Microsoft Edge is your window to the web. But what do you do when it starts acting up? Maybe it freezes, crashes, or refuses to load pages. Don’t worry — there’s no need to swear at your screen. You’ve got three ace tools in your pocket: Repair, Reset, and Reinstall.
TLDR
If Microsoft Edge is misbehaving, try using built-in tools to fix it. Start with a simple Repair which fixes most problems without changing anything. A Reset will restore defaults but keep your data. If all else fails, Reinstall Edge completely. It’s easy, and we’ll walk you through it.
Why Edge Might Be Acting Up
Even the best browsers can misfire now and then. Maybe add-ons are causing trouble. Maybe a bug crept in with an update. Or maybe it’s just one of those unlucky days. Here are some classic signs Edge needs help:
- Tabs crash or freeze.
- You can’t change your homepage or search engine.
- Websites won’t load properly.
- Edge won’t open at all.
The good news? Most issues can be fixed in just a few clicks.
Option 1: Repair Microsoft Edge
Repair is the gentlest way to fix Edge. It takes just a couple of minutes, and you won’t lose your favorites, bookmarks, or passwords.
Here’s how to Repair:
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click Apps, then click Apps & features.
- Scroll down to find Microsoft Edge and click it.
- Hit the Modify button.
- Click Repair when prompted.
Windows will download a fresh copy of Edge. Think of it as changing the tires, not the whole car.
Once it’s done, your browser should be running smooth again. If not, don’t worry. You’ve still got options!
Option 2: Reset Microsoft Edge
If things are still a mess, a Reset might be what you need. This will return Edge to its default settings. It won’t delete your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords. But it will turn off extensions and remove temporary data like cookies.
To Reset Edge:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Choose Settings.
- On the left, click Reset settings.
- Choose Restore settings to their default values.
- Click Reset.
This can fix weird behaviors caused by corrupt settings or buggy extensions.
Check to see if the problems are gone. If not, we’ve got one last move up our sleeve.
Option 3: Reinstall Microsoft Edge
Alright, the nuclear option — Reinstall. If Repair and Reset didn’t help, this will. Reinstalling means deleting Edge and putting in a fresh copy. It’s like a clean slate.
Don’t panic! Your personal stuff like favorites and passwords will be safe — if you’ve signed into Edge with your Microsoft account. Just make sure you sync before you start.
Steps to Reinstall Edge:
Uninstall Edge (For Optional Use Only)
Most systems don’t let you uninstall Edge easily. If you’re using the version that came with Windows 11, you can skip this step. If not:
- Open a Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Navigate to the Edge installer folder using this command:
cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\XXX\Installer
(Replace XXX with your current version folder) - Run:
setup.exe –uninstall –system-level –verbose-logging –force-uninstall
Again, only do this if absolutely needed and you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, jump to the reinstall step.
Reinstall Edge
- Go to the official site: microsoft.com/edge
- Click Download.
- Run the installer.
And boom — you’ve got a shiny, clean copy of Edge!
Bonus Tips to Keep Edge Healthy
Want to avoid future browser drama? Here’s how to keep Edge in tip-top shape:
- Update regularly: Edge updates itself, but you can check manually in Settings → About Microsoft Edge.
- Keep extensions lean: Only install what you really need.
- Clear cache now and then: Especially if pages seem sluggish.
- Scan for malware: Nasty software can mess with your browser.
When to Ask for Backup
If Edge still won’t get its act together, and none of the options worked, it might be time to call in the pros.
- Check the Microsoft Community Forums.
- Reach out to Microsoft Support if needed.
- Or, as a last resort, try a different browser while you troubleshoot.
Final Thoughts
Edge isn’t perfect — no browser is. But with tools like Repair, Reset, and Reinstall, you’re well-equipped to bring it back to life. Start simple, go step by step, and you’ll probably fix the issue in just a few minutes.
Browsing should be smooth, fast, and frustration-free. So if Edge throws a tantrum, don’t fear. Now you know exactly how to fix it!