Microsoft keeps disappointing as the Microsoft Edge browser feels like it’s stuck in 2009

Microsoft Edge, once a minor player in the crowded browser market, has undergone a significant transformation since its initial release. Built on the Chromium engine, Edge has gained traction due to its integration with Windows and its promise of faster, more secure browsing. 

However, despite these advances, the browser continues to face notable criticism from users concerning its resource management and performance, especially when compared to competitors such as Google Chrome and Opera.

Recent user reports highlight persistent problems including Edge’s failure to fully close upon exiting, resulting in background processes that consume valuable system resources, and performance issues on high-refresh-rate displays like those running at 120Hz, which cause noticeable lag and stuttering.

These issues not only impact user satisfaction but also challenge Microsoft’s ability to deliver a modern, efficient browsing experience that aligns with current hardware capabilities and consumer expectations.

The problem of Edge running background processes after closure is particularly frustrating for many users. When a browser window is closed, the natural expectation is that all associated processes should terminate, freeing up memory and processing power for other applications.

However, Microsoft Edge often continues to operate in the background unless explicitly configured not to. This behavior results in elevated CPU and RAM usage, which can slow down overall system performance and drain battery life on portable devices.

Such inefficiency is especially concerning given that Edge is pre-installed on millions of Windows devices, many of which are laptops and tablets where resource conservation is paramount.

Users report that, in contrast, browsers like Opera and Chrome reliably shut down completely upon window closure, ensuring that no residual processes sap system resources unnecessarily.

Beyond resource management, Edge’s performance on high-refresh-rate displays has come under fire. Screens capable of 120Hz or higher refresh rates have become increasingly common in modern laptops, monitors, and smartphones, offering smoother animations, faster response times, and enhanced visual fluidity.

Users expect their browsers to take full advantage of these capabilities to deliver an immersive, lag-free browsing experience. Unfortunately, reports indicate that Edge sometimes fails to maintain consistent performance on these displays, exhibiting stuttering, input lag, and choppiness during scrolling or media playback.

This degradation in user experience is particularly jarring given Microsoft’s emphasis on delivering premium performance integrated with Windows’ graphical enhancements. Failure to optimize Edge for these newer display technologies diminishes its appeal among users who prioritize fluidity and responsiveness.

The root causes of these issues may lie in Edge’s complex balance of features, security protocols, and system integration. Microsoft has invested heavily in adding unique capabilities to Edge, such as vertical tabs, Collections for organizing content, immersive reader modes, and deep integration with Windows features like Cortana and Windows Defender.

While these innovations add value, they also increase the browser’s complexity and potential for inefficiencies. Ensuring that Edge remains lightweight and fast, without compromising security or functionality, is a delicate challenge.

It appears that, in some cases, the layering of features may contribute to resource leakage and performance bottlenecks, especially on systems with high-end hardware configurations where expectations are elevated.

Addressing these performance and resource management problems is critical for Microsoft if it wishes to solidify Edge’s position as a leading browser. The browser market is fiercely competitive, with Google Chrome dominating globally due to its speed, extensive extension ecosystem, and continuous improvement. Opera has carved out a niche with features catering to power users and those valuing efficiency.

Mozilla Firefox, meanwhile, appeals to privacy-conscious consumers. Microsoft must ensure that Edge not only matches but exceeds these offerings in performance and user satisfaction to grow its market share. Resolving background process persistence and high-refresh-rate lag issues is foundational to achieving this goal.

Microsoft’s development team has demonstrated responsiveness in the past, frequently releasing updates that enhance security and introduce new features. However, the persistence of these core issues suggests that performance optimization may require deeper architectural revisions or more aggressive prioritization.

Transparent communication about known problems and expected timelines for fixes would help manage user expectations and maintain goodwill. Engaging with the community through insider programs and feedback channels can provide valuable insights into real-world usage and help identify subtle bugs or inefficiencies.

User education also plays a role in mitigating some frustrations. Microsoft Edge offers settings that allow users to control background app behavior and manage resource consumption. However, many users remain unaware of these options or find the configurations non-intuitive.

Simplifying these controls and proactively guiding users toward optimal settings can improve experiences, especially for less tech-savvy individuals. Nonetheless, ultimate responsibility lies with Microsoft to deliver a browser that performs efficiently by default without requiring extensive user intervention.

Looking ahead, Microsoft can leverage advancements in AI and machine learning to optimize browser performance dynamically. Adaptive resource management, predictive caching, and intelligent task prioritization are potential areas where AI can help Edge run more smoothly and efficiently.

Integrating these technologies requires investment and vision but could differentiate Edge by offering a smarter, more responsive browsing experience tailored to individual user behavior and hardware capabilities.

The implications of these performance shortcomings extend beyond mere inconvenience. In professional and educational settings where productivity depends on reliable software, browser lag and resource hogging can disrupt workflows and lead to user dissatisfaction. In gaming or media consumption contexts, stuttering or delayed responses degrade enjoyment and can push users toward alternative platforms.

On mobile and portable devices, excessive background activity shortens battery life, a critical factor in user preference. Microsoft’s ability to address these concerns comprehensively will influence Edge’s adoption rates and user retention in diverse scenarios.

Moreover, Microsoft’s reputation as a software leader is at stake. Windows remains the world’s most widely used operating system, and Edge serves as its flagship browser. Delivering a subpar browsing experience risks damaging the perceived quality of the broader Windows ecosystem.

In contrast, a fast, efficient, and reliable Edge browser can enhance the overall value proposition of Windows, encouraging users to stay within Microsoft’s product suite. The browser’s success is therefore integral to Microsoft’s strategic goals in consumer and enterprise markets.

In summary, Microsoft Edge’s ongoing struggles with performance issues and inefficient resource management highlight urgent areas for improvement. User expectations have evolved alongside hardware advancements, demanding browsers that are not only feature-rich but also lightweight and highly responsive. Persistent background processes and lag on high-refresh-rate screens are significant obstacles to meeting these expectations.

Microsoft must prioritize architectural optimizations, enhanced user control, and proactive communication to regain user confidence. Embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven performance tuning offers promising pathways for future development. Ultimately, Microsoft’s commitment to resolving these challenges will determine Edge’s ability to compete effectively and satisfy the diverse needs of today’s users.