How to Turn Off Game Assist in Windows 11 or 10 Completely?
The Game Assist feature in Microsoft Edge is connected to both browser settings and Windows gaming features. This means that disabling it may require you to change a few settings inside Microsoft Edge and your Windows system. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes.
You will begin by opening Microsoft Edge and accessing its settings panel. From there, you will locate the gaming-related options where Game Assist is enabled by default in some versions. After disabling it, you can also prevent Edge from running in the background, which ensures the feature does not reactivate automatically.
In some cases, Windows Gaming settings or startup permissions may also allow the feature to remain active. So this guide includes all possible ways to fully disable it.
Follow each step carefully to make sure Microsoft Edge Game Assist is completely turned off.
How to turn off Microsoft Edge’s Game Assist in Windows 11 or 10?
To turn off Microsoft Edge’s Game Assist in Windows 11 or 10, open Microsoft Edge settings, navigate to the Gaming or Game Assist section, and disable the feature from the toggle. You can also turn it off from Windows settings or disable background apps to stop Game Assist from running. Restart your system to ensure the changes are applied successfully.
Let’s check out all the steps in detail!
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge Settings
The first step is to access the settings area of Microsoft Edge, where all browser features are controlled.
Open Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer. Once the browser opens, look at the top right corner of the window. You will see the three-dot menu icon, which represents more options. Click on this icon to open a drop-down menu.
From the drop-down menu, find and click on Settings. This will open the Edge settings page in a new tab. The settings panel contains all customization options related to privacy, appearance, system behavior, and gaming features.
Make sure you are signed in to your Microsoft account if Edge asks for it, because some gaming features are connected to account-based settings. Once you are inside the settings page, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Navigate to the Gaming or Game Assist Section
Microsoft Edge includes a dedicated section for gaming features. This is where the Game Assist option is usually located.
In the left sidebar of the settings page, scroll through the list until you find Gaming. Click on it to open gaming-related settings. If you do not see the Gaming option directly, use the search bar at the top of the settings page and type Game Assist or gaming to find it quickly.
Once you open the Gaming section, you will see options related to game recommendations, the gaming homepage, and Game Assist. The exact layout may vary depending on your Edge version, but the Game Assist toggle will be visible somewhere in this section.
Read through the available options carefully. Some systems show Game Assist as part of gaming tools or sidebar features. Identifying the correct toggle is important before turning it off.
Step 3: Turn Off the Game Assist Toggle
Now that you have located the Game Assist settings, you can disable the feature.
Look for the Game Assist toggle or an option labeled something similar to Enable Game Assist or Show Game Assist during gaming. When this option is turned on, Microsoft Edge provides gaming assistance, tips, and browser access during gameplay.
Click on the toggle switch to turn it off. Once disabled, the toggle should change color or move to the off position. This indicates that Game Assist in Microsoft Edge has been turned off.
After disabling it, close the settings tab or keep it open if you want to make further changes. Disabling the toggle stops Edge from showing gaming assistance, but there are additional steps you can take to ensure it does not run in the background.
Step 4: Disable Edge Running in the Background
Even after turning off Game Assist, Microsoft Edge may continue running background services. Disabling background activity ensures the feature stays off and does not consume system resources.
Open Microsoft Edge settings again and click on System and performance in the left sidebar. Scroll down until you find an option called Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
Turn off this option by clicking the toggle. This will prevent Edge from running in the background after you close the browser. By doing this, you ensure that Game Assist and related services cannot activate without your knowledge.
Close Microsoft Edge after making this change so the new settings take effect.
Step 5: Check Windows Gaming Settings
Windows itself includes gaming features that may interact with browser-based gaming assistance. Checking these settings helps ensure everything is disabled.
Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and I on your keyboard. Once the settings window opens, click on Gaming.
Inside the Gaming section, check options like Xbox Game Bar, Captures, and Game Mode. While these are not directly part of Microsoft Edge Game Assist, they can trigger gaming overlays and assistance tools.
If you want a completely distraction-free experience, you can disable unnecessary gaming features here. This step is optional but recommended for users who want minimal background activity while gaming.
Step 6: Remove Gaming Sidebar if Enabled
Some versions of Microsoft Edge include a gaming sidebar that provides quick access to gaming content and tools. This sidebar can sometimes trigger Game Assist features.
Open Microsoft Edge and look for the sidebar icon on the right side of the browser window. Click on it and open sidebar settings. Find any gaming panels or widgets.
Disable or remove gaming widgets from the sidebar. This ensures that Microsoft Edge does not display gaming content or assistance while you are browsing or playing games.
After removing the gaming sidebar, restart the browser to apply changes.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
Restarting your system is an important final step. It ensures that all changes you made to Microsoft Edge Game Assist settings are fully applied.
Close all running applications and restart your computer. Once your system turns back on, Microsoft Edge Game Assist should remain disabled.
You can confirm this by opening Edge and checking the Gaming settings again. If the toggle remains off and no gaming assistance appears during gameplay, the feature has been successfully disabled.
FAQs
What is Microsoft Edge Game Assist?
Microsoft Edge Game Assist is a built-in feature that provides gaming tips, browser tools, and quick access to helpful content while playing games. It is designed to enhance the gaming experience by offering assistance directly through the Edge browser.
Why should I turn off Game Assist in Microsoft Edge?
Some users turn off Game Assist because they find it distracting or unnecessary. Others disable it to improve system performance, reduce background activity, or maintain privacy while gaming. Turning it off can also create a cleaner gaming environment without pop-ups or suggestions.
Will turning off Game Assist improve gaming performance?
Disabling Game Assist may slightly improve performance on lower-end systems by reducing background processes. While the difference is usually small, every bit of system resource saved can help create a smoother gaming experience.
Can I turn Game Assist back on later?
Yes, you can easily re-enable Microsoft Edge Game Assist anytime. Simply go back to Microsoft Edge settings, open the Gaming section, and turn the toggle back on. Restart the browser if needed.
Is Game Assist available in both Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Yes, Game Assist in Microsoft Edge is available in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, although the exact location of settings may vary depending on your browser version. The steps in this guide work for both operating systems.
Does disabling Edge background activity help?
Yes, turning off background activity in Microsoft Edge ensures that Game Assist and other features do not run when the browser is closed. This can save system resources and prevent unwanted features from activating.