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How to Fix Microsoft Edge Auto Launch Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Microsoft Edge sometimes opens automatically when you start your Windows 11 PC. This can be annoying and slow down your system. Thankfully, there are simple ways to stop this from happening.

This article will walk you through easy steps to fix the auto launch error with Microsoft Edge. Each step is explained clearly so anyone can follow along.

Whether you want to stop Edge from opening on startup or fix a glitch causing it to launch repeatedly, these solutions have you covered.

Let’s get started and get your system running smoothly again.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into fixes, here are a few things to check:

  • Make sure your Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge are updated to the latest versions. Updates often fix bugs that cause issues.
  • Check if you have any startup programs or scheduled tasks that might be triggering Edge to open.
  • Have your administrator access ready, as some fixes require changing system settings.

Step 1: Disable Microsoft Edge from Startup Apps

Windows 11 allows certain programs to launch automatically when you turn on your PC. Edge may be on this list. Disabling it here is the simplest fix.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click the Startup tab at the top.
  3. Look for Microsoft Edge in the list of startup programs.
  4. If you find it, right-click it and select Disable.
  5. Close Task Manager and restart your computer to see if Edge still opens automatically.

This step stops Edge from launching automatically during startup, which is often the cause of the problem.

Step 2: Check Edge’s Background Apps Setting

Microsoft Edge can run background apps even after you close the browser. Sometimes, this causes it to reopen itself.

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top right corner, then select Settings.
  3. On the left panel, click System and performance.
  4. Find the option Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed and toggle it off.
  5. Close Edge and restart your PC to check if the issue is resolved.

Turning off this setting prevents Edge from running tasks in the background that might cause it to reopen unexpectedly.

Step 3: Disable Edge Tasks in Task Scheduler

Windows Task Scheduler can run Microsoft Edge automatically for various maintenance tasks. Disabling these tasks can stop Edge from launching on its own.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
  3. In the left pane, navigate to: Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > MicrosoftEdge (or look for any Edge-related folders).
  4. Look for any scheduled tasks related to Microsoft Edge in the middle pane.
  5. Right-click each Edge task and select Disable.
  6. Close Task Scheduler and restart your computer.

Disabling these tasks stops automatic Edge launches triggered by scheduled events.

Step 4: Modify Group Policy to Prevent Edge from Auto Launching (Advanced)

If the problem persists, you can use the Group Policy Editor to block Edge from starting automatically. This is an advanced step and requires Windows 11 Pro or higher.

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.
  3. Look for a policy named Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup or similar.
  4. Double-click the policy and set it to Disabled.
  5. Also find Allow Microsoft Edge to start and load the Start and New Tab page at Windows startup and each time Microsoft Edge is closed and disable it.
  6. Click Apply and OK.
  7. Restart your PC to apply changes.

This method tells Windows not to start Edge automatically using system policies, which is effective for persistent auto-launch behaviors.

Step 5: Reset Microsoft Edge Settings

If Edge behaves oddly or keeps opening despite the above, resetting its settings can help fix corrupted configurations.

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
  3. Click Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm by clicking Reset.
  5. Restart Edge and your computer.

Resetting clears custom settings or extensions that might cause Edge to auto-launch.

Alternative Method: Use Registry Editor to Disable Edge Auto Launch

If you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry, you can disable Edge auto-launch via this method. Be very careful, as incorrect changes can harm your system.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftMicrosoftEdgeMain
  3. If the Main key doesn’t exist, right-click MicrosoftEdge, select New > Key, and name it Main.
  4. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowPrelaunch.
  5. Double-click AllowPrelaunch and set its value to 0.
  6. Create another DWORD named AllowTabPreloading and set it to 0 as well.
  7. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

This stops Edge from preloading or auto-launching, which are common causes of the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Microsoft Edge keep opening on startup?

Edge may be set to launch at startup via system settings, scheduled tasks, or background apps. Certain Windows features also prelaunch Edge to improve performance.

Is it safe to disable Edge from starting automatically?

Yes, disabling auto-launch does not harm your system or Edge functionality. You can still open Edge manually anytime.

Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge to stop it from auto launching?

Microsoft Edge is integrated into Windows 11 and cannot be fully uninstalled. It’s better to disable auto-start features instead.

Will resetting Edge delete my bookmarks?

Resetting Edge settings does not delete bookmarks but will disable extensions and clear browsing data.

Do I need administrator rights to perform these fixes?

Yes, some steps such as using Task Scheduler, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor require administrator privileges.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Microsoft Edge still opens automatically, consider these final options:

  • Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your antivirus to check for malware that might trigger Edge.
  • Create a new user profile on Windows 11 and see if the problem persists there. This helps identify if your user profile is corrupted.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for Edge: Microsoft Edge Support
  • Contact Microsoft support directly for personalized help.

Conclusion

Microsoft Edge auto-launching on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to fix. Start by disabling Edge in startup apps and checking its background settings. If needed, move on to disabling scheduled tasks or adjusting Group Policy settings.

Advanced users can use Registry Editor to block Edge prelaunch features. Remember to keep your system updated and scan for malware when problems persist.

Following these steps carefully will help you regain control over Edge and improve your system’s startup experience.

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