiencing slow performance with Microsoft Edge, it can be frustrating and impact your productivity. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to fix the problem and optimize your browsing experience.

In this article, we will explore the most effective methods to speed up Microsoft Edge and get it running smoothly.

Method 1: Clear Cache and Cookies

One of the primary reasons for slow performance in Microsoft Edge is a build-up of cache and cookies. These files are stored on your computer and are used by the browser to remember website preferences and login information. However, over time, a large amount of cache and cookies can slow down the browser’s performance. To fix this problem, you can clear the cache and cookies by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on “Privacy, search, and services” in the left-hand menu.

Step 4: Scroll down to “Clear browsing data” and click on the “Choose what to clear” button.

Step 5: Check the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”

Step 6: Click on the “Clear now” button.

Once you’ve cleared your cache and cookies, you should notice an improvement in Microsoft Edge’s performance. You may also need to log back into some of your accounts, as the browser will no longer remember your login information.

Method 2: Disable Extensions

Extensions are add-ons that you can install in Microsoft Edge to enhance its functionality. While these extensions can be useful, they can also slow down the browser’s performance. If you’re experiencing slow performance with Microsoft Edge, it’s worth checking whether any of your extensions are causing the problem. Here’s how to disable extensions:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Extensions” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Find the extension you want to disable and click on the toggle switch to turn it off.

Step 4: Repeat this process for any other extensions you want to disable.

Disabling extensions can help speed up Microsoft Edge and improve its performance. If you find that disabling an extension solves the problem, you may want to consider uninstalling it altogether.

Method 3: Update Microsoft Edge

Microsoft regularly releases updates to Edge to improve its performance and fix bugs. If you’re using an older version of Microsoft Edge, it may be slower and less stable than the latest version. To update Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on “About Microsoft Edge” in the left-hand menu.

Step 4: Edge will automatically check for updates and install them if they’re available.

Once you’ve updated Microsoft Edge, you should notice an improvement in its performance. If you’re still experiencing slow performance after updating, there are other steps you can take to optimize the browser.

Method 4: Use a Different Search Engine

Microsoft Edge uses Bing as It’s the default search engine. While Bing is a good search engine, it may not be the best option for everyone.

If you find that your searches are taking a long time to load, you may want to try using a different search engine. Google is a popular option that many people prefer. Here’s how to change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on “Privacy, search, and services” in the left-hand menu.

Step 4: Scroll down to “Address bar and search” and click on “Manage search engines.”

Step 5: Find the search engine you want to use and click on the three dots next to it.

Step 6: Click on “Make default” to set it as your default search engine.

Using a different search engine can improve the speed and performance of Microsoft Edge, especially if you find that Bing is slow to load results.

Method 5: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is a feature in Microsoft Edge that uses your computer’s hardware to speed up browsing. While this can be useful, it can also cause slow performance if your computer’s hardware is not compatible.

If you’re experiencing slow performance with Microsoft Edge, it’s worth disabling hardware acceleration to see if it makes a difference.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on “System” in the left-hand menu.

Step 4: Scroll down to “Use hardware acceleration when available” and toggle the switch to the off position.

Disabling hardware acceleration can improve the performance of Microsoft Edge, especially if your computer’s hardware is not compatible.

Method 6: Reset Microsoft Edge

If none of the above methods have worked, you may need to reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings. This will erase all your browsing history, settings, and preferences, so make sure to back up any important data before resetting. Here’s how to reset Microsoft Edge:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on “Reset settings” in the left-hand menu.

Step 4: Click on the “Restore settings to their default values” button.

Step 5: Click on the “Reset” button.

Resetting Microsoft Edge will erase all your browsing history and preferences, but it can help improve its performance and speed.

Final Word

If you’re experiencing slow performance with Microsoft Edge, it can be frustrating and impact your productivity. However, there are several easy ways to fix the problem and optimize your browsing experience.

By clearing cache and cookies, disabling extensions, updating Microsoft Edge, using a different search engine, disabling hardware acceleration, and resetting Microsoft Edge, you can improve its speed and performance.

Try these methods and see which one works best for you. With a little bit of tweaking, you can enjoy a fast and efficient browsing experience with Microsoft Edge.