How to reset Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge browser was one of the novelties introduced along with Windows 10 in 2015. In the beginning, the virtual population regarded it with cautiousness and suspicion. Now it is steadily gaining popularity.

How to reset Microsoft Edge?

MS Edge is said to improve your browsing quality and save more computer energy. Nonetheless, since MS Edge is quite new in the market, there are still issues to tackle. Interrupted Internet connection, unresponsive tabs or occasional alerts about website loading errors are some of the prevalent problems.

These occurrences are the main reason why you might opt for the MS Edge reset. Such action also eradicates all possibly fraudulent elements and scripts left by questionable toolbars and browser extensions. Having as few unnecessary browser plug-ins ensures better browser's performance. Full reset should be performed in case adware or browser hijacker occupies the browser.

Likewise, there are several alternatives how you can revert MS Edge to its factory settings. They vary in degree of complexity. Less elaborate methods might be applicable in fixing a non-responsive browser or dealing with loading problems. If you suspect that adware or another type of virus has plagued the browser, make the initial preparations for a full reset.

Option 1. Revert MS Edge to its factory settings by deleting browser data

This option does not require any additional knowledge nor it is exquisite.

  1. Open MS Edge. Click on the three dot icon (More actions). Once the additional window expands, opt for Settings. Method 1. Step 1Click the three dot icon on the top-right corner of MS Edge and navigate to "Settings" option
  2. Click Choose what to clear button under the Clear Browsing Data function. Method 1. Step 2Once "Settings" open, opt for "Choose what to clear" button
  3. Once it activates, you will see more choices. The first three data types are already pre-marked, but for security reasons, it would be better to mark all of them. Click Clear to execute the command. Method 1. Step 3Mark all data types. Confirm the action by clicking "Clear"

If MS Edge is non-responsive

The browser does not respond to your commands? In case, you are puzzled and not sure how to revive the browser, close it with the following steps.

  1. Click the Start and open Task Manager. You can do it by clicking ESC+SHIFT+CTRL altogether. Method 1. Step 4Press ESC+SHIFT+CTRL to launch Task Manager
  2. In the list of processes, find the entry indicating MS Edge. Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. Method 1. Step 5Locate Microsoft Edge-related process and right-click on it. Right-click on it and choose "Go to details" option
  3. When the window refreshes, find all MS Edge entries. Terminate them by right-clicking on them and choosing End Task. Method 1. Step 6In "Details" tab, find all MS Edge entries. Right-click on each of them and activate "End Task" command

Option 2. Eliminate MS Edge registry keys to remove user settings

This method requires launching Registry Editor. This solution is suitable when battling browser hijackers, adware or similar potentially unwanted programs.

  1. Press Windows+R at the same time. In the popped up dialogue box, enter regedit and enable the command by pressing Enter. Method 2. Step 1Launch Registry Editor by clicking Windows+R buttons at the same time. Type "regedit" and hit Enter
  2. Once Registry Editor opens, locate the following entry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\SOFTWARE\\Classes\\Local Settings\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\AppContainer\\Storage\\microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\\MicrosoftEdge Method 2. Step 2Navigate to the following location and delete it: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppContainer\Storage\microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge
  3. Eliminate the content of the folder and close Registry Editor.
  4. After making important changes, the operating system might ask you to reboot the computer.

Option 3. Benefit from Powershell

If you have noticed slower web loading processes and encounter 'this website has a problem' notifications, this option might be a solution.

  1. Create a new administrator in Windows 10. Launch File Explorer. Enter the following entry: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe Method 3. Step 1Log in as a new administrator and open "File Explorer". Now type the following entry: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
  2. Mark the present folders and eliminate them by right-clicking on them and choosing Delete. Method 3. Step 2Hold CTRL and mark all folders. Right-click on them and choose "Delete" function
  3. Log in to the previous account. Launch PowerShell. Click on the Start. Enter powershell. Open it as administrator. Method 3. Step 3Log in to the previous account and run PowerShell. Click on the "Start" and enter "powershell". Right-click on it and run the program as administrator.
  4. When it opens, paste this entry: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose} Method 3. Step 4When the program opens, copy paste this entry: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}. Click "Enter" to execute the command.
  5. Enable the command with Enter. Wait until the procedure finishes. Now the browser will be fully reset.6. Paste the following key: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml”} Method 3. Step 5Lastly, enter the following key to reinstall MS Edge: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  6. This action reinstalls Microsoft Edge browser.

Option 4. Check your system for viruses with System File Checker

There is a variety of virtual infections which might disrupt MS Edge performance.

  1. Command Prompt is one of the options to check the system for possible malware residing on the device. Click on the Start button, enter Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Method 4. Step 1Run Command Prompt by clicking "Start" button. Right-click on it and choose "Run as administrator."
  2. When it opens, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. Method 4. Step 2Enter "sfc /scannow" (without quotes) and hit Enter. This action launches System File Checker. After detecting possible corrupted files, the program deals with them automatically or lets you choose what to do with the detected infections.
  3. Note that this process will take time depending on the PC technical capacity. Method 4. Step 3Be patient until the scanning procedure is complete

Option 5. Reinstall MS Edge

If the above-discussed solutions are not convenient to you, you might install the browser anew. Make sure you download MS Edge from the official Microsoft website.

Method 5. Step 1Reinstall MS Edge. Download it again from the official Microsoft website

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate virus researcher

Contact Gabriel E. Hall
About the company Esolutions

Read in another language