How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Starting Automatically in Windows 11

Why Does Edge Start Automatically?

Before we stop it, let’s understand why Edge might start on its own. Microsoft wants Windows and its apps to work well together. Sometimes, this means certain apps are set to open automatically. This is often done so apps that can be “restarted” are ready when you log back in after a shutdown or restart.

Imagine this: you’re working on something in a program, and the power goes out. Wouldn’t it be great if that program opened again with your work exactly where you left off when the power returns? That’s the idea. But for a browser like Edge, you might prefer to open it yourself, when you want to. You might not want it to greet you every time you log in.

The good news is that Windows has a setting for this. It’s not hidden away. We will show you exactly where to find it and what to do.

Step 1Go to Your Windows Sign-in Options

Let’s get to the right spot in ⚙️ Windows Settings. This is where you can control which apps start automatically.

1. 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 Windows key + I on your keyboard at the same time. This is a useful shortcut!
2. 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.
3. 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.

Tip: If you forget how to ⚙️ open Settings, type “Settings” into the ⊞ Start menu 🔍 search bar. Windows will usually show it as the top result.

Step 2Control Apps That Restart Automatically

Now that you are in Sign-in options, you will see different settings for signing in and what happens afterward. We need to find a specific setting that controls whether your apps restart automatically.

1. 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.
2. Turn the setting OFF. You will see a switch next to this option. If it says “On”, click it to change it to “Off”.

What does this do? When this setting is On, Windows tries to remember which apps were running when you last signed out or shut down your computer. If those apps can be restarted, Windows will open them again the next time you sign in. This includes Microsoft Edge, especially if it was open when you last closed your session.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/stop-microsoft-edge-from-starting-automatically

Summary

You have now learned how to control Microsoft Edge’s startup behavior. By changing the sign-in options in ⚙️ Windows Settings, you can stop Edge from opening automatically when you turn on your computer. This makes your PC work the way *you* want it to. You can have a clean desktop ready to go the moment you log in, without unexpected browser tabs.