If Microsoft Edge is acting sluggish, crashing, or displaying unexpected behavior, resetting it can often resolve these issues. Resetting restores Edge to its default settings, clears temporary data, and fixes common problems without needing to reinstall the browser. Before starting, ensure you have saved any important data or passwords, as resetting may remove some locally stored information.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 10 PC with Microsoft Edge installed
- Administrator access to your Windows account
- Optional: Your Microsoft account credentials if you sync data
Step-by-Step
- Open the Windows Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon, or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- In Settings, click on “Apps” to access the list of installed applications.
- Scroll down the list or use the search bar to find “Microsoft Edge.”
- Click on “Microsoft Edge,” then select the “Advanced options” link that appears below.
- Scroll down on the Advanced options page until you see the “Reset” section.
- Click the “Reset” button. A confirmation pop-up will appear, explaining that this will reset the app and delete its data.
- Confirm by clicking “Reset” again. Windows will proceed to reset Microsoft Edge to its default state.
- Once the process completes, close the Settings window. Launch Microsoft Edge to check if the issues are resolved.
- If problems persist, consider restarting your PC and repeating the reset process or exploring other troubleshooting steps.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the backup of passwords or bookmarks before resetting, leading to data loss.
- Trying to reset Edge via browser settings instead of through Windows Settings, which doesn’t work for resetting the app.
- Not confirming the reset prompt, leaving the process incomplete.
- Forgetting to restart the computer after resetting to ensure changes take effect.
- Attempting to reset Edge on a user account that does not have administrator privileges, which can prevent the reset from completing.
Tips
- Before resetting, consider clearing browsing data manually via Edge settings for a less drastic fix.
- Use the Microsoft Edge browser’s built-in troubleshooting tools via Settings > Privacy, search, and services for additional help.
- If resetting doesn’t fix the issue, consider reinstalling Microsoft Edge or updating Windows to the latest version.
- Back up your important data such as passwords and favorites, especially if you sync with a Microsoft account.
- Check for Windows updates after resetting, as updates can fix underlying issues affecting Edge.
Troubleshooting
If resetting Microsoft Edge via Settings doesn’t resolve your problem, try these additional steps:
- Clear browsing data manually: Open Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data. Select what to delete and click “Clear now.”
- Update Microsoft Edge: Ensure you’re running the latest version by navigating to Settings > About Microsoft Edge. Updates can fix bugs.
- Reset via PowerShell: For advanced users, you can reset Edge using PowerShell commands, but this is more complex and should be done carefully.
- Reinstall Microsoft Edge: Download the latest installer from Microsoft’s official site and reinstall, which can fix corrupted files.
- Run Windows Troubleshooter: Use Windows built-in troubleshooters for apps and Windows Store apps to identify issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting Microsoft Edge delete my bookmarks and saved passwords?
Resetting can remove locally stored data like cookies, cache, and passwords if they are not synced with your Microsoft account. Always back up important data before resetting.
Is resetting Microsoft Edge the same as reinstalling it?
No, resetting restores default settings without removing the app itself. Reinstalling involves uninstalling and reinstalling the browser, which can fix deeper issues.
Can I reset Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 without losing my data?
Resetting may delete some local data, but if you sync your data with a Microsoft account, your bookmarks, passwords, and settings can often be restored after signing back in.
What should I do if resetting doesn’t fix my Edge problems?
Try updating Windows, reinstalling Edge, or running troubleshooting tools. If issues persist, consider seeking professional support or resetting Windows.
How often should I reset Microsoft Edge?
Only when you experience persistent issues that other troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved. Regular resets are not necessary.
Does resetting Microsoft Edge affect my browsing history?
Resetting can clear browsing history along with cookies and cache, but if you use sync, your history stored online remains safe when you sign back in.
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