Microsoft Edge has introduced a new feature that could make your browser more efficient, especially if you often use a lot of tabs. By default, inactive tabs are put to sleep after 15 minutes, compared to the previous 120 minutes. This change can help reclaim RAM and CPU resources, making your PC more responsive, particularly on systems with 8GB or 16GB of memory.
Highlighting the Standout Recommendation: Sleep Tabs
Microsoft Edge’s new default setting allows you to reclaim resources during times when you’re not actively using your browser, such as during a lunch break or a meeting. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently open and close tabs, as it helps prevent tabs from consuming unnecessary memory and CPU resources.
Actionable Tips for Optimal Performance
- Adjust the Sleep Timeout: If you find the default 15-minute timeout is too short, you can adjust it by going to edge://settings/system/managePerformance. This feature allows you to customize the sleep timeout to better suit your needs.
- Exempt Important Sites: If you have a site that requires a background tab, you can exempt it from the sleep timeout by navigating to edge://settings/system/managePerformance and selecting the site you want to exempt.
Why Consider Switching to Microsoft Edge?
While the memory-saving feature alone may not be enough to convince you to switch from Chrome, it can be a practical reason to consider making the switch. Microsoft Edge comes with several features that Chrome users might envy, such as vertical tabs, Collections, and stronger built-in PDF tools. Additionally, Edge is Chromium-based and supports the extensions most Chrome users rely on, making the transition relatively seamless.
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