How to Make Microsoft Edge Faster and Use Less RAM

Microsoft Edge is a fast browser, but many users complain that it uses too much RAM and becomes slow over time. High memory usage can slow down your entire computer, especially if you keep many tabs open.

In this guide, you will learn the best ways to make Microsoft Edge faster and reduce its RAM usage in 2026.

Why Does Microsoft Edge Use So Much RAM?

Microsoft Edge uses a lot of memory because it runs each tab and extension in separate processes. While this improves stability, it also increases RAM consumption. Too many open tabs, heavy extensions, and background processes are the main reasons behind high memory usage.

Method 1: Close Unused Tabs and Extensions

The easiest way to reduce RAM usage is to close tabs and extensions you don’t need.

• Use the Sleeping tabs feature in Edge to automatically put inactive tabs to sleep.
• Go to Settings > System and performance and turn on Sleeping tabs.
• Set the time to 5 or 10 minutes for better results.

Method 2: Disable Unnecessary Extensions

Extensions can significantly increase memory usage.

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Extensions > Manage extensions.
3. Turn off or remove extensions you rarely use.

Only keep essential extensions like ad blockers or password managers.

Method 3: Clear Browsing Data Regularly

Cached data and cookies can slow down Edge over time.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Select Cached images and files and Cookies.
3. Click Clear now.

Do this at least once a week for better performance.

Method 4: Turn Off Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration sometimes causes high RAM usage.

1. Go to edge://settings/system.
2. Turn off the toggle for Use hardware acceleration when available.
3. Restart the browser.

Method 5: Use Efficiency Mode

Microsoft Edge has a built-in Efficiency mode that reduces resource usage.

1. Go to edge://settings/system.
2. Turn on Efficiency mode.
3. You can also enable it for specific tabs by right-clicking on them.

Method 6: Limit Background Apps and Processes

Edge runs many processes in the background.

1. Go to edge://settings/system.
2. Turn off Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.

Method 7: Switch to a Lighter Theme and Disable Visual Effects

Heavy themes and animations can increase memory usage.

• Use the default or a simple theme.
• Go to edge://settings/appearance and reduce animations if available.

Method 8: Update Microsoft Edge

Outdated versions of Edge often have performance issues.

1. Click the three dots.
2. Go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
3. Install any available updates.

Method 9: Use Vertical Tabs

Vertical tabs can help manage many open tabs more efficiently.

1. Click the vertical tabs icon in the top left.
2. This feature helps you organize tabs better and reduces lag.

Method 10: Reset Microsoft Edge Settings

If nothing works, resetting Edge can fix performance problems.

1. Go to edge://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their default values.
3. Restart the browser.

Bonus Tips to Keep Edge Fast

• Avoid opening too many tabs at once.
• Use the Collections feature instead of keeping many tabs open.
• Install a good ad blocker to reduce background scripts.
• Keep your Windows system updated.

Conclusion

Microsoft Edge can be made much faster and use less RAM by following the methods mentioned above. Start with disabling unnecessary extensions and turning on Efficiency mode. These simple changes can make a big difference in your browsing experience.