Why Is Microsoft Edge So Slow? (9 Reasons Why)

I think we can all agree how frustrating it is when you are just trying to get your work done, but your browser is working at the pace of a turtle stomping through peanut butter. 

If you can relate, you’re probably wondering: why is your default browser, Microsoft Edge, working so slowly? If so, this article provides 9 reasons why your internet browser might be having problems, so keep reading to learn more!

Why Is Microsoft Edge So Slow?


1. Microsoft Edge Extensions Can Make Your Browser Run Slow

Browser extensions or add-ons are a great way to customize your web browser and make it more efficient.

However, if you aren’t careful, you can end up adding too many, which can slow down your browser tremendously. 

You can try fixing this by following the below steps to disable extensions or add-ons:

  1. Type “edge://extensions/” into the address bar and click “Enter.”
  2. Browse the installed Edge Browser extensions.
  3. Turn off or Remove any unnecessary extensions.

2. There Might Be Too Much Cache and Browser History on Your Device

Something else that might be the cause of Microsoft Edge running so slowly is having a ton of cookies and a large browsing history.

Too much data stored in your browser’s cache can lead to slower than normal performance.

While this data can sometimes be helpful in loading websites faster, it can also be the opposite when there are too many. 

So, you might want to try clearing them by following these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Type “edge://settings/clearBrowserData” into the address bar and press “Enter.”
  3. Click “All Time” from the drop-down menu of “Time Range.”
  4. Check the Browsing history, Cookies, Caches, and any other options that you wish to clear.
  5. Press “Clear” then wait for Microsoft Edge to work faster.

3. You Might Have a Bad Internet Connection

When Microsoft Edge is working slower than normal, you may want to check your internet connection. 

However, if you aren’t successful in finding any problems, you might want to run an internet connection troubleshooter.

4. You Might Have Too Many Background Apps Running

If you find that MS Edge is running slower than normal, you might want to consider checking to see if you have any unnecessary background apps running.

If you do, you’ll want to turn them off, which you can do by following the steps below:

  1. Press Windows + I.
  2. Click “Privacy.”
  3. Shift to Background apps.
  4. Turn off all apps that are unnecessary.

5. You Might Need to Reset Microsoft Edge

You Might Need to Reset Microsoft Edge

Resetting MS Edge might be necessary if the browser isn’t running as fast as you would like. You can do this by following these steps:

  1. While in MS Edge, go to edge://settings/resetProfileSettings.
  2. Click “Reset” and wait until your browser starts working faster.

If you find yourself needing to reset or repair Windows, you will want to follow these instructions:

  1. Close MS Edge.
  2. Press the Windows key + S.
  3. Type Apps & features and press “Enter.”
  4. Select “Microsoft Edge.”
  5. Press “Advanced Options.”
  6. Click “Reset” or “Repair.”

6. You Probably Have Tracking Prevention Mode Turned On

If you have the new Edge browser installed on your PC, it automatically comes with a new feature called Tracking Prevention. 

This privacy-focused feature has the ability to block third-party trackers from collecting your data as you browse the internet. 

Although this feature can help improve your browsing privacy, it can also slow down Microsoft Edge. 

The reason it can make it slow is that your browser has to do more work to block the trackers, especially if you use the “Strict” mode.

You can change this in your Settings application by clicking “Privacy, Search, and Services.” 

Under this section, you can find three basic tracking prevention modes to choose from.

7. You Might Need to Update Your Browser

If you are using an older version of Microsoft Edge, this could be an explanation for your computer’s slow performance. 

Older versions of the browser can become extremely outdated over time and can cause you to not be able to take full advantage of the latest web technologies. 

In order to check for updates in MS Edge, you will want to go into your PC settings and click “About Microsoft Edge.”

This will show you if there is an update available. Click on it to start downloading and installing any required updates.

8. Your Device Might Just Be Old

Unfortunately, if your device is even just a few years old, it can sometimes be considered as outdated and might work slower than newer devices.

This is because technology is constantly changing and growing, leaving older devices behind, and making them work slower in the fast-moving technology world.

9. Your Device Might Be Infected With a Virus

If your device is infected with a virus, it may cause Microsoft Edge to run slower than usual. Therefore, you will want to be sure to run some tests and see if your PC has been infected.

There are many different websites that offer free virus scans; just be sure to check and make sure they are reliable before you use them. Otherwise, you could make the situation worse. 

To know more, you can also read our posts on why Microsoft bought Minecraft, why Microsoft bought Nokia, and why Microsoft bought LinkedIn.

Conclusion 

There are countless reasons as to why Microsoft Edge may be running slower than normal on your computer, whether you have issues with your device, your device’s system, or even just your internet connection. 

Luckily, some of these causes can be easily fixed just by adjusting your settings or resetting parts of your computer. 

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Mackenzie Jerks

Mackenzie is a freelance writer and editor, published author, and music enthusiast who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. When she’s not writing, Mackenzie is either wrapped up in a book, discovering new music, or introducing herself to a new fitness regimen.

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