How To Stop Edge From Running in the Background.
Most chrome-based browsers run in the background even when the browser is closed or minimized. This usually helps to display notifications, keep downloads active, or sometimes use extensions. However, more often than not, it can slow down your computer and drain your laptop battery. Here’s how to stop all web browsers from running in the background.
Before we start
Make sure you check for extensions and web applications , which may not work if we disable background usage. For example, I am using an extension called Chromethane. This extension redirects search queries on the Start menu from Bing to Google. Because the extension actively monitors Start menu requests, the browser instance is active even when the browser is closed.
If you’re using similar extensions that require the browser to stay awake in order for them to work, don’t move on. However, if you don’t have such a dependency, here’s how to do it.
Turn Edge off in the background
To prevent Edge from running in the background, look for the Edge icon in the taskbar or bottom toolbar. Right click on the Edge icon and you will see the extension or name of the Chrome app in the context menu. In my case, you can see the “Chrometana – Redirect Bing Somewhere Better” extension running in the background.
On the shortcut menu, uncheck “Allow Microsoft Edge to run in the background” to disable Edge running in the background.
Or, if you can’t find the notification on the taskbar because you’ve already logged out of your browser, don’t worry. There is another way. Go to the Edge browser and type “edge: // settings” in the Edge omnibox.
On the settings page, click the System tab.
On the System tab, turn off the “Keep background apps running when closing Microsoft Edge” switch.
Once you’ve done this, Edge won’t launch the web app or extension in the background. However, if you install an extension or app that needs to run in the background, the “Continue running background apps when closing Microsoft Edge” switch will be turned on again.
Other browsers
Google Chrome and other Chromium browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, etc. have a similar process as Edge. If you are using Mozilla Firefox or Opera, there is no way to stop background usage. In fact, Mozilla Firefox and Opera do not support web applications and do not run in the background at all.
Closing words
These were ways to disable browsers in the background in Windows 10. If you have any further problems or questions, let me know in the comments below.
Also read: How to protect your Google Chrome browser