Edge Efficiency Mode: What is it & How to Enable it

Do you use Microsoft’s browser Edge and are looking for ways to optimize your power usage? If so, you’re in for a treat because the browser has an Efficiency Mode built-in feature.

Toggling this function to ON will cause the inactive tabs to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity. That will save resources, especially memory and CPU load. However, it will also cause a lack of video streaming and animation performance. The option will also save battery life, so it’s perfect if you’re on a laptop far from an outlet.

Even if there are quite a few great browsers for the new OS, that are highly customizable, it is up to you to quickly learn how to fix Microsoft Edge problems on Windows 11.

And now, it seems like we’re going somewhere with this. In an April 2023 update of Edge, Microsoft revved up the Efficiency Mode, which now includes two options called balanced savings or maximum savings. 

For those looking to enable this new feature and speed up your Windows 11 PC while browsing the web, here’s how you can turn on the new Efficiency mode in Microsoft Edge.

If you’re not an Insider, we still have some tips and a solution to speed up your Edge browser as it is, so read on.

How do I optimize Microsoft Edge in Windows 11?

1. Turn on the Efficiency mode

1. Click on the Menu button (the three horizontal dots) and select Settings.
2. Now click on System and performance from the left pane and toggle on the Efficiency mode.

If you’re an insider running the latest Edge Canary build, you can also include the Efficiency mode button in the taskbar.

All you need to do is enter Settings, then select the Appearance option from the left, then scroll down and toggle on the Show performance button option.

The button will instantly appear in the toolbar so you can activate and deactivate the function quickly, without going through the Settings menu ever again.

NOTE

This solution is available only for the Insiders running the Edge Canary build 93.0.956.0 and up, so if you’re an insider, update your browser now.

2. Modify the System and Performance settings

1. Open Edge and click on the horizontal three-dots menu at the top right corner to open Settings.
2. From the left sidebar, select System.
3. Now, make sure you toggle the Startup boost and Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed to off, and turn on the hardware acceleration the Save resources with sleeping tabs and Fade sleeping tabs.
4. You can also toggle the sleep time for the inactive tabs below to a lower time, let’s say 15 minutes, after which they will be set to sleep and save the resources in the process.

We recommend setting up the System and Performance settings for those running the stable build. This way. you can rest assured that you have the best configuration for your browser.

As you can see, the steps above are easy to follow, and your browser can sometimes speed up visibly after such a task. Clearing cache and cookies can also help optimize your Edge browser.

Best tips on how to increase browsing efficiency:

No matter what browser you’re using, we’ve gathered a few valuable tricks that will help you achieve improved browsing results:

• Keep a minimum of tabs open at all times. They will consume resources; even if you’re not using them, they will stay active.
• The fewer add-ons and extensions, the better because they use up your RAM memory, which will lead to a slower browser.
• Delete cache and browser data regularly because they clutter your browser and system.
• If possible, don’t use a proxy or a VPN. Although they will protect your privacy, they can sometimes slow down your connection speed.

Hope you found what you were looking for and that you can finally take advantage of the highest efficiency settings in Windows 11. Even more, you can check out our guide on best DualSense Edge settings for FPS and remap all the buttons on your controller.

After all, you know how Windows 11 compares to Windows 10, and it’s only natural to be eager to enjoy the latest improvements in terms of design, performance, and more.

What’s your way of optimizing Edge?