You turn on your PC and wait for it to load. Suddenly Microsoft Edge pops up and covers your whole screen. It is very annoying when this happens without permission. You can fix this issue quickly by changing a few settings in Windows. The most effective method is to go into your System Settings and find the Startup Apps menu. From there you simply find the browser in the list and toggle the switch to Off. This prevents the program from launching the moment you sign in. It gives you control over your desktop again.
Tutorial – How to stop Edge from opening on startup
We are going to look at the standard method to keep your browser closed when you boot up your computer. These steps access the main control panel of Windows to manage background programs. Following this guide will stop the browser from eating up your memory right away.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings menu on your computer.
You need to click the Start button in the bottom corner of your screen. Look for the icon that looks like a small gear or cog. Clicking this will open the main dashboard for your computer settings.
Step 2: Navigate to the Apps section in the menu list.
You will see a list of different categories like System or Devices. Locate the option that is labeled Apps. Click on it to see more options regarding your installed programs.
Step 3: Click on the Startup option at the bottom.
Look at the sidebar on the left side of the window. There is an option at the very bottom called Startup. This specific page controls what happens when your computer first wakes up.
Step 4: Scroll down until you find Microsoft Edge in the list.
You will see a list of every program that wants to start automatically. You might have to scroll down a bit to find the browser. Look for the familiar blue and green wave icon.
Step 5: Toggle the switch to the Off position.
There is a small switch to the right of the program name. Click it so it slides to the left and says Off. This tells Windows to ignore the browser during the boot process.
After you finish these steps your computer will behave differently the next time you turn it on. You will notice that the desktop loads without any windows popping up. This allows you to choose what you want to open first. It also helps your computer start up a little bit faster.
Tips for how to stop edge from opening on startup
- Check your browser settings specifically for a feature called Startup Boost. This feature keeps the browser running in the background to make it open faster. Turning this off inside the Edge settings menu can sometimes solve stubborn launch issues.
- Look at your Windows Spotlight images on the lock screen carefully. Sometimes clicking on the text or information on your lock screen will trigger the browser to open. Make sure you just click the background image or hit a key to log in.
- Inspect your Startup folder in the file explorer if the settings menu did not work. You can type “shell:startup” into the Run command box. If you see a shortcut for the browser in that folder you should delete it.
- Check the Task Manager for a different view of your startup items. You can press Control, Shift, and Escape at the same time to open this tool. Go to the Startup tab and disable the browser there if it is listed.
- Keep your Windows operating system updated to the latest version. Sometimes a bug in the system causes programs to launch when they should not. An update often contains the fix for these unexpected behaviors.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the browser open by itself?
It usually opens because it is set as a high-priority startup item by default. Microsoft wants you to use their browser so they make it easy to access. Sometimes it also opens to finish setting up your device after an update.
Will disabling it affect my computer performance?
Yes it will actually help your performance. When fewer programs run at startup your computer reaches a usable state faster. It frees up memory for the things you actually want to do.
Can I still use the browser if I disable it?
You can absolutely still use it whenever you want. Disabling the startup launch just means it waits for you to click it. It will function normally once you open it manually.
What if the switch is already turned off?
If the switch is off but it still opens check the browser settings. There is a setting called “Continue running background apps” that you should disable. You might also have a scheduled task triggering it.
Does this remove the browser from my computer?
No this process does not delete or uninstall anything. The program remains installed on your hard drive. You are simply telling it to wait for your command before launching.
Summary
- Open the Windows Settings menu on your computer.
- Navigate to the Apps section in the menu list.
- Click on the Startup option at the bottom.
- Scroll down until you find Microsoft Edge in the list.
- Toggle the switch to the Off position.
Conclusion
Taking control of your computer is a very satisfying feeling. It is your machine and it should only do what you tell it to do. When programs open automatically it can feel like an invasion of your space. It distracts you from the task you sat down to complete. By following the steps above you have reclaimed those first few moments of your computing session. You no longer have to waste time closing windows you did not ask for.
This also helps your computer run smoother over time. Every program that launches during the boot process uses up valuable system resources like RAM and processor power. By limiting these automatic processes you ensure your computer focuses its energy on what matters. If you ever decide you want the browser to launch instantly again you can simply reverse the steps.
Remember that technology should serve you and not the other way around. It is important to check your startup settings every few months. New programs often try to sneak into that list without you noticing. Keeping that list clean is the best way to maintain a fast and responsive system. Now you know exactly how to stop Edge from opening on startup so you can enjoy a clean desktop every time you log in.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.