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Why might MS Edge be running more processes than are visible and I can see that are installed? It is consuming a lot of memory.

Anonymous
2023-10-16T03:20:49+00:00

I have noticed that MS Edge is consuming a lot of memory. It seems to possibly do so increasingly after updates.

I have recently removed cache from it to try to solve the problem; yet it doesn't fix it. For instance, right now I have about 4 tabs open, and 7 extensions, and it has alternated between 27 and 30 processes in the Task Manager.

I also would like to see if there is anything I can do besides removing the extensions that I may not have done.

It seems to be slowing down my system when I am running it.

Microsoft Edge | Speed and responsiveness | Windows 10

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-10-17T06:30:10+00:00

    Hi JoshuaCaleb，

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    Microsoft Edge uses a multi-process architecture to enhance stability and security. Each tab, extension, and plugin runs in its own separate process. This design allows better isolation between tasks, preventing one misbehaving tab or extension from crashing the entire browser. Therefore, it's normal for Edge to have multiple processes running, even if you have only a few tabs open.

    However, if you're experiencing significant memory usage and slowdowns, here are a few things you can consider:

    1. Check Memory Usage: Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check which tabs or extensions are consuming the most memory. This can help you identify if a specific website or extension is causing the issue.
    2. Disable Extensions: Some extensions can be resource-intensive. Try disabling extensions one by one to see if any specific one is causing the memory usage problem.
    3. Update Edge: Make sure you're using the latest version of Microsoft Edge. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
    4. Reset Edge Settings: You can reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings, which can resolve issues caused by custom settings or configurations.
      • Open Edge.
      • Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to open the menu.
      • Go to Settings > Reset settings.
      • Click "Restore settings to their default values" and confirm. Disclaimer: Your browser automatically saves temporary internet files to help pages load faster. Clearing this cache will sometimes fix website issues. Please back up all your personal files first, such as Favorites, to ensure you do not lose data.
    5. Clear Browsing Data: Regularly clear your browsing history, cache, and cookies. Over time, these files can accumulate and slow down the browser. Disclaimer: Your browser automatically saves temporary internet files to help pages load faster. Clearing this cache will sometimes fix website issues. Please back up all your personal files first, such as Favorites, to ensure you do not lose data.
    6. Check for Malware: Sometimes, malware or malicious extensions can cause excessive resource usage. Run a full antivirus scan to ensure your system is clean.
    7. Hardware Limitations: If your system has limited RAM, running multiple applications alongside a browser with several tabs and extensions can cause performance issues. Consider upgrading your system's RAM if this is the case.
    8. Use Lightweight Extensions: Some extensions are more lightweight than others. If you find alternatives that serve the same purpose but use fewer resources, consider switching to them.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave us a message.

    Best regards

    Brandon | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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