Microsoft Edge Is Now Up to 33% Faster on Windows 11
Microsoft Edge is getting a speed boost on Windows 11, making it faster to open when users switch between apps or work with several programs at once. The improvement comes from a new Windows feature called Accelerated App Launches, which changes how the operating system starts applications that are already running in the background.
Microsoft says the technology makes Edge launch up to 15% faster under normal conditions. During heavy multitasking, the improvement can reach 33%. The feature arrives with the October 2026 optional preview update, KB5127936, for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H2.
To understand why this matters, it helps to know how Windows normally opens applications. When someone launches Edge, Windows performs an additional check to determine whether the browser is already running. This process can add a small delay, especially when the computer is busy handling several tasks.
Accelerated App Launches removes that extra step. When Edge opens for the first time, it registers itself with Windows. The operating system can then locate the existing browser process directly when users open it again. This makes repeated launches quicker and creates a smoother experience.
The improvement works when users open Edge from the Start menu, taskbar, or supported links. However, there is an important limitation. The feature only speeds up subsequent launches when Edge is already running in the background. It does not make the browser’s first startup faster.
Microsoft is also working to bring this technology to other Chromium-based browsers. Chromium is the open-source foundation used by several popular web browsers. The company is contributing the required changes to the project so other developers can add similar improvements to their applications. However, each browser will need additional work before it can support the feature.
Microsoft is also exploring ways to extend Accelerated App Launches to PDF files, which could make opening documents faster in the future.
There are still some limitations. The feature requires a compatible Windows 11 version and an application that supports the technology. Users should also remember that the reported speed improvements apply to specific launch conditions, not every browser startup. Meanwhile, some users have reported problems with the Edge Copilot sidebar as Microsoft moves to a new experience.
Despite these limitations, Accelerated App Launches is a welcome improvement for Windows 11 users. Faster access to frequently used applications can save time and make everyday computer use feel smoother. If Microsoft brings the same technology to more applications, the benefits could extend well beyond Edge.