Share this article
Improve this guide
How to Force Quit Microsoft Edge If It Won’t Close or Respond
Edge is set up by default to run in the background
6 min. read
Updated onJuly 11, 2024
updated onJuly 11, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Edge might be Microsoft’s flagship browser, but it does have a few glitches. For example, some Edge users have stated on forums that the browser doesn’t always close for them.
Instead, a tab freezes up, and users can’t close the browser with the X button. Some might ditch the browser altogether when that’s a common issue.
However, a few potential resolutions might fix Edge not closing.
Why is Microsoft Edge always running?
Believe it or not, Microsoft Edge is set up by default to continue running background extensions and apps even when it’s closed.
That makes sense because when you open it again, it will start a lot faster. But if you’re not using another browser, that can become a nuisance, so check out some quick ways tostop Microsoft Edge from running in the background.
Also, note that Edge comes with a Start-up boost feature devised for speeding up the browser’s launch when you boot the computer.
Why does Microsoft Edge keep waking up?
This is another issue related to the default windows-spotlight background from the lock screen. By clicking any of the words from the Windows lock screen, Edge will start searching for that particular word after unlocking.
Our readers reported that changing the background in the locks screen worked for them, so you should also try it.
Quick Tip:
Since the simplest solution is generally the best one, if Microsoft Edge won’t close, switching to a performant browser like Opera One should do the trick nicely.
This cutting-edge browser guarantees to work like a charm with no lagging, interference with web-based apps, and no slowness when it comes to responsiveness times.
Opera One
How do I close Microsoft Edge in Windows 10/11?
1. Stop Edge from running in the background
And while you’re on theSystemwindow, you can also uncheck theStart-up boostto prevent it from starting when you boot up your PC.
2. Closing Edge when the X button doesn’t close the browser
A Windows hotkey also closes active desktop windows. Pressing theAlt+F4hotkey closes the selected window.
As such, that keyboard shortcut will help Microsoft Edge force close when the X button doesn’t work.
3. Open the Microsoft Store App troubleshooter
4. Clear Edge’s browsing data
Some users have found that clearing Edge’s cache helps in case Edge freezes and then won’t close.
5. Reset the browser
If you still can’t close Microsoft Edge, reset the browser. That will restore Edge to its default configuration and clear data.
6. Switch off Edge’s extensions
The Edge not closing error might be due to athird-party extension. You can switch off or uninstall Edge’s extensions by following the steps above.
7. Turn Off Internet Explorer
Some users have confirmed that turning Internet Explorer off, by deselecting its checkbox in Windows Features On or Off, can help if Microsoft Edge is not closing.
8. Update Windows
Microsoft fixes numerous Edge glitches with Windows 10 updates, so updating Windows might also help if Microsoft Edge won’t close.
With the Windows Update Service configured for automatic updates, Windows updates automatically. However, it might still be worth manually checking for missed by following the steps from above.
The process is not always smooth as there are times when you may even encounter errors. Even so, you may take a look at our guide on how tofix Windows Update errorsin no time.
What can I do if the Microsoft Edge pop-up won’t close?
If a pop-up won’t close, Microsoft Edge is most likely frozen and it needs to be restarted. Solution 2 will work perfectly in this case.
When the Microsoft Edge tabs won’t close, that means the browser is stuck. Just try to close the browser and open it again.
Our readers reported that Microsoft Edge won’t close in Windows 11 either but luckily, all the solutions above are efficient in the latest OS as well.
Those are a few resolutions that might fix an Edge browser that doesn’t always close. Has any of them worked for you?
You might also be interested in our guide on what to do ifMicrosoft Edge keeps crashingbecause we have plenty of quick tips. And if the same issue occurs in another browser sayArc won’t close, we have a guide for that as well.
Feel free to share your troubleshooting experience with us by reaching the comments section below.
More about the topics:Microsoft Edge issues
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
