Microsoft Edge Not Opening? 11 Fixes to Try

Before you switch to another browser

As a Microsoft Edge user, you may occasionally encounter issues with the browser not opening. While the Chromium-based Edge is generally more stable and reliable than its predecessor, it’s not immune to problems. Fortunately, there are several fixes you can try to get Edge up and running again.

This tutorial will walk you through various troubleshooting tips to help you fix Microsoft Edge not opening on the PC and Mac.

1. Force-Quit Microsoft Edge

Stuck background processes can prevent an application from opening; the same goes for Microsoft Edge. Therefore, it’s helpful to force-quit the processes related to the browser before you attempt to reopen it.

2. Restart Your PC or Mac

If force-quitting and relaunching the Microsoft Edge browser does not help, it’s a good idea to follow byrestarting your PCor Mac. On a Windows PC, open theStart menuand selectPower>Restart.

If you use a Mac, selectRestarton theApple menu, disable theReopen windows when logging back inoption, and selectRestartagain to confirm.

3. Clear Browsing Data for Edge

Obsolete or corrupt files in the web cache stop browsers like Edge from working correctly, so the following fix involves clearing your browsing data. The standard procedure is todelete the Edge cache through its interface, but since you have trouble opening the browser, you must use the following File Explorer/Finder-based workaround.

%localappdata%MicrosoftEdgeUser DataDefaultCacheCache_Data

~/Library/Caches/Microsoft Edge/Default/Cache/Cache_Data

4. Repair Microsoft Edge (Windows Only)

Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in Microsoft Edge repair tool capable of fixing corruption with the browser installation. The tool also updates the browser to its latest version. To run it:

5. Update Microsoft Edge

The following fix is toupdate Microsoft Edgesince newer versions include bug fixes for severe issues. Since you can’t open the browser, you must use the repair tool in Windows (check the section above) or the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool in macOS.

To run the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool on a Mac, you must:

/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0

6. Reset Microsoft Edge

Resetting Microsoft Edge disables browser extensions and reverts all settings to defaults, helping you fix launch errors caused by corrupt configurations and conflicting add-ons.

Warning: A Microsoft Edge reset will permanently delete bookmarks and passwords that have yet to sync to your Microsoft Account.

%localappdata%Microsoft

~/Library/Caches/

7. Reinstall Microsoft Edge (macOS Only)

If you use a Mac, you have the option to reinstall Microsoft Edge and fix browser corruption issues. To do that:

Optional: Use a dedicated Mac app removal tool likeAppCleanerto remove all files and folders related to Edge before reinstalling it.

8. Update Windows and macOS

Operating system-related issues are another reason that can prevent Microsoft Edge from running, especially on the PC because the browser is tightly linked to Windows. Update the system software and check if that helps.

9. Run an Anti-Malware Scan

If none of the fixes above help, it could be that a web browser hijacker is causing problems with Microsoft Edge.

In Windows, you can useWindows Securityto perform a malware scan. To run it:

Alternatively, you can scan using adedicated third-party antivirus removal utilitylikeMalwarebytes. Check these top antivirus software for macOS if you’re on a Mac.

10. Disable Third-Party Startup Apps

Third-party services and apps running at computer startup can conflict with Microsoft Edge and stop it from launching. Disable them and check if that makes a difference.

Restart your computer and check if Edge opens correctly. If it does, reopen the System Configuration app and Task Manager and reactivate the disabled services and apps one by one or in batches until you isolate the problematic item.

Restart your computer and open Microsoft Edge. If it launches correctly, revisit the Login Items pane and reactivate the startup apps individually or in batches until you isolate the conflicting item.

11. Run an SFC Scan (Windows Only)

In Windows 10 and 11, you can run an SFC (System File Checker) scan to fix application launch issues caused by system file corruption. To do that:

sfc /scannow

Back to Browsing on the Edge

From checking for updates and disabling extensions to resetting the browser and performing a clean boot, you’ve got various methods to fix Microsoft Edge if it refuses to open.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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Microsoft Edge Not Opening? 11 Fixes to Try#

1. Force-Quit Microsoft Edge#

2. Restart Your PC or Mac#

3. Clear Browsing Data for Edge#

4. Repair Microsoft Edge (Windows Only)#

5. Update Microsoft Edge#

6. Reset Microsoft Edge#

7. Reinstall Microsoft Edge (macOS Only)#

8. Update Windows and macOS#

9. Run an Anti-Malware Scan#

10. Disable Third-Party Startup Apps#

11. Run an SFC Scan (Windows Only)#

Back to Browsing on the Edge#