Microsoft Edge starting automatically in Windows 11 happens because the operating system reopens apps that were running when you last shut down your PC. Microsoft Edge is the default web browser built into Windows 11.
Stopping this behavior gives you control over what opens when your PC starts up. Turn off this feature in a few quick steps using the Windows 11 Settings app.
Disable automatic app restarts in Windows 11 Settings. Go to Accounts Sign-in options and turn off “Automatically save my restartable apps when I sign out.” This prevents Edge and other apps from launching on startup.
Step 1Go to Your Windows Sign-in Options
Open Windows Sign-in options by pressing the Win plus I on your keyboard to launch Settings, and then clicking on Accounts. This first step lets you control how your computer handles your open apps when you turn it on, which is the easiest way to stop Edge auto start without using third-party software.
- Open Windows Settings . You can do this in a couple of easy ways. The most common way is to click the Start button (the Windows logo, usually in the bottom-left corner) and then click the gear icon. Or, you can press the Win+I on your keyboard at the same time. This is a useful shortcut!
- Go to Accounts. Once the Settings window is open, look for the option called “Accounts”. It usually has a person icon next to it. Click on it.
- Find Sign-in Options. Inside the Accounts section, you will see a menu on the left side. Scroll down and click on “Sign-in options”. This is where you manage what loads when you log into your PC.
Step 2Control Apps That Restart Automatically
Control apps that restart automatically by scrolling down the Sign-in options page until you find the toggle for saving restartable apps. Turning this setting off stops Windows from launching closed programs like Microsoft Edge every time you turn on your computer or sign back into your user account.
- Find the “Automatically save my restartable apps…” setting. Scroll down the list of options on the Sign-in options page. Look for a setting that sounds like the title above. Microsoft might change the exact words a little, but it’s about apps that can reopen automatically.
- Turn the setting OFF. You will see a switch next to this option. If it says “On”, click it to change it to “Off”.
Windows 11’s “Allow Windows to remember my apps” setting manages automatic app restarts. Activating this option records running apps during user sign-out or computer shutdown. Windows then reopens those recorded applications at the next sign-in. Microsoft Edge therefore reappears whenever the browser remains active during the prior session.
Reference:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/stop-microsoft-edge-from-starting-automatically
Summary
Modifying sign-in settings stops Microsoft Edge from starting automatically in Windows 11, ensuring a clean desktop environment upon login.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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