How to Turn Off Microsoft Edge Hardware Acceleration

Introduction

The hardware acceleration feature in Microsoft Edge is turned on by default and enables the web browser to use your computer’s graphical processing unit (GPU) to do the heavy lifting for graphics-intensive operations, such as playing video games or watching video content. And while the feature is generally good, it can be the cause of browser problems, like freezing and crashing. If you’re running into a lot of issues with Microsoft Edge, a simple first step is to disable the hardware acceleration feature to see if that resolves your problem.

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Steps to Turn Off Microsoft Edge Hardware Acceleration

1. Launch the Microsoft Edge web browser on your computer. You’ll land on your Microsoft Edge home screen.
2. Click the horizontal ellipses in the top right corner of the screen to open a menu, and then click “Settings” in that menu. Your Microsoft Edge Settings screen is displayed.

3. Click “System and Performance” in the menu on the left side of the screen. System and Performance options are shown on the right side of the screen.

4. Find the System section, and then click to toggle off “Use Hardware Acceleration When Available” in this section. You’ll also see a note letting you know that for this change to take effect you’ll need to restart Microsoft Edge.

5. Click “Restart.” After Microsoft Edge reboots the hardware acceleration feature will be disabled.

Is Hardware Acceleration in Microsoft Edge Good?

While using hardware acceleration is generally good, there can be some downsides. A common issue as a result of hardware acceleration is that your browser can freeze or crash. If you’re running into these issues after turning on hardware acceleration, try turning the feature off.

Reasons You Should Use Hardware Acceleration in Microsoft Edge

There are a few good reasons you may want to consider using the Hardware Acceleration feature in Microsoft Edge:

1. Improved Browsing Performance: Enhance your browsing experience by enabling hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. By offloading some of the computational load to the GPU, you can enjoy smoother and faster browsing. No more stuttering, lagging or freezing while browsing your favorite websites.
2. Better Battery Life: Save your device’s battery life with hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. Instead of using the CPU for intensive tasks, hardware acceleration leverages the GPU, reducing the strain on your battery. You can now enjoy longer browsing sessions without worrying about your device dying on you.
3. Enhanced Video Playback: Say goodbye to buffering and poor video quality with hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. The hardware acceleration improves video playback, giving you a seamless streaming experience. No more interruptions while watching your favorite shows or movies.
4. Improved Graphics Rendering: Take your browsing experience to the next level with hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. The hardware acceleration improves the rendering of complex graphics and animations, resulting in a more responsive and visually appealing browsing experience.
5. Improved Security: Enhance the security of your browsing experience with hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. The hardware acceleration performs security-sensitive tasks, such as sandboxing, more efficiently and effectively.

Reasons to Turn Off Hardware Acceleration in Microsoft Edge

Alternatively, there are a few good reasons to turn off hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge:

1. Compatibility Issues: If you are facing compatibility issues while using Microsoft Edge, consider turning off hardware acceleration. Some websites or web applications may not work properly with hardware acceleration enabled, leading to errors or unexpected behavior. Turning off hardware acceleration can resolve these issues, giving you a seamless browsing experience.
2. Poor Performance: If you are experiencing poor performance while using Microsoft Edge, consider turning off hardware acceleration. In some cases, hardware acceleration may actually slow down the performance of the browser, leading to a poorer browsing experience. By turning off hardware acceleration, you can improve the performance of Microsoft Edge, making your browsing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
3. GPU Compatibility: If you are facing compatibility issues with your GPU, consider turning off hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. Not all devices have a dedicated GPU or the necessary hardware to support hardware acceleration, and turning it off may resolve compatibility issues. Enjoy a seamless browsing experience without any compatibility issues by turning off hardware acceleration.
4. Driver Issues: If you are facing issues with your GPU drivers, consider turning off hardware acceleration in Microsoft Edge. Outdated or incorrect drivers for the GPU may cause hardware acceleration to malfunction, leading to poor performance or other issues. Turn off hardware acceleration to resolve driver issues and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
5. Overheating: If your device is overheating while using Microsoft Edge, consider turning off hardware acceleration. In some cases, hardware acceleration can cause a device to overheat, leading to thermal throttling or other issues. By turning off hardware acceleration, you can help mitigate these issues, keeping your device cool and functioning properly. Ensure a stable and cool browsing experience by turning off hardware acceleration.