Why is Microsoft Edge using high RAM on Windows 11, and how can I reduce it?

Microsoft Edge may be using high RAM on your Windows 11 system due to several factors, including how it manages web content and extensions. Here are some common causes and steps you can take to reduce memory usage:

1. Non-optimized Web Content: If the web pages you are visiting are not optimized, they can consume more memory. This is not an issue with Edge itself but rather with the content being rendered.
2. Memory Leaks: Some web applications may have memory leaks, causing them to use more memory over time. This can lead to progressively worse performance.
3. Extensions: Installed extensions can also contribute to higher memory usage. Some extensions may not be well-optimized and can consume significant resources.

Steps to Reduce Memory Usage:

• Close Unused Tabs: Keep only the necessary tabs open to minimize memory consumption.
• Disable or Remove Extensions: Review your installed extensions and disable or remove any that are not essential.
• Use Task Manager: Use the Microsoft Edge Task Manager (Shift + Esc) to identify which tabs or extensions are using the most memory and close them if necessary.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: Regularly clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help improve performance and reduce memory usage.
• Update Edge: Ensure you are using the latest version of Edge, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Monitor Memory Usage: Use the Microsoft Edge Browser Task Manager to monitor memory usage in real-time and identify any problematic pages or extensions.

By following these tips, you should be able to manage and reduce the memory usage of Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 system effectively.

References:

• Fix memory problems
• Improve app performance by reducing the use of memory and disk space