Microsoft Edge, the built-in browser on Windows 10 and 11 gradually gained popularity for its security, speed, and integration with the Windows ecosystem. Utilizing the same Chromium engine as Google Chrome, Edge offers a familiar browsing experience and regular updates that bring new features, improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced browsing performance. Microsoft regularly updates the browser to compete with Chrome, however, sometimes you may experience Edge not opening, frequent crashes, or Pages fail to load. Several users report, Microsoft Edge not working or slow performance after update. Corrupt browser cache to faulty extension, user profile corruption or too many tabs open are common reasons why Edge not work or fails to load pages. Here are several steps you can take to fix this issue.
Quick Links
Microsoft Edge not working
Microsoft Edge may fail to open or crash immediately after opening due to various reasons. Corrupted Cache, Problematic Extensions, Slow Internet Connection, and Running an outdated version of Edge are common.
- Accumulated cache and cookies can become corrupted, leading to various issues.
- Running an outdated version of Edge can result in compatibility and performance problems.
- Slow or unstable internet connection can prevent Edge from loading pages correctly.
- Some extensions might interfere with Edge’s performance and functionality.
- Minor system glitches or conflicts with other software also can affect Edge’s behaviour.
Check Your Internet Connection
If you notice Edge fails to load webpages or it’s very slow the first thing you need to check and Ensure that your internet connection is stable. Try opening other browsers or apps to confirm connectivity.
- Also, you can visit speedtest.net or fast.com to test your internet connection speed.
- Run the ping command ping google.com -t to check your connection is stable.
- If you have problem with your internet connection, try to restart your router or contact your ISP.
Again a simple restart can resolve many issues. Restart your computer and try launching Edge again. This will clear temporary files and memory, and resolve minor glitches and conflicts that might be affecting Edge.
Update Windows and Edge
If you are using an older version of the browser or Windows OS, it may cause compatibility issues and result in Edge not loading. Updating the browser and Windows OS not only brings security improvements and bug fixes but also optimizes performance and adds new features. Keeping both Windows and Edge updated ensures you have the latest enhancements and security patches.
To Update Windows 11
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your computer.
To Update Microsoft Edge
- First Open the Edge browser on your computer.
- Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to Help and Feedback> About Microsoft Edge.
- Edge will automatically check for updates and install them.
Clear Browsing Data
Browsers cache visited webpages to make the browsing experience faster. However, cached data and cookies accumulate over time and can become corrupted, causing various issues like slow performance and loading problems. Clearing cached data can resolve these issues.
- Open Edge and Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Delete browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now.
Disable/Uninstall Extensions
Browser extensions extend the browser’s capabilities. However, extensions can sometimes interfere with browser performance. Disabling extensions help identify if any specific extension is causing conflicts or performance issues.
- Open Edge, Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to Extensions then click on Manage extensions
- Here Toggle off all extensions.
- Restart Edge and check if the problem persists.
If not enable them one after one to identify which one causing edge not working.
Reset Microsoft Edge
If the above solutions didn’t help, Resetting Edge default can resolve issues without affecting your data. This action reverts Edge to its default state and resolves configuration issues and conflicts caused by changes in settings.
- Open Edge.Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm by clicking Reset.
Create a New User Account
Creating a new user account can help determine if the issue is user-specific. If Edge works fine in a new user account, the problem might be related to user-specific settings or files.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Click Add account under Other users.
- Follow the prompts to create a new user account.
- Log in with the new account and check if Edge works.
Disable Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is essential for protecting your system, but sometimes it can interfere with browser performance. Disabling antivirus software temporarily can help determine if it’s causing the issue.
- Open your antivirus software.
- Find the option to disable it temporarily (varies by software).
- Disable the antivirus and restart Edge to see if the problem is resolved.
- Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after testing.
Repair Corrupted System Files
Again system files are important for a smoother user experience. if for some reason system files are corrupted it can affect various applications, including Edge. Running built-in tools like sfc and DISM commands helps fix issues caused by underlying Windows problems.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type command sfc /scannow and command and press Enter
- Let the scanning complete 100%, next run DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait for the process to complete. It will automatically repair any corrupted files.
- Once the scanning complete 100%, Restart your computer and check if Edge works.
I hope these solutions help fix Microsoft Edge not working or opening problems on Windows 11/10.