What to do when Microsoft Edge is not responding

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 theChromium project, an open source web browser project developed by Google. It’s also the same framework on which thebest Chromebooksare 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.

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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:

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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:

Microsoft Edge logo sitting on a lake that surrounded by hills

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:

Screenshot highlighting the Edge browser in the Task Manager

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:

Screenshot of the Windows 11 update screen

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 could 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:

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 could’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:

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 canchange your search engine in Microsoft Edge? And if you want to power up the Edge browser, use thebest Google Chrome extensionswith it.

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This article is sponsored by Total Wireless.

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