Microsoft Edge is about to get a performance boost on Windows 10

Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft is working on a performance boost feature for its Edge browser.
  • The feature is currently in testing for some people using Microsoft Edge Canary.
  • Performance mode "helps you optimize speed, responsiveness, memory, CPU and battery usage," according to Microsoft.

The Tech Community post doesn't share many details on how the feature actually works. It states that "performance mode helps you optimize speed, responsiveness, memory, CPU and battery usage." It also adds that when you turn on performance mode, the sleeping tabs timer becomes unavailable. Apart from that, Microsoft hasn't shared much about it.

There's a good chance that performance mode works in conjunction with Edge's sleeping tabs feature. The sleeping tabs feature also helps reduce how much memory and processing power Edge uses. Since performance mode locks the sleeping tabs timer, there's a good chance the mode has sleeping tabs start after a short amount of time.

Performance mode is in a controlled rollout for Edge Canary, but you can turn it on manually if you'd like. Microsoft notes that doing so is done "at your own risk." You can use the code "--enable-features=msPerformanceModeToggle" to enable the feature.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.