Fix Microsoft Edge Not Responding problem on windows 10/11

Microsoft Edge is a fast and efficient web browser that comes preinstalled with the latest Windows 11 and 10. It uses the same Chromium engine (Used by Google Chrome) to achieve better web compatibility, reduce web fragmentation, and leverage a more robust, open-source platform with frequent updates. With regular updates, the edge browser gets new exclusive features, security enhancements. However, sometimes you may experience Microsoft Edge Not Responding, freezes, or crashes unexpectedly. The issue may occur when opening multiple tabs, watching videos, using extensions, or even during regular browsing. It can be caused by various factors, including corrupt cache files, outdated software, faulty extensions, or even system-wide issues like corrupt Windows files. This article explores multiple ways to troubleshoot and resolve this issue to get Edge running smoothly again.

Why Microsoft Edge Not Responding?

As discussed, Microsoft Edge not responding or won’t open can be caused by various factors, corrupted cache files, faulty extensions or a Corrupt User Profile are common.

• Corrupt Cache and Cookies – Temporary browser data may become corrupted, causing performance issues.
• Outdated or Corrupt Edge Version – Running an outdated version of Edge can lead to instability.
• Too Many Extensions – Some third-party extensions may interfere with Edge’s functionality.
• Corrupt User Profile – A damaged Edge profile may cause the browser to stop responding.
• System File Corruption – Windows system file errors can affect Edge’s performance.
• Conflicting Programs – Some third-party software, including antivirus programs, may conflict with Edge.
• Insufficient System Resources – Low memory (RAM) or CPU usage spikes can cause Edge to freeze.

Restart Microsoft Edge

If Microsoft Edge stops responding or freezes, restarting the browser clears temporary glitches, frees up system resources, and force-closes any stuck processes, allowing it to start fresh.

• First Close Microsoft Edge completely.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Locate Microsoft Edge under the Processes tab.
• Right-click it and select End Task.
• Reopen Microsoft Edge and check if the issue persists.

Clear Edge Cache and Browsing Data

Over time, accumulated cache and cookies can slow down Edge or cause it to freeze. Clearing them removes corrupted data that may be affecting performance.

• Open Microsoft Edge. Click on the three-dot menu (top-right corner) and select Settings.
• Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies, Cached images and files, and click Clear now.
• Restart Edge and check if it loading webpages properly.

Disable Extensions

Some extensions may consume excessive resources or conflict with browser functions, causing Microsoft Edge to freeze or crash. Disabling extensions isolates any faulty add-ons and fixes the problem for you.

• Open Microsoft Edge. Click on the three-dot menu and select Extensions -> Manage extensions
• Toggle off all extensions and restart Edge.
• If Edge starts working, re-enable extensions one by one to identify the problematic one.

Update Microsoft Edge

Again, an outdated browser can lead to security vulnerabilities and performance issues. Updating Edge with latest version ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches.

• Open Microsoft Edge. Click on the three-dot menu and select Settings.
• Navigate to About Microsoft Edge.
• Edge will automatically check for updates.
• If an update is available, install it and restart the browser.

Windows updates often include bug fixes for Edge and improve overall system compatibility, Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for updates. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Repair Microsoft Edge

If Edge is not working due to a corrupted installation, repairing it reinstalls missing or corrupt files without affecting user data.

• Press Win + I to open Settings. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features in Windows 10).
• Scroll down and find Microsoft Edge. Click on it and select Modify > Repair.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to repair Edge.
• Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Reset Microsoft Edge settings

If Edge is still unresponsive, resetting it restores default settings, removes problematic settings, extensions, and corrupted configurations without uninstalling it.

• Open Microsoft Edge. Click the three dots, select “Settings”: from the dropdown menu.
• Click “Reset settings”: on the left-hand side of the settings page.
• Click “Restore settings to their default values,” and click “Reset” to confirm.
•  Close and reopen Microsoft Edge to check if it’s working and loading webpages normally.

Scan and Fix System File Corruption

Windows system file corruption can cause applications like Edge to malfunction. Running system scans detect and repair any missing or damaged files affecting Edge’s stability.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run sfc /scannow command to scan and repair corrupted or missing Windows system files,
• Next run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command to scan and repair the underlying Windows image, which SFC uses as a source for repairs.
• Wait for the scanning process to complete 100% and restart your PC.
• Open Edge and check if it’s responding properly.

Create a New User Profile in Edge

A corrupted user profile can cause Edge to stop responding. Creating a fresh profile eliminates issues related to corrupted user settings and extensions.

• Open Microsoft Edge settings, then profile (edge://settings/profiles) select Add profile.
• Click Add and Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new profile.
• Check if Edge is working properly under the new profile.

Also read:

• Microsoft Edge is very Slow After update? Let’s speed it up
• How do I fix Microsoft Edge’s high CPU usage on Windows 11?
• The Best privacy-focused browsers for Windows 11
• Microsoft Edge not working after Windows 11 update
• Solved: Microsoft Edge battery drain issue on Windows 11 Laptop