On Microsoft Edge, “Performance mode” is a feature part of the “Optimize Performance” settings, and as the name implies, it has been designed to improve the system performance. When the mode is enabled, Microsoft Edge will optimize the performance by applying settings to save battery life and minimize memory and processor utilization.
The improvements might vary depending on the computer type and hardware and how you use the browser. However, typically, the browse will put inactive tabs to sleep after five minutes, minimize animations, and reduce video playback quality.
Although this implementation will noticeably improve performance, desktop computers won’t see any benefits. Instead, this is a feature designed for laptops and similar low-end devices to save battery by minimizing system resource usage without affecting the overall experience.
At the time of this writing, Microsoft Edge Performance mode is still under development in the Canary channel for Windows 10 and macOS users. However, as soon as it’s ready, we can expect the company to start rolling it out to everyone.
If you want to test the feature now, you only need to append this line: --enable-features=msPerformanceModeToggle at the end of the line in the Target field for the browser shortcut. The Target line should looks like this: "C:\Users\ACCOUNT-NAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge SxS\Application\msedge.exe" --profile-directory=Default --enable-features=msPerformanceModeToggle.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.