Disable Edge automatic startup
- Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
- Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
- Impact: Minimum
System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Low
This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.
- Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
- Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
- Fully reversible
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.
The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.
Overview
This script disables the Startup Boost feature in Microsoft Edge.
Startup Boost enables Edge to launch more quickly by allowing certain processes to start at OS sign-in 1. It keeps running in the background even after all browser windows are closed 1 2. While this can decrease the browser's start time 2, it might also pose privacy and security risks.
Disabling this feature prevents Edge from starting automatically with your computer, enhancing privacy by stopping the background processes that could transmit data without active user interaction. This also bolsters security by ensuring no residual or malicious scripts continue to operate after the browser is closed 3. Additionally, it may improve system performance by freeing up resources otherwise used by these background processes.
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) recommends disabling this feature to secure personal data and reduce potential vulnerabilities 3.
This script configures the StartupBoostEnabled Edge policy 1 4.
Running this script does not require a browser restart for the changes to take effect 1.
- This will display the message "Your browser is managed by your organization" on the settings page.
- This locks settings and prevents them from being changed on the settings page.
Sources
- Microsoft Edge Browser Policy Documentation. Microsoft Learn. learn.microsoft.com. (2024).
Original: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-policies
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240517212443/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-policies#startupboostenabled - Get help with startup boost - Microsoft Support. support.microsoft.com. (2024).
Original: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/get-help-with-startup-boost-ebef73ed-5c72-462f-8726-512782c5e442
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240625103236/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/get-help-with-startup-boost-ebef73ed-5c72-462f-8726-512782c5e442 - Startup Boost Enabled (CIS LEVEL 1 MS Edge). www.syxsense.com. (2024).
Original: https://www.syxsense.com/syxsense-securityarticles/cis_benchmarks/syx-1033-12749.html
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240625103212/https://www.syxsense.com/syxsense-securityarticles/cis_benchmarks/syx-1033-12749.html - 4. (2025).
Original: https://github.com/privacysexy-forks/Audit-Test-Automation/blob/2ad030524021e94dbd09c7771e6ee4d9794bb4af/ATAPAuditor/AuditGroups/Microsoft%20Edge-CIS-2.0.0%23RegistrySettings.ps1#L685-L720
Apply Now
Choose one of three ways to apply:
Download script
Download and run the script directly- No app needed
- Offline usage
- Easy-to-apply
- Free
- Open-source
Help
How to apply or restore "Disable Edge automatic startup" using script
- ≈ 2 min to complete
- Tools: Web Browser
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 5 instructions
- 1
Download
Download the script file by clicking on the button above.
Use button above to restore changes. - 2
Keep the file
If warned by your browser, keep the file. - 3
Open
Open the downloaded file. - 4
Exit
Once it's done, press any key to exit the window. - 5
Restart
Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.
Apply with privacy.sexy
Guided, automated application with safety checks- Recommended for most users
- Includes safety checks
- Free
- Open-source
- Popular
- Offline/Online usage
Help
How to apply or restore "Disable Edge automatic startup" using privacy.sexy
- ≈ 3 min to complete
- Tools: privacy.sexy
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 4 instructions
- 2
Choose script
- Search for the script name: Disable Edge automatic startup
- Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
- 3
Run
Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.
- Apply
- Revert
:: Configure "StartupBoostEnabled" Edge policy
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!StartupBoostEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'StartupBoostEnabled' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
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Help
How to apply or restore "Disable Edge automatic startup" using commands
- ≈ 2 min to complete
- Tools: Command Prompt
- Difficulty: Medium
- ≈ 3 instructions
- 1
Open Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as Administrator. - 2
Copy code
Copy the code: - 3
Paste & run
Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.Some changes require a system restart to take effect
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About the Creators
These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:
undergroundwires- Certified security professional
- 7+ years experience securing banks
- Open-source developer since 2005
- EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
- Open-Source Contributors
- Hundreds across the globe
- Testers, reviewers, developers
- Companies, military agencies
- Community since 2017
Reviewed By
This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:Expert review by undergroundwires
- Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
- Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
Public review by large community
- Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
- Millions of end-users tested across different environments
History
We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.