Microsoft edge not working
Image : https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/education/products/edge

Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular and widely used web browsers known for its speed, sleek design, powerful security features, and seamless integration with the Windows operating system. However, like any software, it can sometimes encounter issues, such as becoming unresponsive or not responding. You may notice Microsoft Edge not Responding, very slow or not loading pages or sometimes Microsoft Edge won’t open from taskbar. Users report Microsoft Edge isn’t working after update. In this article, we’ll explore why is Microsoft edge not responding and troubleshooting steps to repair Microsoft Edge and optimize performance.

Why is Microsoft Edge not responding?

There are several reasons why Microsoft Edge might become unresponsive, ranging from software conflicts to hardware issues.

  • Running multiple tabs or extensions simultaneously can consume a lot of system resources, causing Edge to become sluggish or unresponsive.
  • Accumulated cache and cookies can slow browser performance over time. If these files become corrupted, they can cause Edge to stop responding.
  • Using an outdated version of Edge might result in compatibility issues with newer websites or services, leading to unresponsiveness.
  • Malicious software or unwanted adware can interfere with Edge’s functionality, causing it to become unresponsive.
  • A corrupted user profile can affect Edge’s performance. This might occur due to file system errors or software glitches.
  • Slow or unstable internet connections or Conflicts between Edge and other installed software or browser extensions also can lead to unresponsiveness.

Microsoft Edge not responding

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or hiccups that cause Microsoft Edge to become unresponsive.

Close Microsoft Edge by clicking the “X” button or right-clicking the Edge icon on the taskbar and selecting “Close window.” Reopen Edge and check if it responds.

If Microsoft Edge won’t open from the taskbar, Press Ctrl + shift + Esc to open Taskmanager. Locate any Microsoft Edge process Right click on it select End task, now try to open the Edge browser.

Update Microsoft Edge

Using an outdated version of the Microsoft Edge browser can potentially lead to performance issues, unresponsiveness, or slow performance. Update the Edge browser latest version to resolve performance issues and ensure that you are benefiting from the latest improvements and security patches.

  • First Open Microsoft Edge. Click on the three dots (More actions) at the top-right corner to open the menu.
  • Go to “Help and feedback” and then select “About Microsoft Edge.”

Update Microsoft Edge

Alternatively, type edge://settings/help on the address bar and press enter key.

  • If an update is available, Edge will automatically download and install it. Once the update is complete, restart Microsoft Edge.

In addition, System updates can provide fixes for compatibility problems between Windows and Edge:

  1. Open Windows Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Windows Update then Check for updates and install any available updates.

Download Windows 11 updates

Clear Cache and Cookies

Microsoft Edge keeps cache data to enhance the browsing experience. Cached data and cookies can accumulate over time and impact browser performance. Let’s first clear browsing data including cache and cookies which probably optimize browser performance.

  • Open Microsoft Edge, Click on the three dots (…) in the top-right corner.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
  • Under Clear browsing data, click on Choose what to clear.
  • Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
  • Select the Time range all time and Click on Clear now.

Microsoft Edge clear browsing data

Disable Browser Extensions

Extensions can sometimes cause conflicts that lead to browser unresponsiveness. Try disabling extensions one by one to identify the problematic one:

  • Click on the three dots (…) and go to Extensions, then Manage Extensions.
  • Alternatively, type edge://extensions/ on the address bar and press the enter key to display all installed or enabled extensions list.

Disable Edge Extensions

  • Disable one extension, then check if the issue persists. Repeat for all extensions.
  • Once you identify the problematic extension, consider updating or removing it.

Repair Microsoft Edge browser

If the browser not responding, won’t open or crashes immediately after opening, try to repair Microsoft Edge, which essentially reinstalls the browser. Any broken, damaged, or missing files in its program folder will be replaced, and this could potentially get it to start working again.

  • Press Windows key + I to open settings, Go to Apps then installed apps,
  • Under the App list, scroll down to locate Microsoft Edge, you can use the search box to locate it as well.
  • Click the three dots on the right and select Modify (you cannot uninstall Edge).

Microsoft Edge Modify

When Windows prompts for permission click Yes, Since edge download updated files again ensure the device is connected to the internet.

A small window will pop up, so click on Repair to begin the process. Let it complete and restart your PC and check if Edge is stable now.

Repair Microsoft edge

Reset Microsoft Edge Default

Sometimes this issue “Microsoft edge not responding” may be caused due to some random bugs, or incorrect settings that need to be refreshed. If the above solutions didn’t fix the problem, Reset Microsoft Edge to the browser’s default values probably help.

  • Open Edge and select the Menu option, shown as three dots, followed by Settings
  • Select the Reset settings option from the left side, and click Restore settings to their default values.
  • Read the confirmation popup and click Reset again.

Reset Microsoft Edge Default

Reboot your device and try to open the Microsoft Edge browser again to check its performance.

Sometimes virus or malware infection can slow down Windows performance and you feel Microsoft Edge not responding, and very slow loading. Perform a full system scan with Windows security using updated third-party antivirus programs.

Corrupt system files also make the system slower or apps not performing well, Run the system file checker (SFC) and DISM command to scan and repair system files that not only optimize Windows performance but also speed up Microsoft Edge.

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Robeg
I am Robeg founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.