Why my Microsoft Edge Won’t Open?

In the competitive world of web browsers, Microsoft Edge stands out as a top performer. If you’re a Microsoft Edge enthusiast using it for your daily browsing needs, you might have encountered the problem of Edge not opening or not functioning as expected.

We’re aware that Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed as the default browser in Windows-based operating systems. If there’s no alternative browser installed, Edge automatically launches for any URL or other online activities.

However, if Microsoft Edge fails to open, it can be frustrating. Recognizing this issue, we’ve prepared a guide that delves into why Microsoft Edge is not opening. After identifying the root causes, we’ve provided a comprehensive list of possible solutions that will help resolve the problem.

Also Check:- 

• How to view saved passwords in Microsoft Edge
• How to activate Microsoft Office For Mac
• Microsoft Visio Version Comparison
• Common Office 365 Admin Installation Errors and Fixes

Reasons that Microsoft Edge Won’t open

There could be various reasons for issues with your Microsoft Edge browser, such as trouble launching or not opening at all. Similarly, errors causing this problem may be related to the browser itself, or the functioning of other applications might also impact the browser.

To address this problem, our initial step is to understand the causes of the Microsoft Edge not opening issue. Identifying the causes will assist you in selecting the most suitable solution. Here are the reasons for the mentioned problem:

i. Corrupted Cache or Data:

The browser is designed to store temporary data as a cache, enhancing your browsing experience and providing high-speed performance. However, in some cases, the Microsoft Edge browser’s cache may accumulate corrupted data or files, disrupting the browser’s functioning. As a result, Microsoft Edge may be prevented from starting. In such situations, clearing all browsing data and cache from your browser resolves this problem.

ii. Background Processes:

Often, your system engages in various tasks or runs programs simultaneously in the background. These programs can consume a significant portion of your memory and CPU resources. This can lead to Microsoft Edge Browser not receiving sufficient resources from the CPU to initiate and perform its functions. Therefore, inspecting other tasks running at high CPU percentages is advisable. Ending unnecessary tasks from the task manager can resolve issues with your browser opening.

iii. Outdated Browser:

If you’re using an outdated version of the Microsoft Edge browser, there’s a crucial point to note. Outdated browsers may contain bugs or compatibility issues that hinder smooth browser startup or even prevent it from opening. To address this, it’s important to ensure that your browser is always running on the latest version. Keeping it updated regularly will prevent you from encountering this error.

iv. Extensions or Add-ons:

The utilization of extensions and plugins in your browser has become a commonplace and crucial practice. However, these extensions may encompass various security policies and cookies that can disrupt the normal functioning of the Microsoft Edge browser, leading to issues where Microsoft Edge won’t open on your system. Temporarily disabling these extensions and assessing the browser’s performance can help clarify doubts and assist in deciding whether to remove certain extensions from the browser.

v. Antivirus or Firewall Issues:

Antivirus or Firewall functions as a protective barrier against malware and other virus attacks. However, outdated software or misconfigured Firewall settings can pose problems. If the browser fails to comply with the specified protocols of your firewall software, it might be blocked from opening, resulting in the aforementioned issue with Microsoft Edge. Therefore, it is recommended to temporarily disable your Antivirus or Firewall to determine whether the problem is solely due to misconfigured firewall settings or if other factors contribute to this issue.

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Won’t Open issue?

1. Restart your Computer/PC

Sometimes, resolving problems doesn’t always require complex solutions. Consider trying a basic and straightforward approach, such as rebooting your system. Issues like temporary glitches, malfunctions, and related problems might be causing Microsoft Edge not to open properly.

To address this, refresh your computer. Rebooting is a simple process: click on the Windows button, press the power button, and select restart. This action will initiate a reboot in just a few minutes. Once the system has restarted, check if Microsoft Edge is working correctly. This uncomplicated step can often resolve temporary or persistent issues that may be affecting the browser’s functionality.

2. Quit and Reopen the Browser

Closing and reopening your Microsoft Edge browser window can resolve the issue you’ve mentioned. When should you consider using this method? If your Microsoft Edge window is stuck or frozen, employing this approach is likely to be effective. If your browser becomes unresponsive due to hanging or malfunctioning, follow these steps: Locate the Microsoft Edge icon on your system taskbar, right-click on it, and then select “close window.”

Another alternative, an effective method is to end the task using the task manager. This will halt the application from running in the background. You can find instructions on how to end a task in the task manager in our next fix.

3. Close the Background Running Process of Microsoft Edge

If closing and reopening the Microsoft Edge browser window doesn’t resolve the issue for you, it’s because Microsoft Edge continues running in the background even after you close the browser. Some files of the browser persistently operate in the background. Additionally, certain applications using a significant amount of CPU resources can significantly impact the browser’s functionality.

The ultimate solution is to end the task from the task manager. This action will completely halt the application. Upon reopening Microsoft Edge, it will utilize fresh memory and resources from the system. Follow our step-by-step guide to do:

• Open the Task Manager, By using the Windows OS shortcut “Ctrl + shift + ESC”.
• Look for the Microsoft Edge in the listing and select it out.
• Right-click on the selected Edge Application and Click on the “End task” button.

This Will forcefully stop the working of Microsoft Edge and not even run any of its files in the background.

4. Try opening Edge in Private Mode

While investigating various causes, it was discovered that certain extensions or add-ons can disrupt the functioning of your Microsoft Edge browser, leading to issues with opening. Additionally, problems may arise from corrupted cache or saved site data. To confirm whether these factors are causing the problem, you can utilize one of Microsoft Edge’s key features – “Private mode.” In this mode, the browser refrains from saving or collecting any history, site data, or cookies. If your browser functions correctly in this mode, it indicates that the issue may be attributed to either corrupted data on the browser site or an extension.

Initiating your work with a private window is now a straightforward process. Let’s explore the step-by-step guide for it.

• If you have not launched Microsoft Edge yet, Then look for the Microsoft Edge icon in the Taskbar, right-click on it, and next Click on “New InPrivate window.”
• If you already opened the browser homepage then look for the dotted symbol on the Top right and Click on it. At last, press on the “New InPrivate window.”
• The last way to open a private window is by using the Windows OS shortcut which is “Ctrl + Shift + N “

Learning that extensions don’t function in Private mode means if your browser operates in Private mode, the extension is causing the problem.

Identifying the specific extension causing the problem is crucial but challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to remove extensions one by one, as it is the best and recommended solution.

We can remove the extension, just following these simple steps:

• Look for the puzzle shape icon and Click on it in the Microsoft browser.
• Select the Extension and Click on the Three dots next to it.
• Lastly, click on the “Remove Extension”.

After Removing the extension, check whether the Microsoft Edge is working properly or not. After removing Certain Extensions if the Browser started working seamlessly then that extension was the one that was troubling in the Edge browser opening and functionality.

5. Update Edge to the Latest Version. (if Available)

As we are aware, Microsoft Edge constantly updates its browser to address compatibility issues and minor bugs. Occasionally, these bugs or glitches may prevent browsers from opening, cause issues in page retrieval, or result in slow performance. The optimal solution to resolve these issues is to ensure your browser is always up-to-date with the latest version.

Typically, Microsoft Edge notifies users of the latest updates through a prompt or a pop-up message. This alert serves as a signal for users to update their browsers. However, if you happen to miss this prompt, you can manually update your Edge browser by following the steps outlined below:

• Look for the Three horizontal dots in the top right corner of the browser and Click on them.
• Press on the “Help and Feedback” button
• Go to the “About Microsoft Edge” button.

This will automatically search for the latest update and install it for you once the latest version gets installed. it‘s good to perform a restart for your browser to reflect the latest changes.

6. Delete the Edge Cache

A cache is a key feature of browsers that stores temporary web data and other files. This enhances the browser’s speed, meaning your page won’t reload from scratch every time, providing a high-speed performance. Problems arise when this data gets corrupted or the cache storage reaches its capacity.

In such scenarios, your Microsoft Edge browser prevents itself from opening, and you can’t proceed with your browsing. To clear the stored memory, also known as the cache, we have provided a step-by-step procedure below:

• Open your File Explorer on your Windows OS system and Go to the Files Address section.
• Insert the mentioned address and Press Enter:

“%localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Cache\Cache_Data”

• It will open all the cache data files, Select all, and Delete them.

This way you can clear all your Microsoft Edge Cache Files in only two steps and resolve your browser without opening an issue instantly.

7. Repair your Microsoft Edge

If browser data holds crucial information or valuable data that you wish to retain without erasing it, no need to worry. There’s an alternative solution for this issue without clearing your Edge browser cache. This diagnostic method will thoroughly investigate and attempt to fix all potential causes of the stated problem.

Follow the guide below to perform the repair using the built-in Microsoft tool. The steps may vary depending on your Windows operating system, so we’ve categorized them for Windows 11 and 10. Choose the section that corresponds to your system’s running OS.

a. Windows 11:

• By using the Windows OS shortcut “Windows + I”, Open the settings Panel.
• Select the Apps on the left side menu.
• Next, Look for Microsoft Edge in the App & features Listing, or else you can search in the Search list box.
• Now, Click on the Microsoft Edge and Click on the “Modify” button.
• After Confirming, Click on the “Repair” button to start Diagnose and Repairing.

b. Windows 10:

• Go to the settings of your system.
• Next, Go to the “App and features” option.
• Next, Look for Microsoft Edge in the App & features Listing, or else you can search in the Search List box and select it.
• Lastly, Click on the “Repair” button to start Diagnose and Repairing.

8. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, the problem of Edge not opening isn’t caused by the browser itself, but rather by an outdated version of your operating system. Like any operating system, it initially had some compatibility issues and bugs resolved through regular Windows updates. However, if your system still uses an older version, it could lead to trouble.

To ensure that your system is running on the latest version, follow the steps below:

• By using the Windows OS shortcut “Windows + I”, Open the setting Panel.
• Scroll Down to the end and Click on the “Windows Update” on the left side of the panel.
• Next, Click on the “check for updates” option and it will search for the latest available updates according to your system compatibility.
• If you find any updates, click on the “Download and Install” button.

After successfully starting your system will prompt you to perform a simple reboot that will reflect all the updated changes on your system.

9. Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Edge

If you have attempted all the solutions mentioned above and none of them has proven effective, it is advisable to uninstall and then reinstall the Microsoft Edge browser. This process will effectively remove any corrupted or crashed files associated with the Edge browser. Subsequently, reinstalling it with the default settings will rectify the issue you are facing.

10. Perform Windows Store App Troubleshooting

The Windows Troubleshooter is one of the most helpful and effective built-in tools available in all Windows systems. It works seamlessly and provides highly accurate results. If your Microsoft Edge browser struggles every time you open the application, it’s worth trying the troubleshooter to search for errors. The Windows Troubleshooter can scan and detect any significant errors or corrupted data. Moreover, it has the ability to resolve the problem on its own.

To launch the Microsoft Windows Troubleshooter, you can refer to the below steps:

• By using the Windows OS shortcut “Windows + I”, Open the setting Panel.
• To easily get the Settings, Search for “Troubleshoot settings” in the search box.
• Now, click on the “Other Troubleshooters” tiles.
• Look for the “Windows Update” or “Windows Store App “and press on the “Run” button that is next to it.

Windows Troubleshooter will take a few minutes to fully scan and detect the concern issue and then offers you a possible solution, So follow the instruction accordingly and resolve your problem.

11. Perform Clean Boot

Our next solution in this list involves performing a clean boot on your system. It has been observed that this method has proven helpful to many users. We initiate Windows with only the necessary drivers and essential program files in a clean boot. All other background programs and startup applications are blocked in this process. This allows you to identify which program or application affects Microsoft Edge’s performance. Simply run your Windows in Safe mode and access background programs according to your preference.

To Run your Windows system on Clean boot mode, follow the below steps:

• Start by searching the “System Configuration” in the Search bar and Click on it to open the setting.
• Click on the Services Tab.
• Now Mark the “Hide all Microsoft services” Check box, that is the last option on the page.
• Next, Click on the “Disable all” button and hit the Apply button.
• Then change the tab on “Startup” and Click on “Open Task Manager”.
• In the Startup Tab, you need to disable all other apps that are not run by Microsoft (Non-Microsoft apps).

At last, perform a simple reboot to apply changes and Check whether your Microsoft Edge has started working as Expected.

12. Scan for Malware and Viruses:

As everyone knows, viruses and malware can cause significant harm to your system. Various issues such as slow response, unwanted advertisements, frozen screens, and pop-ups may arise due to these threats in your files. Therefore, conducting scans that thoroughly examine all your program files is crucial to identify and eliminate viruses and malware.

To achieve this, you require reliable antivirus software with the capability to detect and remove these threats from your system accurately. You have the option to utilize the built-in Microsoft Defender, or you can explore other third-party applications that provide advanced features and high accuracy.

To scan your files using the built-in Defender, follow these steps:

• By using the Windows OS shortcut “Windows + I”, Open the settings Panel.
• Go to the “Privacy and Security” Option.
• Next, Click on the first option, which is “Windows Security”.
• Pick “Virus & Threat Protection” and Click on it.
• Lastly, Click on the Scan options and select “Full Scan”.
• Just click on the “Scan Now” Button.

This will take a few minutes to scan all System files and run programs, Depending on your system sometimes it may take an hour to perform when you manage all other things.

13. Execute an SFC Scan Program

If the general Microsoft Troubleshooter cannot solve your problem, you can try using our next solution: Running SFC, which stands for System File Checker. This tool is designed to check if the system’s files are healthy. It identifies any corrupted files or other malfunctioning issues. These problems could be the reason why Microsoft is not opening properly. Performing an SFC scan may resolve your issue. You can run SFC using the Command Prompt.

• Go to the Taskbar of your System and Type “Command prompt” in the Search box.
• Run Command Prompt as an Administrator.
• Once it opens, Type SFC /scannow and press the Enter button.
• After finishing the process, perform a simple Reboot on your system.

14. Reset your PC.

If none of the solutions mentioned above work for you, the last option available is to perform a system reset. Resetting your system will restore it to the default or factory settings. This fresh start can resolve any misconfigurations affecting your Edge Browser. Additionally, it brings other benefits like increased speed, improved performance, and enhanced battery health.

Note: Please be aware that performing a system reset will delete all application data and customize settings in various apps. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to back up your data before initiating a reset on your device.

Follow the below steps to do so:

• By using the Windows OS shortcut “Windows + I”, Open the settings Panel.
• Go to the “System” option.
• Next, Scroll down and Click on “Recovery”
• At last, Click on “Reset this PC”.

It will re-confirm you are doing so. Click on the ok button, wait until resetting is finished and perform a restart to apply changes.

Microsoft Edge Not Opening-FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ve explored the potential reasons behind the issue, shedding light on why it occurs. After identifying these causes, we’ve compiled a list of potential solutions. We recommend trying them sequentially. Starting with the fundamental step of rebooting is always advised by us. Typically, terminating tasks running in the background and reopening Edge proves effective for most users. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, then consider exploring alternative solutions.