2. CPU Usage
This column shows the percentage of CPU (Central Processing Unit) usage used by each tab or process. The CPU is responsible for executing commands and operations on your computer.
If a tab or extension consumes too much processing power, it can cause your browser or even your computer to become slow or unresponsive. This column helps you identify processes that are draining CPU power.
If a process or tab shows abnormal CPU usage (high over a long period), you can close it through Task Manager to restore normal performance.
3. Network
The Network column shows the network activity performed by each tab or extension. It displays how much data is being downloaded or uploaded over the internet network by that tab.
If a tab is using a lot of bandwidth, you can identify if it’s caused by streaming, large downloads, or background activity from extensions.
If you see high network usage from tabs that should be inactive, there may be unwanted activity such as malware or extensions running in the background. Closing this process can save data usage and protect your privacy.
4. Process ID
The Process ID is a unique number assigned to each process running in Microsoft Edge. This column is usually used for technical purposes or more in-depth troubleshooting.
While not always required for the average user, Process ID is useful if you need to keep track of specific processes on your system, for example when using other system management tools such as Windows Task Manager.
In some situations, you may need to identify specific processes to see if they’re causing problems with your browser or computer’s performance.
How to Manage and Close Processes in Task Manager
Once you understand the information displayed in Microsoft Edge’s Task Manager, the next step is to manage the running processes to improve the browser’s performance.
Some processes may consume too many resources, such as RAM, CPU, or network bandwidth, slowing down the performance of your browser and computer. Therefore, it is important to know how to manage and close unnecessary processes.
Steps to Manage the Process:
- Open Task Manager: If it is not already open, access the Task Manager by following the steps described earlier, either through the More Tools menu or using the shortcut Shift + Esc.
- Select Unnecessary Processes: Once the Task Manager opens, you’ll see a list of all the tabs, extensions, and other processes that are running in Microsoft Edge. Look at the Memory Footprint, CPU Usage, or Network columns to identify processes that are consuming too many resources.
- Resource Usage Analysis:
- If a tab or extension is consuming too much RAM and causing a drop in performance, you may decide to close it.
- If a tab is using an unreasonable percentage of CPU, and is making your computer run slower, you can identify the tab as a problem.
- Processes that use multiple networks can also be the cause of slow internet connections. This often happens if you’re streaming or downloading a large one.
- Closing Process:
- To close a process that you don’t need, click on it in the Task Manager list.
- Once the process is selected, click the End Process button at the bottom right of the Task Manager window.
- Note: Selected processes will be terminated immediately, and if they are tabs or extensions, they will be closed from Microsoft Edge.