Whenever I open Microsoft Edge and try to load YouTube or YouTube Music, the page fails to load and Edge's CPU usage jumps to around 40–80%. Chrome works normally, and switching to a different Edge profile also seems to fix the problem, so the issue may be tied to my usual Edge profile or its extensions and settings.
I'm also having trouble in Valorant. My ping spikes even though my Wi-Fi seems reliable, and Task Manager shows unusually high CPU usage from Valorant, Vanguard, or Medal. The usage varies, but Medal can reach about 20%, Vanguard 40% or more, and Valorant sometimes goes above 80%. I've already restarted the computer, but the problem keeps happening. What should I check or disable to find the cause?
3 Answers
Medal may be contributing to the Valorant lag if its recording or clipping features are running in the background. Temporarily close Medal completely, including from the system tray, and test a few matches. If the ping spikes stop, lower its recording quality or disable background capture. Also check Task Manager for other processes using CPU while the game is running.
Since Chrome works and another Edge profile works, the problem is probably specific to your normal Edge profile rather than the browser itself. Try disabling all extensions in that profile, then re-enable them one at a time. You can also clear that profile’s cached data or create a fresh profile and see whether the issue returns.
High CPU usage can cause frame-time problems and make network latency appear worse, even if the Wi-Fi connection itself is fine. Test Valorant with Medal closed and make sure no browser tabs or unnecessary startup apps are running. If Vanguard remains unusually high by itself, repairing or reinstalling the anti-cheat and updating Windows and your drivers may help.
I’ll test Valorant with Medal fully closed first, then check whether the issue is still happening before changing Vanguard.