How to Enable Preload Pages in Microsoft Edge
You enable preloading pages in Microsoft Edge to make web pages load significantly faster for you.
Preloading pages, also called “Preload pages for faster browsing and searching,” is a Microsoft Edge setting that downloads parts of web pages in the background before you click on them.
This clever feature can reduce page load times to almost instantaneous, giving you a much smoother browsing experience.
Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, offers this setting to enhance navigation speed, especially if you’re a heavy internet user.
Enable preloading in Microsoft Edge by going to Settings > Performance and toggling “Preload pages for faster browsing and searching” on. Alternatively, you can enable it via the Windows Registry by creating a DWORD value named NetworkPredictionOptions and setting its value to 0 in Computer\🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
Preload pages for faster browsing in Edge
You can turn on preload pages in Microsoft Edge directly through the browser’s settings to make web pages load faster.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Select the Performance tab from the left-hand menu.
- Look for the section labeled Efficiency mode or Preload pages.
- Toggle the switch to On or Off to match your preference.
You can close the settings tab when you are finished.
Enable / Disable Preloading of pages for faster browsing in Edge via Registry
You can also turn preload pages on or off in Microsoft Edge using the Windows Registry Editor, which is useful for advanced users.
Warning: Manual registry edits can be overwritten by Group Policy or Intune management settings. If you are in a business or school environment, use the official Administrative Templates instead of the registry.
First, open the Windows Registry Editor. Navigate to this path:
Computer\🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
It’s a good idea to back up your registry or create a System Restore point before making any changes. This is a good precaution.
Right-click on Edge, then choose New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new value NetworkPredictionOptions.
Double-click the NetworkPredictionOptions file. Set the value to 0 to enable preloading, or to 2 to disable it.
You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
Turning on page preloading in Edge is a simple way to make websites load quicker, working well with your regular browsing habits.
Note: Page preloading complements other features like “Sleeping Tabs.” While Sleeping Tabs save memory by putting unused tabs to sleep, preloading gives you a head start on new pages. They work together to keep your browser both fast and efficient.
You can manage these settings through the Edge menu or the Registry. Always be careful when editing the registry to avoid system errors.
How do I preload a new tab page in Edge?
Open Microsoft Edge and go to edge://settings/ Navigate to Start, home, and new tab page. Under the New tab page, look for Preload your new tab page for a faster experience. Toggle the switch on or off to suit your preferences.
What does preload pages do?
The preload pages feature in Microsoft Edge helps make the web feel faster by predicting which links you might click and loading those pages in the background.
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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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