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Microsoft Edge Won’t Open: Why & What To Do When It Happens
Clearing your browser’s cache might help with this matter
7 min. read
Updated onJuly 3, 2024
updated onJuly 3, 2024
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Sometimes Microsoft Edge is not opening, displaying a message saying it’s taking too long to connect.
It’s most likely due to corrupt system files, misconfigured settings, or a problem with the current user profile. Below, we show you how to address these common causes to make your browser work properly.
How do I get Microsoft Edge to open?
1. Delete the Local State file
Deleting the Local State file forces Edge to create a new one. This could fix the issue if the file becomes corrupt and prevents Edge from opening.
2. Repair Microsoft Edge
3. Clear cache and browsing history
A crowded cache could also lead to bugs that prevent Edge from opening, so consider clearing it. As a rule of thumb, keeping tabs on your cache is good practice if you want good performance and no errors.
If all this looks like too much effort, you can automate it with athird-party cleanup tool.
4. Use a clean boot
After this, Windows will boot with minimum drivers, services, and programs. If Microsoft Edge is now opening, the underlying cause could be related to an interesting driver or app.
So, start enabling them one at a time and restart the computer after each to identify the problematic process, driver, or service.
Once done, make sure to keep it disabled until Microsoft Edge addresses the problem in the subsequent versions.
5. Run the System File Checker tool if Microsoft Edge won’t open from Taskbar
The SFC (System File Checker) scan is used to identify the corrupt system files and replace them with the cached copy stored on the PC.
6. Run PowerShell Command
If Microsoft Edge is not opening in Windows 10/11, this command would get things up and running in no time.
7. Close all other Edge processes
After ending all such processes, you should be able to start Microsoft Edge again without any issues. Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this solution if the issue reappears.
Also, find out how tospeed up the Task Manager.
::
:: uses TaskKill (/F = Force, /IM = image name) to exit all Microsoft Edge Processes
::
@ECHO OFF
taskkill /F /IM microsoftedge.exe
taskkill /F /IM microsoftedgeCP.exe
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Click on theFilemenu and selectSave as.
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SetSave as typetoAll filesand enteredge.batas the file name. ChooseDesktopas the save location and click onSaveto continue.
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Now just runedge.batfile and it will automatically close Edge processes that might be running in the background.
If the issue reappears, simply run the file again to close all the processes related to Microsoft Edge instantly.
8. Install the latest Windows version
9. Make changes to the Group Policy
After doing that, the Microsoft Edge not opening problem should be resolved and you’ll be able to use the browser without any issues.
Also, find out how to installGroup Policy Editor in Windows 11, in case you running theHomeedition of the OS.
10. Create a new user account
11. Try an alternative browser
If Edge won’t load or crashes frequently, perhaps it’s time to try another browser. In this particular situation, we recommend usingOpera One.
The tool comes with customized versions for PC, mobile (including older phones), Mac, or Linux. Besides, you can synchronize the Opera One browser across all your devices, to easily manage all the settings.
Starting from the basic version, you can bring your own flavor to the browser, adding icons, sidebars, workspaces, and bookmarks for ease of access and a better-organized workflow.
Opera One
After creating a new user account, switch to it and the problem will be fixed.
Before you go, you might be interested to learn what isMicrosoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, so don’t miss our dedicated guide.
Tell us which method worked best for you. As always, if you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Microsoft Edge issues
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
