Optimize RAM Usage in Microsoft Edge with Resource Controls
Optimize RAM usage in Microsoft Edge using Resource Controls, a built-in feature that lets you manage how much memory the browser uses.
Resource Controls gives you direct control over Microsoft Edge’s memory consumption, helping your PC run smoother.
Microsoft Edge can sometimes use a lot of RAM, especially with many tabs open. The browser is built on the Chromium engine, which is powerful but can be memory-hungry.
Even features that put tabs to sleep might not always stop Edge from using too much memory. By adjusting Resource Controls, you can choose to save RAM for other programs or for gaming, ensuring your computer stays responsive.
Optimize Microsoft Edge RAM usage by going to Settings > System and performance, then toggling “Resource controls” on. You can then set a RAM limit and choose when it applies, such as during gaming or always. This prevents Edge from consuming excessive memory.
Turn On or Off Resource Controls for Microsoft Edge
You can manage how much memory Microsoft Edge uses by turning on its resource controls directly in the Performance settings. This helps your computer run smoother by limiting the browser’s memory demands.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the three dots (Alt+F) in the top right corner and select Settings.
- On the left menu, click System and performance.
Under the “Manage your performance” section, you will see controls for Memory Saver and Resource controls.
Understanding Memory Saver vs. Efficiency Mode
Microsoft Edge offers two main features to save your computer’s resources and help it run faster: Memory Saver and Efficiency Mode. Memory Saver frees up memory from tabs you aren’t using, while Efficiency Mode focuses on reducing background activity.
- Memory Saver: This mode frees up memory from inactive tabs. You can choose Balanced, which saves memory while keeping your current tabs responsive, or Efficiency, which is more aggressive and prioritizes saving resources above all else.
- Efficiency Mode: This is a broader setting that helps optimize your PC’s power usage and battery life while Edge is running. It works in tandem with Memory Saver to ensure the browser does not hog resources while you are multitasking.
Setting Your RAM Limits
You can set a specific limit for how much RAM Microsoft Edge is allowed to use, preventing it from taking over your computer’s memory. Turn on Resource controls, then choose when they apply, and finally, adjust the slider to your desired maximum.
- Toggle the Resource controls switch to On.
- Choose when the limit applies: Only during PC gaming or Always.
- Adjust the slider to pick the maximum amount of available system RAM (memory) Edge can use.
Enable or disable Resource controls using Windows Registry Editor
For advanced users, you can enable or disable Microsoft Edge’s resource controls for your entire computer using the Windows Registry Editor. This involves navigating to a specific path and creating a new DWORD value named MemorySaverEnabled.
- Open the Windows Registry editor as an administrator.
- Go to this path: Computer\🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
- Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it MemorySaverEnabled.
- Double-click it and set the value to 0 to disable the feature for everyone on the computer.
You may need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.
Reference: Microsoft.com
Conclusion
Using these settings allows you to balance browser speed with system stability. By combining the AI-driven Memory Saver with manual RAM limits, you can ensure Microsoft Edge stays fast without slowing down your other important tasks.
How to stop Microsoft Edge from taking up RAM?
Wondering how to stop Microsoft Edge from using so much RAM? Look for settings like hardware acceleration, background mode, startup boost, and proxy settings. Click on ‘System’ – you’ll find ‘Startup boost’ listed there. This is one of the ones that you want to turn off.
Does Edge have a RAM limiter?
Then you had control when to choose when to control resources when your PC is gaming. You can set it to ‘Always’, and then here you could control how much RAM Edge can use with the slider.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!