Microsoft Edge, the default web browser for Windows 10 and 11, is a powerful and user-friendly tool for browsing the internet. However, like any software, it can sometimes encounter issues that prevent it from functioning properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through various methods to repair Microsoft Edge on both Windows 10 and 11, ensuring that you can get back to browsing seamlessly.
Repairing Microsoft Edge via Windows Settings
One of the easiest ways to repair Microsoft Edge is through the Windows Settings app. Follow these steps:
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows and I keys simultaneously.
Click on the Apps tile.
Select Apps & features from the left-hand menu.
Scroll down and find Microsoft Edge in the list of installed apps.
Click on the three-dot menu icon next to Microsoft Edge and select Advanced options.
Scroll down and click on the Repair button.
Wait for the repair process to complete, and then try launching Microsoft Edge again.
Repairing Microsoft Edge via Control Panel
If you prefer using the Control Panel, you can also repair Microsoft Edge from there. Here’s how:
Open the Control Panel.
Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
Find Microsoft Edge in the list of installed programs.
Right-click on Microsoft Edge and select Change.
In the Change Microsoft Edge window, select the Repair option and click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
Resetting Microsoft Edge
If repairing Microsoft Edge doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try resetting it to its default settings. This will remove all your browsing data, including history, cookies, and cached files, but it may help fix any underlying problems. Here’s how to reset Microsoft Edge:
Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down and click on the Reset settings option.
In the Reset settings window, click on the Restore settings to their default values option.
Click the Reset button to confirm the action.
Reinstalling Microsoft Edge
If the above methods don’t work, you can try reinstalling Microsoft Edge altogether. This will remove the existing installation and install a fresh copy of the browser. Here’s how to reinstall Microsoft Edge:
Open the Control Panel.
Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
Find Microsoft Edge in the list of installed programs.
Right-click on Microsoft Edge and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Once Microsoft Edge is uninstalled, go to the official Microsoft Edge website and download the latest version of the browser.
Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Edge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you may encounter while using Microsoft Edge and how to fix them:
Microsoft Edge keeps crashing: If Microsoft Edge keeps crashing or closing unexpectedly, try clearing the browser cache and cookies. You can do this by clicking on the three-dot menu icon, selecting Settings, and then clicking on the Clear browsing data option.
Microsoft Edge is slow: If Microsoft Edge is running slowly, try disabling any extensions or add-ons you have installed. You can do this by clicking on the three-dot menu icon, selecting Extensions, and then toggling off any extensions you don’t need.
Microsoft Edge is not responding: If Microsoft Edge is not responding, try closing the browser and reopening it. If that doesn’t work, you can try restarting your computer.
Microsoft Edge is not updating: If Microsoft Edge is not updating automatically, you can manually check for updates by clicking on the three-dot menu icon, selecting Help and feedback, and then clicking on the About Microsoft Edge option.
In conclusion, repairing Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and 11 is a straightforward process that can be done through the Windows Settings app, Control Panel, or by resetting or reinstalling the browser. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve any issues you encounter with Microsoft Edge and get back to browsing the web with ease.