How to Manage Edge Background Extensions and Apps

This article describes steps to turn on or off extensions and apps running in the background when the Microsoft Edge browser is closed.

The Microsoft Edge browser is the default browser in Windows 11. However, users can switch to their preferred or favorite browser anytime. Edge is based on Chromium, similar to Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers today.

Extensions and apps will run in the background by default, even when the Edge browser is closed. When this feature is enabled, the Microsoft Edge browser processes will start when signing in to your desktop and continue to run even when you close the browser.

Users may manually stop running processes from the Edge icon on the system tray if needed. However, you can also turn off the feature if you don’t want Edge processes running, even if the browser is closed.

Stop extensions and apps running in the background with Microsoft Edge

As described above, users may enable or disable extensions and apps running in the background when the Microsoft Edge browser is closed.

Here’s how to do that.

First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.

Then click on Setting and more (Alt+F) 3 horizontal dots button on the top right corner and select Settings.

Next, click on System and performance on the left menu.

On the Settings -> System and performance settings pane, under the System section, toggle the button on the tile that says “Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is Closed” to On or Off.

If off, Edge will disable all extensions and apps running in the background when the browser is closed. If enabled, extensions and apps will continue to run in the background even when Edge is closed.

Turn on or off running background extensions and apps in Edge

Alternatively, users can use the Windows registry to turn on or off apps and extensions running in the background when the Edge browser is closed.

Open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path listed below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

If you don’t see the Edge folder key, right-click on the Microsoft parent key, then create the subkey (Edge) folder.

Right-click on the Edge folder key’s right pane and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Type a new key named BackgroundModeEnabled.

Double-click the new value name (BackgroundModeEnabled) and enter the Value data of 1 to continue running extensions and apps in the background even when the Edge browser is closed.

A Value data 0 will disable running apps and extensions when the Edge browser is closed.

That should do it. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Conclusion:

• The article provides clear steps to enable or disable running background apps and extensions in the Microsoft Edge browser, offering multiple methods.
• Users can manage this feature directly within the browser settings or utilize the Windows Registry for more advanced control.
• The instructions are accompanied by illustrative images, ensuring a user-friendly experience for readers.
• Additional feedback and contributions from readers are welcomed through the provided comment section to enhance the content further.