You probably don’t think about your web browser much — until it’s slow.
Then it’s all you can think about.
For small and midsize businesses, browser speed and performance aren’t just nice-to-have.
They affect productivity, resource usage, and your team’s ability to work efficiently — especially with so much work happening in cloud-based tools.
That’s why Microsoft Edge’s latest performance updates deserve a closer look.
If your team is already using Edge (or thinking about switching), enabling a few built-in features can unlock noticeably faster load times, smoother multitasking, and better system performance — all with just a few clicks.
Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and how to set it up today.
What’s New in Microsoft Edge (and Why You Should Care)
Microsoft Edge has steadily become one of the top-performing browsers for Windows users, and its recent updates are focused on speed, memory efficiency, and battery savings.
These changes aren’t flashy, but they’re practical — especially in a business setting.
Here’s what’s under the hood:
Startup Boost: Launch in Seconds
Instead of waiting several seconds every time you open your browser, Startup Boost keeps some Edge processes running in the background — so when you launch Edge, it opens almost instantly.
Why it matters:
Faster startup means less time waiting and fewer interruptions, especially for team members who open and close their browser multiple times per day.
Sleeping Tabs: Free Up System Resources
When you have multiple tabs open (and who doesn’t?), Edge identifies the ones you haven’t used in a while and puts them “to sleep.” This reduces the browser’s memory and CPU usage while keeping those tabs ready for when you come back.
Why it matters:
Less memory used by sleeping tabs = more memory available for other apps your team relies on, like Teams, Excel, or your CRM.
Efficiency Mode: Save Battery and Boost Performance
When your device is unplugged or under heavy load, Edge activates Efficiency Mode. This limits background activity and smooths out performance to extend battery life and keep systems responsive.
Why it matters:
Ideal for remote workers or frequent travelers. Laptops run cooler and last longer — with fewer crashes or freezes.
Business Benefits: It’s More Than Just Speed
The features above sound like small improvements, but they add up to real gains in a business environment:
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More productive hours: Even shaving off a few seconds per task adds up over weeks and months.
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Better multitasking: With less strain on system memory, your team can switch between browser tabs and desktop apps more easily.
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Reduced tech frustration: Smoother, faster performance means fewer complaints and less time troubleshooting.
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Lower support costs: Faster load times and fewer system slowdowns lead to fewer support tickets.
Think of it as browser performance that quietly supports your bottom line.
How to Update Microsoft Edge and Enable Performance Features
Even if your team already uses Edge, these features may not be turned on by default.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you’re getting the most out of Edge’s latest version.
✅ Step 1: Check for Updates
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Open Microsoft Edge
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Click the three dots
•••in the top-right corner -
Go to Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge
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Edge will automatically check for and install updates
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Restart the browser if prompted
✅ Step 2: Turn On Startup Boost
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In Edge, click the three dots
•••again -
Go to Settings > System and Performance
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Find Startup Boost and toggle it ON
✅ Step 3: Enable Sleeping Tabs
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In the same System and Performance settings
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Scroll to Optimize Performance
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Toggle Save resources with sleeping tabs ON
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Adjust the inactivity time if needed (default is 5 minutes)
✅ Step 4: Use Efficiency Mode (Optional but Recommended)
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Still under System and Performance
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Look for Turn on efficiency mode when
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Choose:
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Unplugged, or
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Always if your devices are low on RAM or you multitask heavily
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Should Your Business Switch to Edge?
If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, the answer might be yes.
(make sure you’re on Windows 11 by October!!)
Edge is built on Chromium (just like Google Chrome), so it’s compatible with most web apps.
But because it’s developed by Microsoft, it integrates more tightly with Windows — often making it faster, lighter on resources, and more secure out of the box.
And with performance improvements like these, switching could give your team a noticeable productivity boost — without changing the way they work.
Want browsers that launch fast, run clean, and stay updated automatically?
That’s what managed IT is for.
We help SMBs take advantage of time-saving features like these without relying on individual users to figure it out themselves.
Let’s simplify your tech and make your team’s day a little smoother.
