As an official Windows app, Microsoft Edge is preinstalled on all PCs. But what should you do if the Edge browser no longer works, websites do not load correctly or the tool does not even start? We’ll tell you here.
Since Microsoft is constantly developing its browser, it usually runs without problems. But every now and then it can happen that the program hangs up or cannot be started as usual. In this case, Windows already has a few tools on board that you can use to repair the browser.
Restart the PC
First you should try it out with a simple reboot: Restart the PC by first clicking the Windows symbol below, then the power button and then “Restart”. Wait for the computer to restart and open Microsoft Edge. Check if the browser works.
Additional tip: Since Microsoft Edge is closely linked to the Windows operating system, you should make sure that you have the latest Windows update installed on your PC. In the settings (gear symbol) click on “Update and Security”. There you can check whether an update is available.
How to fix the browser?
If the restart had no effect, initiate a repair of the app: To do this, open the Windows settings. Click on the menu item “Apps” and go to the entry “Microsoft Edge” in the list of all applications. Select the item “Advanced Options”, scroll down a little and click on “Repair”.
It will now take a short moment for Windows to complete the repair. When it is finished, a blue tick appears next to “Repair”. Then close the settings and start the browser. See if the problems are resolved.
Clear history & other data in case of page display problems
Like other browsers, Microsoft Edge also saves temporary files, for example to be able to load websites more quickly. However, if you run into problems with the page display, we recommend that you delete some data, such as the browser history. In Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and then click “History”. Then you select the option “Delete history” and decide which records you want to remove. In addition to “Browsing history”, you should definitely select the options “Cookies and saved website data” and “Cached data and files”. Click on “Erase” below to remove the data.
Microsoft Edge not working? Reset the app
If the repair did not help, you can also reset the browser. In contrast to the repair, some data is removed, including the history. However, your bookmarks, settings, and tabs are not affected.
To reset Microsoft Edge: Open the Windows settings, go to “Apps” and select Microsoft Edge. Click on “Advanced Options” and then click on “Reset” below.
You can still do this if the browser does not start
If you have problems opening the browser at all, you should check whether an antivirus program you have installed is possibly preventing it from starting. To do this, open the antivirus software. Enter Microsoft Edge in the area for “Exceptions”.
You can also deactivate the antivirus program briefly to test whether the browser works again afterwards. However, you should reactivate the tool afterwards or look for an alternative so that your PC is still protected against malware and the like.
Additional tip: Windows has integrated its own firewall. If this is switched off, Microsoft Edge may not start. To ensure that the firewall is active, click under “Settings | Update and security | Windows Security “to” Firewall & Network Protection “.
Can I Uninstall Microsoft Edge?
Since Microsoft has built the browser deep into its operating system, uninstalling it is more difficult than with third-party apps. However, it’s not entirely impossible. We have already told you what you can do to uninstall Microsoft Edge in a separate article on our blog.
Summary
Microsoft Edge not working? Restart the PC.
Repair the browser via “Settings | Apps | Microsoft Edge | Advanced options | Repair”.
If you have problems with the page display, delete the browser data – for example, history and cookies.
Otherwise set Microsoft Edge via “Settings | Apps | Microsoft Edge | Advanced options | Reset “.
Check if an antivirus is blocking the browser from opening.
Note: You can only uninstall Microsoft Edge using additional tools.