How to Enable Preload Pages in Microsoft Edge

This article explains how to enable or disable the “Preload pages for faster browsing and searching” feature in Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft Edge 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.

In Microsoft Edge, you can enable a setting that speeds up browsing by preloading pages you may visit in the background. This allows for faster browsing and searching, even if you don’t visit those pages.

The following steps guide you in enabling page preloading for improved browsing speed and search functionality in Microsoft Edge.

Preload pages for faster browsing in Edge

Users can enable a setting in Microsoft Edge to preload pages for quicker browsing and searching.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.

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

Select “Privacy, search, and services” on the Settings page on the left.

Next, select the “Cookies” tile to expand it.

On the “Cookies” settings page, select the “Preload pages for faster browsing and searching” tile. Then, toggle the button to enable or disable it.

You can close the Edge settings page when finished.

Enable / Disable Preloading of pages for faster browsing in Edge via Registry

Another way to enable or disable preloading of pages for faster browsing in Edge is to use Windows Registry Editor.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Remember to back up your registry before making any changes, or create a System Restore point as a precaution.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Right-click Edge > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD NetworkPredictionOptions.

Double-click and open the NetworkPredictionOptions name and set the value to 0 to enable this feature.

To disable it, set the value to 2.

Delete the “NetworkPredictionOptions” name created above to restore the default behavior and allow users to enable or disable it in Edge.

NetworkPredictionOptions

You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Enabling the “Preload pages for faster browsing and searching” feature in Microsoft Edge can significantly enhance your browsing experience by reducing load times for frequently visited pages.
• Users have two methods to enable or disable this feature: through the Edge browser settings or via the Windows Registry Editor.
• Always back up your registry or create a System Restore point before making any changes to avoid potential issues.
• Following the steps provided, you can easily manage your browsing preferences in Microsoft Edge, tailoring your experience to your needs.