msedge.exe has 21 instances in startup applications

Task Manager can show multiple startup entries because startup apps can be registered from different locations, including:

• HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• Startup folders under the Start menu

If disabling one entry causes another to appear, inspect the actual auto-start entries instead of only toggling them in Task Manager.

Recommended steps:

1. In Task Manager → Startup apps, disable the Microsoft Edge entries you do not want.
2. If the entries keep reappearing, run Autoruns and check the startup locations directly.
   • Autoruns shows the full list of configured auto-start applications and the Registry and file system locations used for auto-start.
   • Check at least the Logon tab and Scheduled Tasks tab.
   • To disable an entry, clear its checkbox.
   • To remove an entry, use Delete.
3. If Task Manager shows We couldn’t find this app for any startup item, use the details pane to identify the broken file path or registry location.
4. If a broken startup path points to the registry, review these startup registry locations:
   • HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Caution: deleting or editing startup registry entries can have unintended consequences. Back up the registry before making changes.

If the issue is specifically that Edge starts unexpectedly, one documented cause is leftover background processes or a broken installation of Edge.

• Configure Startup applications in Windows | Microsoft Support
• Configure Startup applications in Windows | Microsoft Support
• Autoruns v14.3
• Microsoft Edge stops responding or doesn't start