How to Completely Reset Microsoft Edge on Windows 10/11

If you’re experiencing issues with Microsoft Edge, such as slow performance, crashes, or unwanted settings, resetting the browser to its default configuration can often resolve these problems. Resetting Microsoft Edge is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods to reset Microsoft Edge on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.

Resetting Microsoft Edge: Why and When to Do It

Microsoft Edge, the default web browser in Windows 10 and 11, is a powerful and feature-rich tool for browsing the internet. However, over time, the browser can accumulate various types of data, such as browsing history, cookies, cached files, and installed extensions, which can lead to performance issues or unwanted behavior.

Resetting Microsoft Edge can help resolve a wide range of problems, including:

• Slow page loading times
• Frequent crashes or freezes
• Unexpected behavior or errors
• Unwanted changes to the browser’s settings or appearance
• Conflicts with installed extensions or add-ons

By resetting Microsoft Edge, you can effectively clear out all the accumulated data and restore the browser to its default state, which can often fix these issues and improve your overall browsing experience.

How to Reset Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and 11

There are several methods you can use to reset Microsoft Edge on your Windows 10 or 11 computer. Let’s explore the different options:

Method 1: Reset Microsoft Edge from the Settings Menu

This is the easiest and most straightforward way to reset Microsoft Edge. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Settings”.
2. Click on the “Settings” app to open it.
3. In the Settings menu, click on “Apps”.
4. Scroll down and find “Microsoft Edge” in the list of installed apps.
5. Click on “Microsoft Edge” and then select “Advanced options”.
6. Scroll down to the “Reset” section and click on the “Reset” button.
7. In the confirmation dialog, click “Reset” to proceed with the reset process.

This method will reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings, removing your browsing history, cookies, and other data, while preserving your bookmarks and favorites.

Method 2: Reset Microsoft Edge Using the Run Command

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can reset Microsoft Edge using the Run command. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. In the Run dialog box, type the following command: %localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data and press Enter.
3. This will open the Microsoft Edge user data folder. Right-click on the “User Data” folder and select “Rename”.
4. Rename the “User Data” folder to something like “User Data Backup”.
5. Close the folder and open Microsoft Edge. The browser will now start with its default settings, effectively resetting it.

This method completely removes all your Microsoft Edge data, including browsing history, cookies, and settings, and creates a backup of the data in the “User Data Backup” folder. Keep in mind that your bookmarks and favorites may not be automatically restored, so you may need to import them manually if needed.

Method 3: Reset Microsoft Edge Using PowerShell

If you’re comfortable with PowerShell, you can also reset Microsoft Edge using a PowerShell command. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “PowerShell”.
2. Right-click on “Windows PowerShell” and select “Run as administrator”.
3. In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}

This PowerShell command will reinstall the Microsoft Edge package, effectively resetting the browser to its default state. This method is particularly useful if you’re experiencing issues with Microsoft Edge that can’t be resolved through the other reset methods.

Keep in mind that resetting Microsoft Edge using this method will remove your browsing history, cookies, extensions, and settings, but your bookmarks and favorites should be preserved.

Preparing for a Microsoft Edge Reset

Before you proceed with resetting Microsoft Edge, it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure a smooth process:

• Backup your data: If you have any important bookmarks, passwords, or other data stored in Microsoft Edge, make sure to back them up before resetting the browser. This will ensure that you can easily restore your data after the reset is complete.
• Close all running programs: Make sure to close all running programs, including Microsoft Edge, before attempting to reset the browser. This will help ensure that the reset process is completed without any interruptions.
• Disable extensions and plugins: If you have any extensions or plugins installed in Microsoft Edge, it’s a good idea to disable them before resetting the browser. This can help prevent any conflicts or issues during the reset process.
• Clear browsing data: Consider clearing your browsing data, such as your browsing history, cookies, and cached files, before resetting Microsoft Edge. This can help ensure a clean slate for the browser after the reset is complete.

By following these preparatory steps, you can help ensure a smooth and successful reset of Microsoft Edge on your Windows 10 or 11 computer.

Restoring Your Browsing Experience After a Reset

After resetting Microsoft Edge, you may need to take a few additional steps to restore your browsing experience:

• Restore your bookmarks and favorites: If you backed up your bookmarks and favorites before the reset, you can now import them back into Microsoft Edge. This will help you quickly access your frequently visited websites.
• Reinstall your extensions and plugins: If you had any extensions or plugins installed in Microsoft Edge, you’ll need to reinstall them after the reset. Make sure to only install extensions from trusted sources to avoid any security risks.
• Customize your settings: Take some time to customize Microsoft Edge’s settings to your preferences, such as your default search engine, homepage, and other preferences.
• Update Microsoft Edge: After the reset, make sure to check for any available updates for Microsoft Edge and install them to ensure you’re using the latest version of the browser.

By following these steps, you can quickly restore your browsing experience and get back to using Microsoft Edge with confidence.