How to Enable or Disable Open Microsoft Edge at Startup in Windows 11
Open Microsoft Edge at startup settings in Windows 11 let you stop the built-in web browser from launching automatically every time your PC turns on. Microsoft Edge is the default program for browsing the internet on Windows 11, but having it open on its own can slow down your boot time.
You can change this behavior in just a few clicks by updating your system settings or using the Task Manager . These simple fixes work for individual user accounts or all profiles on your PC so you stay in control of what runs when you start your computer.
To enable or disable Microsoft Edge opening at startup, open Edge, go to Settings Start, home, and new tabs, and toggle the ‘On Windows device start’ option. This personal setting affects only your user account.
Change Your Personal Edge Startup Setting
Open Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge opens on your computer. You can find the Microsoft Edge program in your Start menu or on your taskbar . Opening Microsoft Edge allows you to access web pages.
Go to Edge Settings
With Edge open, locate the three dots (...) in the top-right corner. Click these dots, then select ‘Settings’ from the list that appears. This is where you can modify many browser options.
Find Startup Settings
In the Settings menu, look for ‘Start, home, and new tabs’ on the left side. If that menu option is hidden, expand the window. You might need to click the three lines (☰) in the top-left corner of the Edge window. Sometimes, making the window wider by dragging its sides also helps.
Turn the Startup Option On or Off
Control Microsoft Edge startup behavior directly from your Windows settings. Find the setting labeled 'On Windows device start, automatically open Edge when you sign into Windows'. Flip the toggle to 'On' to launch the browser at login, or 'Off' to keep it closed.
Close Settings
You can now close the Settings tab in Edge, or close the browser entirely. Your adjustment is saved automatically.
Control Edge Startup for Everyone (Requires Admin Rights)
If you need to control whether Microsoft Edge opens at startup for all users on a computer, you can use a more advanced method that requires administrator rights. This method uses a Registry file (a specialized text file with a .reg extension) to apply settings across the entire device.
This option utilizes a policy setting for Microsoft Edge, which allows computer administrators to control how applications function. It works with newer versions of Edge (version 152 and above).
Choose What You Want to Do
When using advanced settings to manage Microsoft Edge startup, you generally have three main options. You can choose to enable Edge to open automatically for all users, disable it from opening for everyone, or reset the setting to default, which allows each user to manage Edge startup individually through their own settings.
- Enable Edge to open at startup for all users.
- Disable Edge from opening at startup for all users.
- Reset to default. This lets each user control Edge startup through their own Edge settings, like we showed earlier.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge. This is the path where Windows looks for rules that govern how apps behave. The setting being changed is LaunchEdgeOnWindowsStartupEnabled. Setting it to 1 enables it. Setting it to 0 disables it. If you remove this setting entirely, it reverts to the default, allowing each user to manage it independently.Summary
You can control whether Microsoft Edge opens automatically when you start Windows. For a personal preference, use the Edge settings menu. For a setting that applies to all users on a computer, you can employ advanced techniques involving policy settings, which require administrator privileges.
How do I turn off Microsoft Edge first start?
Click User Configuration/Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge. Double-click Hide the First-run experience and splash screen .
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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