In 2015, Microsoft Edge debuted and shipped as the default browser with Windows 10. When it launched, the browser didn't make a splash and struggled to keep up with its counterparts like Chrome and Firefox. Later, Microsoft switched gears and embraced the Chromium project, an open source web browser project developed by Google. It's also the same framework on which the best Chromebooks are based. The switch to Chromium appears to have paid off since the Edge browser has slowly emerged as a popular alternative to Chrome.

The Edge browser has useful features like Collections, Bing Chat integration, Vertical tabs, Sleeping tabs, and more. But Microsoft Edge isn't perfect, so there's a chance that you may encounter issues with the browser. So, if you want to fix the problems and get the Edge browser working correctly, here's what you'll do.

Close Edge properly with the Task Manager

Sometimes, programs don't close down properly, even when you tell them to via the Not Responding window that pops up. Edge is no different, as it can get stuck in the background after attempting to force close it like any other program. However, the fix is simple and effective. Using the Task Manager feature is the best way to remedy this situation.

To quickly shut down the Edge browser using Task Manager, check out the following steps:

  1. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys on your keyboard simultaneously, then click Task Manager. To get to the Task Manager quicker, press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys on your keyboard.
  2. Click the Processes tab to see the apps and programs that are currently running.
  3. Right-click the Microsoft Edge entry to open the context menu.
  4. Select End task to shut down the Edge browser.
    Screenshot highlighting the Edge browser in the Task Manager
  5. Click the X in the upper-right corner of the Task Manager window to close it.
  6. Open the Edge browser again to see if it launches correctly.

Check for available Windows updates

Updates are typically taken care of in the background for most users. However, you may have some beneficial Windows updates waiting to be installed. Microsoft may know about the system-related issues you're experiencing, so an official fix may have been released to clear things up.

To manually scan for updates on your Windows device, check out the quick steps below:

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
  3. If updates are available, those updates download and install automatically. If they don't download, click the Download now button to start the process.
    Screenshot of the Windows 11 update screen

  4. Click Advanced options > Optional updates to see if there are any extra updates you feel comfortable installing. These additional Windows updates can include new features, drivers, or other quality updates. You aren't required to install them, but they can fix bugs or system performance issues.
    Screenshot of the 'Optional updates' option under Windows update

Scan your computer for viruses or other infections

Windows has a built-in suite of security features that protect your device in real time, but sometimes things can sneak through unnoticed. A few of these features may have been turned off by accident or stopped working for some reason, which would be something to look into. These security tools work in the background automatically. Still, it helps to double-check your settings.

To view your built-in Windows virus protection options or other security features, do the following:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
  2. Click the Open Windows Security button.
    Screenshot of the Windows Security option
  3. Select the Virus & threat protection section.
  4. Click the Quick scan button to finish the process.
    Screenshot of Virus & threat protection
  5. Scroll down to make sure everything shows a green checkmark with the No action needed status.
    Screenshot showing 'No action needed' status
  6. Once everything looks good, close the Windows Security app.

Repair the Edge installation

If the Edge browser constantly crashes every time you open it, this leaves you with a few options that might be effective for your situation. This also means you likely have no easy way to back up your settings or bookmarks. When nothing else you try works and Edge doesn't open correctly, start with a fresh installation.

To repair the Edge browser on your Windows device, try the following steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Locate the Microsoft Edge entry, then click the three-dot menu on the right.
  3. Select Modify.
    Screenshot highlighting the Modify option for Microsoft Edge
  4. Click the Repair button to continue. The Edge browser begins downloading and is reinstalled on your device. Once that process is finished, Edge automatically launches.
    Highlighting the Repair option for Microsoft Edge

  5. Select your browser settings during the setup, then click the Confirm button to apply the changes.
  6. Click the Close button, and you can now use the Edge browser without issue.
  7. Sign in to your Microsoft account to use the sync feature to restore your settings and bookmarks. Or, manually get the Edge browser settings back to where they were previously, with no Microsoft account required.
    The Microsoft Edge browser

Download the Edge installer from the official Microsoft website

If the repair process fails for your Edge installation, Microsoft allows you to download the web browser installer as needed. This means you can manually reinstall Edge to get a fresh start, allowing you to use it again.

To download and install the Edge browser on your Windows device, check out the following steps:

  1. Visit the official Microsoft Edge download site on a different web browser from your computer. If you can't do this on your current Windows computer, visit the site on your smartphone. You can transfer the Edge browser installer file to your computer afterward.
  2. Click the Download Edge button near the top of the page if needed.
  3. Click the Download for Windows 11 button. You can also click the drop-down arrow to select your version of Windows, such as Windows 10.
    the 'Download for Windows 11' button

  4. Press the Accept and Download button to begin.
    the 'Accept and download' button for Microsoft Edge
  5. Click the Close button.
  6. Open the Edge installer file you downloaded. The file name for the Edge browser installer is called MicrosoftEdgeSetup.exe.
  7. The necessary files are downloaded, and the Edge browser installs on your device.
    The Microsoft Edge installation progress
  8. Edge automatically opens, and you can start using it.
    The Microsoft Edge browser

Make sure your Edge version is up-to-date

As with Windows updates, Edge should take care of itself in most cases, depending on your user settings. You may have bug-related problems with Edge, which you can't do much about. Ensuring Edge is up-to-date with the latest version gives you the newest features, security updates, and bug fixes, all of which are important for a smooth user experience.

To manually check for updates on your Edge web browser, do the following:

  1. Open Edge.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  3. Go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge. If updates are available, it automatically installs them.
    showing 'Microsoft Edge is up to date.'

The Edge web browser is a solid choice after it made the switch to Chromium

Since Microsoft Edge tapped into the Chromium open source project, the browser has proven itself a worthy competitor to other popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Still, every browser has its faults. But, with the troubleshooting tips in this tutorial, you can iron out any problems you have with the Edge browser.

Did you know that you can change your search engine in Microsoft Edge? And if you want to power up the Edge browser, use the best Google Chrome extensions with it.