Microsoft Edge Not Opening or Crashing How to Fix It

Microsoft Edge Not Opening or Crashing: How to Fix It

When Microsoft Edge won't open, closes right after it starts, freezes, or shows "This page is having a problem" over and over, the cause is usually one of a few things: a stuck background process, a bad extension, damaged settings, or damaged program files. Work through these fixes in order - they start with the quickest and safest.

These steps are for Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 (they also work on Windows 10).

1. End All Edge Processes and Try Again

Edge keeps running in the background even when its window is closed. If one of those processes hangs, Edge can refuse to open.

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
2. On the Processes tab, find Microsoft Edge.
3. Right-click it and select End task. Repeat for any other Microsoft Edge entries.
4. Open Edge again.

If Edge now opens, restart your PC as well - it clears any other stuck processes.

2. Restart Windows and Install Updates

A restart fixes more crashes than people expect. Then check for updates:

• Windows: open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
• Edge: if Edge opens at all, go to Settings and more (...) > Settings > About Microsoft Edge, or type edge://settings/help in the address bar. Edge checks and installs updates by itself; select Restart when asked.

3. Try an InPrivate Window

Press Ctrl+Shift+N in Edge to open an InPrivate window. InPrivate normally runs without your extensions and without your saved cookies.

• Works in InPrivate: the cause is an extension or stored site data - go to steps 4 and 5.
• Crashes in InPrivate too: skip to steps 6-8.

4. Turn Off Extensions

Extensions are one of the most common causes of crashes and freezing.

1. Type edge://extensions in the address bar.
2. Turn every extension off.
3. Restart Edge and use it for a while.
4. Turn extensions back on one at a time until the crash returns - that's the one to remove.

Remove any extension you don't recognise. Unwanted extensions can also cause pop-ups and redirects - see fake virus warning pop up in browser if you're seeing scary warnings.

5. Clear the Cache and Cookies

Damaged cached files can make pages crash or load blank.

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete in Edge.
2. Set Time range to All time.
3. Tick Cached images and files (and Cookies and other site data if the problem continues - this signs you out of websites).
4. Select Clear now.

Full steps for every browser are in how to clear cache and cookies in Chrome Edge and Firefox.

6. Turn Off Graphics Acceleration and Startup Boost

Graphics drivers can crash the browser, especially with video or on older laptops.

1. Go to Settings > System and performance.
2. Turn off Use graphics acceleration when available.
3. Also turn off Startup boost if Edge won't open properly after sign-in.
4. Restart Edge.

If this fixes it, update your graphics driver later (see how to update drivers in Windows 11 the safe way) and try turning graphics acceleration back on.

7. Try a New Profile

A damaged Edge profile can crash Edge every time it loads.

1. Select your profile picture at the top left of Edge.
2. Choose Other profiles > Set up new personal profile (the wording may vary slightly by version).
3. Use the new profile for a while.

If the new profile works, sign in to it with your Microsoft account so your favorites and passwords sync across. Only remove the old profile once you're sure everything you need is there.

8. Reset Edge Settings

Reset turns off extensions, resets your start page, search engine and pinned tabs, and clears temporary data such as cookies. It keeps your favorites, history and saved passwords.

1. Go to Settings > Reset settings, or type edge://settings/reset.
2. Select Restore settings to their default values and then Reset.

9. Repair Microsoft Edge

If Edge won't open at all, or crashes even with a new profile, repair the program itself. This reinstalls Edge and keeps your browsing data.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft Edge, select ... (More options) > Modify.
3. Select Yes if Windows asks for permission, then choose Repair.

Repair needs an internet connection because it downloads a fresh copy of Edge. Restart the PC when it finishes.

10. Repair Windows System Files

If Edge and other built-in apps crash, Windows files may be damaged. Run DISM and SFC as described in how to run SFC and DISM to repair Windows 11. A malware scan with Windows Security is also worth doing - some malware injects itself into browsers.

Still Not Fixed?

• Type edge://crashes in the address bar (if Edge opens) to see whether crashes are being recorded, and when they started - then think about what changed that day (a new app, update or antivirus).
• Security software that "protects" browsers can crash them. Temporarily turn off its browser protection to test, and turn it back on afterwards.
• As a stopgap, another browser keeps you working. If that one crashes too, see Chrome keeps crashing or freezing - the causes overlap.

If none of this works, the GetQuickTechSupport team can look at the PC remotely and find what's crashing it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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See Also:microsoft edge browser windows 11