Microsoft disables Edge tool that actually breaks Edge

Microsoft has temporarily disabled a tool designed to make Edge load more quickly after admitting it was causing “frustrating” problems with the browser.

The ‘Startup boost’ feature, released in January as part of version 88 of Edge, keeps the browser running in the background with “minimal processes”, so that it can launch faster when you open it from the taskbar, desktop, or from links in other programs. Microsoft claims that tests show the tool can improve startup times by

29 to 41 per cent.

But the company has now turned off ‘Startup boost’ while it fixes a problem that repeatedly relaunches Edge immediately after you close it, and shows you a message about reopening tabs.

Microsoft acknowledged the problem on its ‘Startup Boost FAQ’ page ( www.snipca. com/37724), and said it would update the page when “we believe this to be resolved”.

Before Microsoft disabled the feature, users had reported online that turning it off seemed to solve the problem. Some had also complained that it was making games slow.

‘Startup boost’ is being rolled out gradually to users, so you may not yet have it. To check, click the three dots at the top right of Edge, followed by Settings at the bottom, then System on the left. You can also check by typing edge://settings/system into your browser bar.

If you have the tool, you’ll see it turned off – as shown in the screenshot. You can turn it back on if you’re happy to live with the problems.

To see whether you’ve had the bugs, open Task Manager (press Ctrl+shift+esc) and check whether you have lots of Edge processes running – such as in this screenshot: www.snipca.com/37725.