Why is edge running in the background after copilot installation?

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So bottom line. play around with your default app browser settings. For those who only have one channel (i.e. Edge stable), toggle the default browser off and on with Chrome or firefox or something else (or maybe download Edge Beta just for this test), and see if it helps your issue.

But the underlying problem remains. Microsoft should really fix this annoyance and resource hog.

I hope this helps someone.

Thank you for your insights and possible workaround. However, as you mentioned, an official fix for this bug is required.

UPDATED (as of 2/27/2024):

Here is, finally, a proper workaround:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftEdge/comments/1ac4ioa/a_workaroud_to_prevent_background_running_after/

Looking at the name of the added Edge policy that stops the issue, we were likely right in pointing out that the problem was caused by Edge's new Sidebar/Copilot feature integration.

Credit to @Careless-Elevator768 and all we have been investigating and reporting this annoying "feature" or misbehavior since October 2023 till today.

There is no more need for InPrivate mode (by the way, you can already set up a clean with no gossip/weather/sports ads and bloated stuff Edge's new tab page via easy layout customization) or Windows 11's End Task feature for developers (I found it helpful anyway and will keep using it, though).

Here are the instructions from the linked Reddit post (with some additional reminder or consideration):

1. Turn off "Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed" and "Startup boost" Edge's settings (System and Performance > System).
2. Open regedit.exe (Registry Editor) - Running it as Administr is recommended.
3. Go to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" (if this path does not exist, add a new Key with that name).
4. Add the following new DWORD (32-bit) Value: StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled and set it to 0.
5. Reboot Windows or kill the task and restart MS Edge.
6. NOTE: "Managed by your organization" will be displayed below the Close Microsoft Edge option (Settings and more, Alt+F) and "Your browser is managed by your organization" mentioned at the top of the Edge's Settings tab/page.

I hope this helps. Enjoy!

I didn't understand any of this. Add a new key - what?

I have been plagued by this issue for a while now, I was messing around with my task manager and noticed something.

I have Startup boost and background extensions turned off, so theoretically my Edge should close when I exit the program.

Edge IS killing all processes when I close it, every. single. time.

I start encountering issues when I use the silly little copilot (that I actually like). Edge no longer closes when I open it and then close it.

So the bug is that edge does not close when you dismiss the copilot, that is all they need to resolve.

So the bug is that edge does not close when you dismiss the copilot, that is all they need to resolve.

Not exactly. The current Edge misbehavior on Windows 11 (Edge always running in the background once closed, regardless of related settings to not do it) occurs even when you turn Startup boost and background extensions and apps Edge System settings off AND disable Copilot both on Windows and turn it off via Edge's Sidebar settings.

As of now, the only effective unofficial workaround that resolves this issue is as follows:

1. Turn off "Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed" and "Startup boost" Edge's settings (System and Performance > System).
2. Open regedit.exe (Registry Editor) - Running it as Administrator is recommended.
3. Go to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" (if this path does not exist, add a new Key with that name).
4. Add the following new DWORD (32-bit) Value: StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled and set it to 0.
5. Reboot Windows or kill the task and restart MS Edge.