How to Enable or Disable Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

How to Turn On Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge

Open the Registry Editor (a database for low-level system settings) to configure the policy.

Step 1Open the Registry Editor

Registry Editor (a tool for changing low-level system settings) opens through the Windows search menu when you need to configure edge process isolation. Administrator privileges are required to modify system settings. Click Start ⊞, type regedit, right-click the result, and select run as administrator to get started.

• Click the Start button ⊞ or press the Win on your keyboard.
• Type regedit into the search 🔍 box.
• You’ll see “Registry Editor” in the search 🔍 results. Right-click on 🖱️ it.
• Choose “Run as administrator”. You need special permission to make the changes we’re about to do.
• If a box pops up asking “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”, click Yes.

This ensures you have the necessary permissions.

Step 2Go to the Right Place in the Registry

Registry keys (folders in the registry database) contain the specific location you need to reach for edge process isolation. Navigate through the left-hand pane of the Registry Editor window to find the correct folder path for Microsoft Edge. This directs your changes to the right part of the system.

Within the Registry Editor window, examine the left-hand pane. The left pane displays folders known as keys in the registry.

You can expand folders in the registry editor by clicking the plus sign (+) next to each folder. This action opens the contents of that specific folder so you can see the files and subfolders within it. Following this method allows you to reach the intended registry path, for example, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Step 3Create or Change the 'ProcessIsolationEnabled' Setting

Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value (a setting type used in the registry) to apply the policy. Right-click an empty space on the right side of the window, choose new, and select DWORD (32-bit) value. Name this exact item ProcessIsolationEnabled and press Enter on your keyboard.

• With the Edge key selected on the left side, look at the right side.
• Right-click on an empty space on the right side.
• Choose New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• A new item will show up. Name it exactly: ProcessIsolationEnabled
• Press Enter to confirm the name.
• Now, double-click the new ProcessIsolationEnabled value you just made.
• A small window will appear. In the "Value data" box, type 1.
• Make sure "Base" is set to Hexadecimal (it usually is already).
• Click OK.

Explanation:DWORD (32-bit) Value

This is a type of data within the Windows Registry. When set to 1, it instructs Microsoft Edge to enable Process Isolation.

Setting the ProcessIsolationEnabled value to 1 tells Microsoft Edge to turn ON Process Isolation.

Carefully verify that you have spelled "ProcessIsolationEnabled" correctly. A typo will prevent the setting from functioning.

Step 4Close the Registry Editor and Restart Edge

Microsoft Edge requires a complete restart to load your new edge process isolation settings after you edit the registry. Close out of the Registry Editor window and make sure every open window of the browser shuts down completely. Open the browser again to apply the changes.

• Close the Registry Editor window by clicking the 'X' in the top-right corner.
• If Microsoft Edge is open, close it completely. Make sure all Edge windows are shut.
• Now, open Microsoft Edge again. The new Process Isolation setting will be active.

Warning: If you don't close and reopen Edge, the change will not take effect until your computer is restarted and Edge is launched again.

How to Turn Off Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge

If you enabled Process Isolation and are experiencing issues with other applications, or if you decide you no longer need it, disabling it is a similar process.

Step 1Open the Registry Editor (as Administrator)

Follow the same steps as in Step 1 of the "Turn On" section to open the Registry Editor with administrator privileges.

• Click Start, type regedit.
• Right-click on Registry Editor and choose "Run as administrator".
• Click Yes on the UAC prompt if it shows up.

Step 2Go to the 'Edge' Registry Key

Navigate to the identical location as before:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Ensure the Edge key is selected in the left pane.

Step 3Change the 'ProcessIsolationEnabled' Setting

Value data (the numbers that control registry settings) lets you turn off edge process isolation when you change the entry to zero. Find the ProcessIsolationEnabled item on the right side of the screen and double-click it. Type 0 in the box, make sure the base is set to hexadecimal, and click OK.

• On the right side, find the ProcessIsolationEnabled value.
• Double-click on it.
• In the "Value data" box, type 0.
• Make sure the Base is set to Hexadecimal.
• Click OK.

Explanation:0

Setting the ProcessIsolationEnabled value to 0 tells Microsoft Edge to turn OFF Process Isolation.

Tip: To completely remove the setting, you can right-click on ProcessIsolationEnabled in the right pane and select 'Delete.' This will revert Edge to its default behavior for this feature, which may be enabled or disabled depending on Microsoft's current rollout strategy.

Step 4Close the Registry Editor and Restart Edge

Similar to when enabling the feature, you must restart Edge for the change to take effect.

• Close the Registry Editor.
• Make sure all Microsoft Edge windows are closed.
• Open Microsoft Edge again. Process Isolation should now be off.

Setting it Back to Default (Not Configured)

Occasionally, you might prefer to let Microsoft manage the Process Isolation setting through its updates. This is achieved by setting the policy to "Not Configured."

Step 1Open Registry Editor as Administrator

Administrator rights (permissions that let you change system files) are required to modify edge process isolation settings in the system registry. Click the Start button, type regedit, and right-click the result to choose run as administrator. Click Yes on the prompt that appears on your screen.

• Click Start, type regedit.
• Right-click on Registry Editor and choose "Run as administrator".
• Click Yes on the UAC prompt.

Step 2Go to the 'Edge' Key

Navigate to the familiar path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Ensure the Edge key is highlighted in the left pane.

Step 3Delete the 'ProcessIsolationEnabled' Setting

Registry deletion (removing a custom entry) returns your browser to the default behavior for edge process isolation. Find the ProcessIsolationEnabled value on the right side of the window, right-click it, and select delete. Confirm the action when the warning prompt pops up on your screen.

• On the right side, find the ProcessIsolationEnabled value.
• Right-click on ProcessIsolationEnabled.
• Choose Delete from the menu that appears.
• A warning will ask if you are sure you want to delete this value. Click Yes.

Explanation: By deleting the ProcessIsolationEnabled value, you remove the specific instruction given to Edge. Windows will then revert to its default behavior for this setting, which could mean it's on or off, depending on Microsoft's current deployment plan for this feature.

Tip: Deleting the value is the most effective way to reset it. This action ensures no manual setting is forcing Process Isolation on or off.

Step 4Close Registry Editor and Restart Edge

One final action is required to apply the change.

• Close the Registry Editor.
• Close all Edge windows.
• Open Microsoft Edge again. Process Isolation will now be in its default, unconfigured state.

References:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-policies/processisolationenabled

Summary

Process isolation (a security feature that separates browser tasks) protects your computer by keeping web content contained. You control this feature through the Windows Registry by changing the ProcessIsolationEnabled value. Set it to 1 to turn it on, set it to 0 to turn it off, or delete the key to let Windows manage it automatically.