How to Fix Common Issues in Microsoft Edge

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Microsoft Edge is one of the leading web browsers available today, offering speed, secure browsing, and a seamless user experience. However, like any software, you may encounter problems that can disrupt your browsing experience. This guide will help you identify and fix some common problems with Microsoft Edge. We will cover scenarios and provide steps to resolve issues such as the browser not opening, crashing, slow performance, extensions not working, and more.

1. Microsoft Edge won't open

If Microsoft Edge doesn't open, there may be several reasons for this. Let's take a look at the possible solutions:

1.1 Restart your computer

Start with a simple restart of your computer. This action can resolve minor issues that might prevent Edge from opening.

1.2 Clear cache and cookies

Sometimes, corrupted cache and cookies can prevent Edge from opening. Follow these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. In the left pane, click Privacy, search, and services.
4. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
5. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear now.

Try opening Edge again to see if that resolves the issue.

1.3 Disable extensions

Extensions play an important role in enhancing the browser's functionality, but they can also cause problems. Disable all extensions and see if Edge opens:

1. Type edge://extensions/ in the address bar and press Enter.
2. Turn off all extensions.
3. Try relaunching Microsoft Edge.

If Edge opens successfully, enable extensions one by one to identify the problematic extension.

2. Microsoft Edge crashes or freezes

Crashing or freezing while using any software can be frustrating. Here are the steps to resolve this issue in Edge:

2.1 Update Microsoft Edge

Make sure your Edge browser is up to date, as updates fix known issues and enhance performance:

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and go to Settings.
2. In the left pane, select About Microsoft Edge.
3. Edge will automatically check for updates and install them.

2.2 Check for system updates

Your operating system must be updated to maintain compatibility with Edge:

1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Go to Update & Security and click on Windows Update.
3. Click Check for Updates and install any pending updates.

2.3 Run Edge in Private Mode

Running Edge in InPrivate mode disables extensions and custom settings that may cause problems:

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select New InPrivate Window.
3. See if Edge runs smoothly in this mode.

3. Slow performance in Microsoft Edge

If Edge runs slow, a few tweaks may boost its performance:

3.1 Adjust Startup Settings

Modify Edge's startup settings to make sure it opens quickly:

1. Go to Settings by clicking on the three dots.
2. Select On Startup in the left pane.
3. Select Open in a new tab instead of Continue where you left off.

3.2 Clear browsing data

Similar to the solution in section 1.2, clearing browsing data may improve performance:

1. Click on the three dots > Settings.
2. Go to Privacy, Search, and Services.
3. Choose what to clear and clear the data, especially cached images and files.

3.3 Disable preload pages

To save resources, you can disable the preload pages feature:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
2. Scroll down to Services.
3. Turn off preload pages for faster browsing and searching.

4. Extensions not working in Microsoft Edge

Extensions improve your browsing experience, but sometimes they might not work. You can:

4.1 Check extension compatibility

Make sure the extension is compatible with the version of Edge you're using:

• Visit the extension's page in the Microsoft Edge add-ons store.
• Check if it has been updated recently and if it is compatible with your version.

4.2 Disable and re-enable extensions

Refreshing the extension often resolves minor issues:

1. Type edge://extensions/ in the address bar.
2. Toggle the extension off and then on again.

5. Fix website loading issues

In some cases, you may encounter issues with some websites loading incorrectly in Edge. Here's how to fix them:

5.1 Check for internet connection problems

Make sure the problem is not related to your Internet connection:

1. Visit other websites to see if they load properly.
2. Reset your router or contact your ISP if the problem persists.

5.2 Use Compatibility View

Some websites may not be optimized for newer browser versions. Use Compatibility View to resolve this:

1. Click on the three dots > Settings.
2. Go to System and Performance.
3. Toggle on Use Internet Explorer Mode.

6. Audio and video playback problems

If the audio or video does not play properly, you can take the following steps:

6.1 Check volume and audio settings

Make sure the sound isn't muted and that your audio devices are properly configured:

1. Check the volume settings using the speaker icon in the taskbar.
2. Test the sound using other applications.

6.2 Reset Microsoft Edge

If none of the above solutions work, resetting Microsoft Edge often resolves permanent problems:

1. Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
2. Select Restore settings to their default values.
3. Confirm the action.

7. Microsoft Edge is not downloading files

If Edge is having trouble downloading files, try the following solutions:

7.1 Check the download location

Make sure there is no problem with the download location:

1. Click on the three dots > Settings.
2. Select Downloads in the left pane.
3. Make sure the download path is set correctly and that you have permission to access the folder.

7.2 Disable download tracking

Edge's tracking features may interfere with downloads:

1. Go to Privacy, Search, and Services.
2. Try temporarily lowering your tracking prevention level to see if that resolves the issue.

Conclusion

Microsoft Edge has a lot of great features, but it is not immune to issues that can affect the user experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to resolve many of the common issues users face with Edge. Regular maintenance such as keeping the browser and system updated, managing extensions responsibly, and clearing browsing data will keep your browser running smoothly. If problems persist, you may want to seek more advanced technical support or consider browser-specific help from Microsoft. Remember, it's important to keep your online activities secure, so update your software regularly and keep an eye on browser settings that align with your privacy preferences.

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