Microsoft Edge Won't Open: Why & What To Do When It Happens

Clearing your browser's cache might help with this matter

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Key notes

  • Microsoft Edge is a decent browser, but it sometimes fails to open and might even crash regularly for some users.
  • When Microsoft Edge is not opening, the problem might be caused by damaged system files, obsolete or incompatible drivers, and botched Windows updates.
  • To fix things, perform a clean boot, run the SFC scan, or try the other methods here.
Fix microsoft edge not opening
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Edge is Microsoft’s most secure browser, but this does not mean it works perfectly all the time. Users reported that sometimes Microsoft Edge is not opening, displaying a message saying it’s taking too long to connect.

Problems with Microsoft Edge can prevent you from accessing the Internet. Actually, among the issues reported by users are the following:

  • Microsoft Edge not launching, not loading, not opening 
  • Microsoft Edge opens and then closes
  • Edge won’t run (at all)
  • Microsoft Edge won’t open. Class not registered
  • Microsoft Edge won’t maximize
  • Edge stopped working
  • Microsoft Edge keeps crashing, shutting down, freezing
  • Microsoft Edge crashes on startup

The bottom line is that if Edge is set as the default browser, you might face these issues. For now, let’s focus on why Microsoft Edge is not opening in Windows 10/11 and the solutions for it.

Why is my Microsoft Edge not opening?

If Microsoft Edge won’t launch, it’s most likely due to corrupt system files, misconfigured settings, or a problem with the current user profile. Also, in many cases, it was found that the antivirus was blocking Microsoft Edge, and subsequently, the browser was not responding.

Also, it’s likely that other applications or processes running in the background are preventing Edge from opening, similar to when the Edge out of memory error occurs. Besides, a problematic Windows Update is just as likely to cause the problem.

How do I get Microsoft Edge to open?

1. Try an alternative browser

If Edge won’t load or crashes frequently, perhaps it’s time that you tried an alternative browser. You probably have to use one anyway, in search of solutions.

So why not settle for another browser? In this particular situation, we recommend using Opera One.

Downloading Opera One takes only a couple of minutes, and making the first settings is extremely easy.

As you get familiarized with the design, you’ll be amazed by the multitude of features that come with this browser and how simple it is to navigate between various tabs, workspaces, and built-in social media chat apps.

The tool comes with customized versions for PC, mobile (including older phones), Mac, or Linux. Besides, you can synchronize the Opera One browser across all your devices, to easily manage all the settings.

Starting from the basic version, you can bring your own flavor to the browser, adding icons, sidebars, workspaces, and bookmarks for ease of access and a better-organized workflow.

Add the incorporated VPN that secures your online activity, and you have the perfect browser.

Opera One

Have fluid web navigation with this redesigned browser on all of your devices.

2. Remove your browsing history and cache

If Microsoft Edge won’t open, the problem might be caused by your browsing cache and history. You can either clear your cache directly from your browser settings or use a third-party program to make sure to get rid of any leftovers.

Clearing Microsoft Edge browser history and cache can help you fix other issues like INET_E_Download_Failure; read this guide to learn more.

2.1 Clear the cache using Edge

  1. Launch Edge, click the Menu button in the top right corner, and choose Settings.Settings
  2. Select the Privacy, search, and services tab from the left, and then click on Choose what to clear under the Clear browsing data section.Choose what to clear to fix microsoft edge not opening
  3. Make sure the Time range is set to All time, all three options, Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, are selected, and then click on the Clear now button.Clear data to fix microsoft edge not opening

After clearing the cache, the Microsoft Edge not opening problem should be resolved and the browser will start working again.

2.2 Use a third-party tool

Using third-party software to remove cache and trash files can also help you clean the OS effectively and optimize a variety of PC operations.

Fortect is the most suitable option to use for freeing up space by clearing all the junk files. This software can eliminate unwanted files, optimize your operating system, and more.

You may free up space by deleting program caches, browser tracking cookies, clogged files, registry keys, as well as other data.

3. Use a clean boot

  1. Log in with an administrator account on the computer.
  2. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type msconfig in the text field, and then click on OK.msconfig to fix microsoft edge not opening
  3. Go to the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click on Disable all.
    disable all button Microsoft Edge opens then closes
  4. Go to the Startup tab and then click on Open Task Manager.
    startup tab Microsoft Edge won't run
  5. Select each item on the list, right-click on it, and then select Disable.
    disable Microsoft Edge won't open Class not registered
  6. Go back to the System Configuration window and click on Apply and OK.
    system configuration Microsoft Edge won't maximize
  7. Now, restart the computer.

After performing a clean boot, Windows will boot with minimum drivers, services, and programs. If Microsoft Edge is now opening, it’s likely one of these.

So, start enabling them one at a time and restart the computer after each to identify the problematic process, driver, or service. Once done, make sure to keep it disabled until Microsoft Edge addresses the problem in the subsequent versions.

4. Run the System File Checker tool if Microsoft Edge won’t open from Taskbar

  1. Press the Windows + R to launch the Run command, type wt, hold the Ctrl + Shift keys, and then click on OK.Windows Terminal
  2. Click Yes on the UAC prompt that pops up.Yes
  3. Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open Command Prompt in a new tab.
  4. Type the following command, and press Enter to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannowSFC scan
  5. Do not close the Command Prompt window until the verification is 100% complete.

The SFC (System File Checker) scan is used to identify the corrupt system files and replace them with the cached copy stored on the PC. In case of the process does not complete or is stuck, find out what to do when the SFC scan stops on Windows.

5. Run PowerShell Command

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
  2. Click the File menu at the top-right, and then select Run new task.
    run new task Microsoft Edge crashes on startup
  3. Enter powershell in the text field, check the Create this task with administrative privileges option, and then click on OK.powershell
  4. Type the following command in the Powershell window and hit Enter:Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}paste command
  5. Wait for PowerShell to complete the process. Ignore the errors (in red) that might pop up.

If Microsoft Edge is not opening in Windows 10/11, this command would get things up and running in no time.

6. Close all other Edge processes

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start Task Manager.
  2. Right-click on processes related to Edge and choose End Task from the menu.
    end task Microsoft Edge won't maximize
  3. Do this for all of the Edge processes.

After ending all such processes, you should be able to start Microsoft Edge again without any issues. Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this solution if the issue reappears.

Also, find out how to speed up the Task Manager.

Create a batch file to end all Edge processes

  1. Open Notepad.
  2. Paste the following lines:

::

:: uses TaskKill (/F = Force, /IM = image name) to exit all Microsoft Edge Processes

::

@ECHO OFF

taskkill /F /IM microsoftedge.exe

taskkill /F /IM microsoftedgeCP.exe

3. Click on the File menu and select Save as.
save as Microsoft Edge stopped working

4. Set Save as type to All files and enter edge.bat as the file name. Choose Desktop as the save location and click on Save to continue.
save dialog Microsoft Edge keeps shutting down

5. Now just run edge.bat file and it will automatically close Edge processes that might be running in the background.

If the issue reappears, simply run the file again to close all the processes related to Microsoft Edge instantly.

7. Disable your antivirus

Antivirus tools can often interfere with your PC and cause various problems. Several users reported that Microsoft Edge won’t open due to their antivirus software.

To fix the issue, we advise you to disable your antivirus and check if that solves the problem.

If not, you might have to remove your antivirus using the dedicated removal tool or an alternative uninstaller software. After the antivirus is removed, check if the issue still persists.

However, we rather advise you to switch to a different antivirus solution that won’t interfere with other processes running on your PC.

8. Install the latest Windows version if Microsoft Edge is not opening after update

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and select Windows Update from the tabs on the left.Windows Update
  2. Now click on the Check for updates button.check for updates
  3. If updates are available, install them, and then restart your PC.

9. Make changes to the Group Policy

  1. Press Windows + R, enter gpedit.msc, and then click OK.
    gpedit Microsoft Edge keeps freezing
  2. In the left pane, navigate the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components
  3. Double click on Allow deployment operations in special profiles on the right.
    app package deployment Microsoft Edge crashes on startup
  4. Select Enabled and click on OK to save changes.
    enable policy Microsoft Edge not launching

After doing that, the Microsoft Edge not opening problem should be resolved and you’ll be able to use the browser without any issues.

Also, find out how to install Group Policy Editor in Windows 11, in case you running the Home edition of the OS.

10. Repair Microsoft Edge

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the tabs on the left.Apps
  2. Click on Apps & features on the right.Apps & features
  3. Now, locate Microsoft Edge, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Modify from the menu.Modify
  4. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.Yes
  5. Finally, click on Repair.Repair

11. Create a new user account

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and go to the Accounts tab.Accounts
  2. Click on Family & other users.Family & other users
  3. Now, click on the Add account button next to Add other user.Add account
  4. Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.click
  5. Now click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.select
  6. Enter the desired user name and a password for it though it’s not mandatory, and then click on Next.Next

After creating a new user account, switch to it and the problem would be fixed.

What do I do if Microsoft Edge is not opening on Mac?

As is the case with Windows, several users reported that Microsoft Edge is not opening on Mac. And, the solutions remain pretty much the same.

For instance, closing all the Microsoft Ege processes or creating a new user account. So, simply look for the corresponding settings or options on your Mac for the fixes listed here, and you should get Microsoft Edge running in a jiffy.

Fix: A problem with Windows is preventing Microsoft Edge from opening

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.Troubleshoot to fix microsoft edge not opening
  2. Next, click on Other troubleshooters.other troubleshooters
  3. Locate the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, and click on the Run button next to it.Windows Store Apps
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

In this case, you can try running the Windows Store app Troubleshooter. And, even the methods listed in the previous section should do the trick for most users.

These are all the ways you can fix the problem on a Windows PC. Also, find out what to do if you come across the Out of Memory error in Edge.

Tell us which method worked best for you.  As always, if you have any other questions and suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Microsoft Edge issues