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Easily Fix YouTube When Not Working on Edge Browser
Note that the issue might be related to the SmartScreen feature
9 min. read
Updated onJuly 11, 2024
updated onJuly 11, 2024
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You may be in an unpleasant situation where YouTube is not working on Edge. We will give you the best solutions in this article.
Microsoft Edge is the latest browser from Microsoft, and it’s designed as a replacement for Internet Explorer.
Even though Microsoft Edge has a lot to offer, Windows 10 and 11 users reported that Microsoft Edge is giving them an error while watching YouTube.
It is not uncommon to run into browser issues and this is not specific to Edge; users have also complained thatYouTube freezes or crashes on Chrome.
Why does Microsoft Edge block videos?
By default, the browser prevents videos from automatically playing as of Edge 92. When this option is turned on, the browser will restrict specific streams from playing while enabling others.
In some other cases, videos may be blocked because third-party applications are not very compatible with the browser. These could be add-ons and extensions.
In other cases, it could be your browser’s way of protecting you from malware or viruses. Whichever is the case, we will run you through the very best fixes.
What are some of the most common YouTube errors in Edge?
YouTube is the most popularvideo streaming service, but many Edge users reported various YouTube errors. Speaking of issues, here are some of the most common problems reported by users:
Now let’s get to the solutions if YouTube stopped working with Microsoft Edge.
Quick Tip:You can load YouTube using a more stable browser, such as Opera One. It runs on a Chromium engine as well and includes useful features to boost YouTube functionality: adblocker, hardware acceleration, and dark modes.
Not only that, but this sleek and customizable browser has extensive add-on support, as well as a VPN that will let you access the geo-restricted content on YouTube.
Opera One
How can I fix YouTube errors in Microsoft Edge?
1. Check for unknown third-party applications
Sometimes unknown third-party applications can be installed on your system and cause Microsoft Edge YouTube errors. Therefore, you need to find and remove the problematic application from your PC to fix this problem.
Users reported that an application called KNTCR caused this issue to appear, and after uninstalling the application, the problem was entirely resolved.
Remember that almost any third-party application can interfere with Microsoft Edge; therefore, keep a close eye on all installed applications.
If you want to remove problematic applications from your PC altogether, it’s advised to use anuninstaller software.
2. Check Use software rendering option
Web browsers tend to use your graphics card to process video, but if there’s an issue with your graphics card or web browser, you might not be able to use GPU processing.
In most cases, this will cause an error to appear, but you can fix problems with Edge and YouTube simply by turning on the software rendering option.
3. Disable the SmartScreen feature
SmartScreen is used to scan URLs before opening them to protect you frommalicious websites. This is a valuable feature, but it can sometimes interfere withEdgeand cause YouTube errors to appear.
After disabling SmartScreen, you should be able to view YouTube videos without any issues. This solution will work even if you are having Windows 11 YouTube issues.
We must mention that disabling SmartScreen will slightly reduce your security online, so be sure not to visit malicious websites.
4. Disable and remove Flash
Before the introduction of HTML5, Flash was in charge of web video, but Flash is almost replaced with HTML5 today. Many users suggest removing and disabling Flash if you want to fix Microsoft Edge YouTube errors.
5. Reset flags in Edge
According to users, YouTube errors in Edge can appear due to specific advanced settings. Many advanced users can sometimes enable hidden features in Edge, which can lead to certain issues.
In some rare cases, certain hidden features might be enabled by default, which can lead to this problem.
After resetting these advanced settings to default, restartEdgeto apply changes. Once you startEdge, all advanced settings will be restored to default, and the issue should be resolved.
6. Disable experimental JavaScript
Once you disable this feature, restartEdge,and the issue should be permanently resolved.
In some cases, the problem might be just a single option, and to fix the problem, you need to find and disable that feature.
Many users reported that Experimental JavaScript features caused this issue, but you can disable them by following these steps:
7. Install Media Feature Pack
If you’re unfamiliar, there’s a Windows 10 N version that doesn’t have media features available by default.
This is a version of Windows for the European market, and if you’re using the N or KN version of Windows 10, you might encounter YouTube errors in Microsoft Edge.
However, you can always install the media components from Microsoft’s website. Microsoft offers a Media Feature Pack for N and KN versions of Windows 10 on their website, and you can download it for free.
If you have any issue with multimedia,download Media Feature Packand install it, and your problem should be resolved.
8. Make sure that the correct audio device is set as the default
After setting the correct playback device, the issue should be resolved, and you’ll be able to play YouTube videos and other multimedia without problems.
Sometimes you might have multipleaudio deviceson your PC or even a virtual audio device. So, you might encounter issues if the incorrect audio device is set as the primary audio processor.
However, you can always fix this problem simply by changing your default audio device.
9. Update your graphics card driver
10. Clear the cache
After clearing the cache, check if the problem with YouTube is resolved.
According to users, the issue might be your cache if you’re having YouTube problems in Microsoft Edge. Unfortunately, your cache can get corrupted, sometimes leading to various problems.
However, you can quickly fix this problem simply by removing your cache.
What is the best browser for watching YouTube?
We have written a comprehensive guide on thebest browsers for watching YouTube videos. At the top of this list, we have the Opera One browser. It is not just the best browser for watching YouTube videos but also the best for all sorts of streaming.
It has an interface that gives you quick access to the tools you need the most. Opera One also incorporates messenger and WhatsApp, so sharing your favorite videos becomes even more accessible.
There you have it, the best solutions for when YouTube is not working on Edge. All the steps may not work for all cases, but you can always try different fixes until you get one that works.
Note that these solutions may also be handy if Microsoft Edge YouTube has a black screen.
You can usually fix Microsoft Edge YouTube errors simply by turning on software rendering or changing your system settings.
You may want to read our guide on fixes forYouTube comments not working on Edgefor other solutions.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Microsoft Edge issues
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
