How do I stop MS Edge from running a bunch of subframes?

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How do I stop MS Edge from running a bunch of subframes?

Ken Kuffell 0

Every time I launch Edge it pegs my CPU for a long period of time and runs about 50 Subframes. Hos do I get this to stop?

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Answer 1

Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,755 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Ken Kuffell,

High CPU usage and excessive subframes in Microsoft Edge can be caused by a combination of browser settings, extensions, background processes, and even certain websites. Here are effective steps to reduce or eliminate this issue:

Disable Startup Boost

Startup Boost keeps Edge running in the background to launch faster, but it can spike CPU usage.

Go to: edge://settings/system
Inside "System", Toggle Startup Boost to Off

Disable Background Extensions and Apps

This prevents Edge from running tasks when closed.

In the same settings page, toggle “Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed” to Off

Enable Efficiency Mode

This mode reduces resource usage.

Go to: edge://settings/system
Inside "Performance", Enable Efficiency Mode

Clear Cache and Cookies

Corrupted or bloated cache can cause performance issues.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete
Select All time and clear Browsing history, Cookies, and Cached files

Disable or Remove Extensions

Some extensions may be poorly optimized or malicious.

Go to: edge://extensions
Disable or remove unnecessary extensions

Check Edge’s Task Manager

Identify which tabs or processes are consuming resources.

Press Shift + Esc in Edge to open its built-in Task Manager
Sort by CPU usage and close problematic tabs or extensions

Scan for Malware

Malware can hijack browser processes.

Open Windows Security
Run a Full Scan under Virus & threat protection

Update Edge

Ensure you're running the latest version with performance fixes.

Go to: edge://settings/help
Install any available updates

Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,755 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-07T06:13:24.6066667+00:00

Hello Ken Kuffell,

Let me know if you have any further question.
Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,755 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-11T09:19:54.06+00:00

Hello Ken Kuffell,

Just checking in, I haven’t heard from you in a while and wanted to make sure everything is going smoothly on your end. I completely understand how busy things can get or how priorities might shift unexpectedly. If you’re still running into the same issue or need any additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always here and happy to help whenever you need.

If you agree with our suggestion, feel free to interact with the system accordingly!
Ken Kuffell 0 Reputation points

2025-08-11T12:02:20.4433333+00:00

They have reduced some. I still have several that are there and don't think they should be running.
bheem pandey 0 Reputation points

2025-08-11T12:26:52.98+00:00

You can try disabling some background features that Edge uses for subframes, like preloading and startup boosts. Go to edge://settings/system and turn off Startup Boost and Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed. Also, in edge://settings/privacy, you might want to disable Preload pages for faster browsing and searching.

Some subframes are tied to features 18333511202 like extensions or the new sidebar tools, so check if disabling unnecessary extensions or side panel features helps. Unfortunately, Edge is pretty tightly integrated with these services, so you might not be able to eliminate all subframes unless you switch browsers or use Group Policy to restrict some behaviors.

Hope that helps!
Ken Kuffell 0 Reputation points

2025-08-11T12:32:14.92+00:00

I have those turned off already.
Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,755 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-12T02:42:08.8333333+00:00

Hello Ken Kuffell,

Glad to hear updates from you and know that the solution help reduce the excessive subframes. You mentioned that there are still several you don't think should be running, it is appreciated if you could provide more detail or the screenshot of the subframes so we can dive further in this.

Best regards.
Ken Kuffell 0 Reputation points

2025-08-12T10:52:42.52+00:00

I have these all running:
Damien Pham (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,755 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-13T02:49:25.83+00:00
Thank you for your screenshot, let go through each category:

1. Windows Command Processor

This represents the cmd.exe process. In the context of Edge, this could be launched by a legitimate extension, a web app, or certain developer tools.

If you did not intentionally run any command-line related actions or install software that uses it, I recommend checking your installed extensions and disabling any unrecognized ones. Unexpected instances of this process should be investigated.

2. Utility Processes

Wallet Service – Supports Microsoft Wallet and payment autofill.

Video Capture – Used when a page accesses your camera.

Storage Service – Handles browser storage (IndexedDB, Local Storage).

Search Indexer Service – Optimizes browser search functionality.

Network Service – Manages all network requests.

Audio Service – Handles audio playback.

These are built-in Edge components and are safe. They will appear when the related features are in use.

3. Subframes These are third-party iframes loaded by the websites you have open. In your screenshot:

lpsnmedia.net / liveperson.net – LivePerson chat support widget content.

inq.com – Messaging/engagement services.

googletagmanager.com – Google analytics and tag management scripts.

flashtalking.com / doubleclick.net / demdex.net – Advertising and tracking networks.

These are not harmful in themselves but are often used for analytics, ads, or tracking. If you prefer to limit this activity, you can use Edge’s built-in tracking prevention (Settings > Privacy, search, and services) or an extension such as an ad blocker.

4. Spare Renderer

A pre-warmed renderer process kept ready to speed up opening new tabs. This is expected behavior.

5. Service Worker (chrome-extension://…)

This belongs to an installed browser extension. Each extension has a unique ID. If you do not recognize the extension associated with this ID, review your installed extensions (Edge > Extensions) and remove any you don’t trust.

Recommendation:

Verify whether the Windows Command Processor instances are related to software you use.

Review and manage your installed extensions to ensure only trusted ones are present.

Adjust Edge’s Tracking Prevention to “Strict” if you want to reduce the number of advertising and tracking subframes.

Keep Edge updated to ensure you have the latest security protections.

If you have any further question, feel free to comment below.
Hoang Lam 20 Reputation points

2026-04-16T05:13:04.9666667+00:00

You can go settings- Privacy, search and services- Tracking prevention - turn on it and choose strict mode to reduce some subframes

Edit: I did it

Answer 2

Hoang Lam 20

But it is temporary...

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How do I stop MS Edge from running a bunch of subframes?

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