Excessive memory consumption can slow down your computer and hinder your browsing experience. In this article, we will explore eight effective solutions to address high memory usage errors in Microsoft Edge.
Contents
1. Initial Checks
Troubleshoot with simple initial checks to fix the high memory usage errors in Microsoft Edge before you round off to more complex solutions. Active downloads, multiple open tabs, and an outdated Edge browser could be the problem. Therefore, simply;
- Pause Downloads.
- Close tabs that aren’t in use.
- Ensure that the browser is up-to-date.
2. Enable the Efficiency Mode
Edge efficiency mode aims to minimize power consumption by decreasing resource utilization. When activated, this mode places inactive tabs into a dormant state and optimizes the activities of the active tabs to maintain minimal memory usage, thereby lowering overall memory consumption.
- Click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
- Select the Settings option from the displayed list.
- Click on the System and Performance tab displayed on the left.
- Under Optimize Performance, turn on the toggle next to Efficiency Mode and select the Maximum Savings mode. Also, ensure the toggles next to save resources with sleeping tabs and Fade sleeping tabs are turned on.
READ ALSO: How to Add Internet Download Manager to Microsoft Edge
3. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Enabling hardware acceleration in Edge can enhance specific tasks and enhance the overall user experience. However, there are instances where it may lead to a significant increase in Edge’s memory usage on Windows. To investigate potential improvements, you can experiment by disabling this feature.
Within Microsoft Edge, input edge://settings/system into the top address bar and hit Enter. Subsequently, disable the toggle beside ‘Use hardware acceleration when available.’ Restart the Edge browser to observe if this resolves the issue.
4. Disable Startup Boost
Microsoft Edge incorporates a functionality known as startup boost, designed to accelerate the browser’s launch by pre-loading essential processes during system startup. This enhances the browsing experience on your Windows PC by reducing the time it takes to open Edge. Nevertheless, the pre-loading mechanism can lead to increased RAM usage and utilization of other system resources.
To deactivate the startup boost feature in Microsoft Edge, initiate the process by entering edge://settings/system into the address bar located at the top of the browser. After entering the address, press Enter. Subsequently, disable the startup boost by toggling the switch next to ‘Startup boost.’ This action will help alleviate potential concerns related to elevated RAM consumption caused by the pre-loading function.
5. Disable Browser Extensions
Disable all browser extensions and check if the issue is resolved. If it is, it indicates that one or more extensions are utilizing excessive memory. To identify the problematic extension, re-enable all extensions and disable them one at a time. During this process, monitor the memory usage in the browser’s task manager.
If turning off a specific extension leads to a sudden decrease in memory usage, that extension is the culprit. Keep that extension disabled or consider removing it permanently.
6. Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware or viruses can cause abnormal memory usage. Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus program to detect and remove any malicious software that might be affecting Microsoft Edge’s performance.
7. Delete Browser Cache
A substantial accumulation of browsing data often serves as a common culprit for various browser-related glitches. Therefore, it is advisable to clear the existing cache and browser data whenever Microsoft Edge exhibits unusual behavior on a Windows system.
To initiate this process, use the Ctrl + Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut to access the ‘Clear browsing data’ panel. Within this panel, select the checkbox labeled ‘Cached images and files’ and proceed to click on the ‘Clear now’ button.
However, exercising caution is necessary if you opt for the ‘Cookies and other Site Data’ option, as this choice will log you out from all visited sites and erase login credentials. Consequently, you will need to manually input these details or retrieve them from the browser’s built-in password manager. This approach ensures a more streamlined and error-free browsing experience on Microsoft Edge.
Wrap-up: By following these solutions, you can effectively address high memory usage errors in Microsoft Edge and enjoy a smoother browsing experience. Regularly maintaining and optimizing your browser settings will contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable online experience.