The new Efficiency Mode feature in the Microsoft Edge browser extends the battery backup time when needed. Here’s how to enable it.
Of the browsers available for Windows, Microsoft Edge comes out on top when it comes to performance, security, and saving battery on laptops. Add to that; the Edge browser is just as feature-rich as the Google Chrome browser.
As good as the Microsoft Edge browser is at using fewer system resources and improving battery life, you configure it to be more frugal. i.e., extend the battery backup time when you really need it. For that, all you have to do is enable Efficiency Mode in the Edge browser.
Let me show you how.
Table of contents:
The steps below work the same in Windows 10 and 11.
What is Microsoft Edge Efficiency Mode?
Efficiency Mode is a built-in feature of the Microsoft Edge browser. As the name implies, when enabled, the Efficiency Mode helps the Edge browser to reduce system resource usage and extend the battery backup time. i.e., battery life.
As long as the Efficiency Mode is enabled, the Edge browser puts background tabs to sleep after five minutes, and background video & audio might become less smooth due to limited system resources.
How to enable Efficiency Mode in the Edge browser
You can enable Efficiency Mode from the Edge settings page. Specifically, you will find the Efficiency Mode option in the System and Performance section.
Let me show you where to find the option and how to enable it.
- Open the Edge browser.
- Click the “Menu” icon.
- Choose the “Settings” option.
- Go to the “System & Performance” page.
- Find the “Turn on efficiency mode when” option.
- Select “Always” or “Unplugged” from the dropdown.
- Settings are saved automatically.
- Restart the Edge browser.
Steps with more details:
First, launch the Edge browser. You can either click the “Edge” icon on the taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
After launching the browser, click the “Menu” icon (three vertical dots) and then click the “Settings” option. This action opens the Edge Settings page.
On the Settings page, click “System & Performance” on the sidebar. Next, find the “Turn on efficiency mode when” option. Now, select one of the following options as needed.
- Unplugged, low battery: Efficiency mode automatically turns on when the laptop is unplugged and in battery saver mode. i.e., low battery.
- Unplugged: Efficiency mode turns on as soon as the laptop is unplugged.
- Always: Efficiency mode is always enabled, whether the laptop is plugged in or not.
- Never: Select this option to turn off Efficiency mode in the Edge browser.
If you want the best of both worlds, I recommend selecting the “Unplugged, low battery” option. That way, the efficiency mode is turned on only when the battery is low (typically 20% or lower.) If you want to extend the battery life as much as possible, choose “Unplugged.”
Once you select the option, it is automatically applied.
Restart the Edge browser, and you are good to go. From now on, the Edge browser will enable Efficiency Mode as and when needed.
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That is all. It is that simple to enable efficiency mode in the Microsoft Edge browser.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
