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!

As of today 19 Jan 2024, 23H2 build 22631.3007 has the same issue.

This means it's not a bug to fix.

It is intended to work in the background, no matter what..

I've been trying to stop it all day long, by using many registry tweaks.

Disabling it from starting is not a problem, but Once it starts, it never shuts down.

You have to End Task from the Task Manager.

But don't worry, I'm sure they will make it Unstoppable, soon..

I also disabled Widgets via the GPE on Windows, and the issue persists. What a mess... I'm worried Edge running in the background when closed is somehow intended.

Honestly, I think that only a massive reaction from users and voices talking about the issue on tech media may persuade or push Microsoft to change (if it's intended) or patch this behavior.

The same issue occurs on my end. This must be fixed as soon as possible. I don't use Copilot either in Windows 11 OS or Microsoft Edge. After the MS Edge "Copilot" update, this bug broke the Edge "Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed" setting.

Hello, Panlo

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

The Windows Copilot sidebar is actually an Edge interface, which means the Edge web browser needs to be running behind the scenes whenever you open the Windows Copilot. This could be why you’re seeing Edge running in the background even after disabling Copilot from the taskbar.

If you’ve already disabled the “Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed” setting and Edge is still running in the background, you might want to check other settings that could affect this. For instance, there are settings like “Start-up boost” and “Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed” that you could try turning off one by one to see if the behavior persists. Or you can try holding down Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager, On the startup apps tab try disabling the Microsoft Edge startup item, and restart the computer to see if it runs in the background.

If none of these solutions work, This may be a recent update issue, and some users have also encountered this issue.

Although we cannot reproduce this issue,  other community members have been reporting this issue, thus I have submitted this issue for you through internal channels. In addition, you can also submit your problem through the Feedback Hub (if convenient, please provide as much detail as possible, including pictures, repro videos, etc.). 

Please share the feedback link after submitting, I will submit your feedback to the relevant team for investigation. 

Best regards,

Chandy |Microsoft Community Support Specialist