Microsoft Edge not working in Windows 10 [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE]

Ivan Jenic
by Ivan Jenic
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Microsoft Edge keeps freezing 

Microsoft Edge is just one of many new features of Windows 10, and just like it’s the case with other notable features, users are satisfied with it.

But some users reported that Microsoft Edge on their computers won’t even work, so I prepared a couple of workarounds, in order to help anyone who faces this problem.

But first, since we don’t know which exact problem bothers you, here’s the list of all the potential Edge problems you can resolve with the solutions we presented:

  • Microsoft Edge won’t open
  • Microsoft Edge crashes
  • Microsoft Edge runs slow
  • Microsoft Edge not working after update
  • Microsoft Edge keeps freezing 
  • Microsoft Edge crashes after opening a tab

What can I do if Microsoft Edge stops working in Windows 10?

Table of contents:

  1. Switch to Private Network
  2. Enable DNS Client
  3. Register app packages 
  4. Run the App Troubleshooter
  5. Run the SFC scan
  6. Run DISM
  7. Clear the cache and data
  8. Turn off the firewall
  9. Disable Antivirus
  10. Install the latest updates
  11. Uninstall the latest updates
  12. Change the security permissions

Fix: Microsoft Edge doesn’t work in Windows 10

Solution 1 – Switch to Private Network

One strange issue users noted while Windows 10 was still in the Technical Preview phase is the strange Microsoft Edge’s issue with Public Network.

Apparently, if your network connection is set to public, some of Windows 10 features, like Edge or Store won’t work. I believe that Microsoft did this on purpose, because the company doesn’t want anyone else to access your personal info (except themselves).

So the main cause of errors in Microsoft Edge is if your network connection is set to Public. To change your network connection back to Private, do the following:

  1. Open Start Menu and go to Settings app
  2. Go to Network & Internet, and then to Ethernet
  3. Click on your connection icon, under Ethernet
  4. Change Find devices and content to On
  5. Restart your computer

This option sets your internet connection to Private, therefore Microsoft Edge won’t recognize any threats to your privacy, and you’ll probably be able to connect to the internet via Windows 10 default browser again.

However, if you’re still unable to normally surf the internet, try some of the solutions listed below.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

Solution 2 – Enable DNS Client

DNS Client should be enabled by default on your computer, even after installing Windows 10.

But, if you accidentally disabled it, or something else caused it to be disabled, it may cause some internet connection problems, which includes connection problems with Microsoft Edge, as well.

So, go and check if your DNS Client is enabled, and re-enable it if necessary, your connection might work after that. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

  1. Go to Search, type services.msc and open Services
  2. Find DNS Client and check it’s Status
  3. If there’s nothing listed under Status, right-click on the DNS Client service and choose Start
  4. Restart your computer

After enabling the DNS Client, go to your Edge browser and check if you’re able to connect to the internet now.

Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows search box goes missing. Don’t be like them and check out this useful guide to learn how to get it back.

You can’t restart the DNS Client? Don’t panic, we’ve got some easy solutions in this handy guide.

Solution 3 – Register app packages 

This solution actually helped a lot of users who had issues with Microsoft Edge, so you can try it as well, if none of the previous solutions worked. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Right-click on the Start Menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Type the following command into the command line and press Enter: PowerShell
  3. In Administrator: PowerShell window type in the following command and press Enter:
    • Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}Microsoft Edge won't open
  4. Ignore a couple of errors if they occur
  5. Restart your computer and check if you’re able to use Microsoft Edge normally now

PowerShell stops working on Windows 10? Take a look at this article and learn how to fix it like a real technician.

Solution 4 – Run the App Troubleshooter

If you still have problems with Microsoft Edge, you can use Windows 10‘s built-in troubleshooter to potentially fix it. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Head over to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot. 
  3. Select Windows Store Apps, and go to Run the Troubleshooter. Microsoft Edge crashes after opening a tab
  4. Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
  5. Restart your computer.

If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.

Solution 5 – Run the SFC scan

The next troubleshooter we’re going to try is the SFC scan. This is a command-line tool designed to resolve various issues within the system. Hopefully, the SFC scan will help us resolve the problem with Microsoft Edge.

Here’s how to run the SFC scan in Windows 10:

  1. Go to Search, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Open as Administrator.
  2. Enter the following command, and press Enter: sfc/scannowMicrosoft Edge not working after update
  3. Wait for the process to finish.
  4. Restart your computer.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

scannow command has stopped before the process finished? Don’t worry, we’ve got an easy fix for you.

Solution 6 – Run DISM

And the last troubleshooting tool we’re going to try is the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). As its name says, this tool depolys the system image all over again. This includes Microsoft Edge as a part of the system, as well.

Here’s how to run the DISM:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as shown above.
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter:
      • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthMicrosoft Edge crashes
  3. Wait for the process to finish.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. In case the DISM can’t obtain files online, try using your installation USB or DVD. Insert media and type following command:
      • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
  6. Make sure to replace ”C:RepairSourceWindows” path of your DVD or USB.
  7. Follow further on-screen instructions.

It seems that everything is lost when DISM fails on Windows? Check out this quick guide and get rid of the worries.

Solution 7 – Clear the cache and data

And now, one simple workaround that will at least make your browser run faster. You guessed it, we’re talking about claring the cache and browsing data. In case you don’t know how to do that, just follow these instructions:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the dotted menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
  4. Choose Browsing history and Cached data and files and click Clear.

Solution 8 – Turn off the firewall

Although the Windows Defender Firewall should be on while you’re using the internet, there may be some interferences. So, we’re just going to quickly disable the firewall tho see if the tings get any better. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Search, type firewall, and open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.Microsoft Edge runs slow
  3. Disable Windows Firewall for both private and public networks.
  4. Confirm selection and try updating again.

You want to check if your firewall is blocking some features? Follow the simple steps from this guide to find out.

Solution 9 – Disable Antivirus

It’s already known that third-party antivirus programs don’t live in harmony with Windows 10 and its features. Sure, you might not experience any problems whatsoever. But it’s quite possible for the antivirus to block some Windows feature.

So, go on and quickly disable the antivirus. With the antivirus disabled, launch Microsoft Edge and see if there’s any difference.

If Microsoft Edge indeed works fine with the antivirus off, you may consider changing your primary antivirus solution or switching to Windows Defender.

Don’t expose yourself to unnecessary risks. Find out why Windows Defender is the only malware barrier you need!

If you’re using any antivirus solution and you want to completely remove it from your PC, be sure to check out this amazing list with the best uninstaller software you can use right now.

For the Norton users, we’ve got a dedicated guide on how to completely remove it from your PC. There’s a similar guide for McAffe users, as well.

Looking to change your antivirus with a better one? Here’s a list with our top picks.

Solution 10 – Install the latest updates

Microsoft delivers Edge updates through Windows Update. So, if the problem that’s bothering you widespread, the company is probably already working on a solution. As soon as that solution is done, you’ll get it through Windows Update.

So, just head over to Settings > Updates & Security, and check for updates.

Having trouble updating your Windows? Check out this guide that will help you solve them in no time.

Solution 11 – Uninstall the latest updates

On the other hand, it may be a faulty update that actually causes the problem with Microsoft Edge. If you suspect so, the best solution is to simply uninstall the problematic update and wait for Microsoft to release a patch. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Head over to Updates & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Go to Update history > Uninstall updates.Microsoft Edge keeps freezing 
  4. Now, find the latest update installed on your computer (you can sort updates by date), right-click it, and go to Uninstall.
  5. Restart your computer.

Solution 12 – Change the security permissions

According to some reports, Microsoft Edge can give you troubles if the WER folder doesn’t have the necessary permissions. To resolve this, you simply need to grant necessary permissions, and that it. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter %localappdata%. Press Enter or click OK to pen AppDataLocal folder.
  2. Go to the MicrosoftWindows folder. Locate WER folder, right click it and choose Properties.Microsoft Edge won't open
  3. Go to Security tab and click the Edit button.
  4. Select APPLICATION PACKAGES user and check Read & execute, List folder contents and Read options in Allow column.
  5. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

That’s it, I hope these solutions helped you solve the problem with Microsoft Edge browser. However, if you are really pissed of with Edge, here’s how you can uninstall it in Windows 10.

If you want the latest and greatest browsers available right now, check out our best picks in this article.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2015 and has been since completely revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.