Reset Microsoft Edge in Windows 10: 5 Ways

If Microsoft Edge is crashing, slow, or showing errors, you can reset it to its default state without reinstalling Windows. This article covers five reliable methods, from clearing browsing data to using the built-in repair and reset options in Windows 10 Settings.

Why Reset Edge Instead of Uninstalling?

Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 10, so you cannot simply uninstall it like a regular app. A reset restores the browser’s core files and settings to the factory state, which fixes most corruption, extension conflicts, and configuration problems. It is less drastic than reinstalling Windows and preserves your other apps and files.

Method 1: Reset via Windows 10 Settings (Recommended)

This is the most thorough reset available in Windows 10. It clears your browsing data, cookies, cache, and resets all settings, but it also disables all extensions and removes pinned sites. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are usually kept, though it is wise to back them up first.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Apps > Apps & features.
2. Search for “Microsoft Edge” in the list and click on it.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Scroll down to the Reset section and click Repair first. This reinstalls the browser without touching your data. Try Edge after this.
5. If Repair does not fix the problem, click Reset. Confirm the warning that your data will be deleted.

After resetting, Edge will reopen with a welcome screen, and you will need to sign in again if you were syncing.

Method 2: Clear Browsing Data Manually

Sometimes a full reset is overkill. If the issue is a slow browser or a specific site not loading, clearing cache and cookies often solves it.

1. Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Choose “All time” in the time range dropdown.
3. Check Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear now.

This does not reset settings or disable extensions, so it is a good first step before trying a full reset.

Method 3: Use the Edge Settings “Reset Settings” Option

Inside Edge itself there is a lighter reset that only restores browser settings, not your data. It is useful when your homepage, search engine, or startup pages have been changed by unwanted software.

1. Open Edge and click the three-dot menu (top right) > Settings.
2. On the left, choose Reset settings.
3. Click Restore settings to their default values.
4. Click Reset to confirm.

This keeps your bookmarks, history, and passwords intact. It only resets preferences like the new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs.

Method 4: Re-register Edge with PowerShell

If the Settings reset fails or Edge does not even open, you can re-register the app with a PowerShell command. This is a more technical fix but often works when the browser is completely broken.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}

3. Wait for the process to finish, then close PowerShell and restart your computer.

This command reinstalls the Edge app package without deleting your profile data. It is safe to run and does not affect other programs.

Method 5: Create a New User Profile

Sometimes the problem is not the browser itself but a corrupted user profile. Creating a fresh profile in Edge can isolate the issue.

1. In Edge, click the profile icon (top right) > Add profile.
2. Click Add and choose a name and color.
3. Use the new profile for a while to see if the problem persists.

If it works, you can migrate your bookmarks and passwords from the old profile. If not, you can delete the new profile and continue with other fixes.

Common Problems and What to Try First

• Edge won’t open at all – Try the PowerShell re-register method first, then the Settings reset.
• Edge opens but crashes immediately – Clear browsing data, then disable all extensions one by one.
• Search engine keeps changing – Use Method 3 (Reset settings) and check for unwanted extensions.
• Pages load slowly – Clear cache and cookies, then check if a VPN or proxy is interfering.
• Sync is not working – Sign out of your Microsoft account in Edge, restart, and sign back in.

What a Reset Does and Does Not Delete

Understanding exactly what is erased helps you decide which method to use.

• Deleted by a full reset (Settings > Reset): browsing history, cookies, cache, site permissions, autofill data, extensions, and all settings.
• Kept by a full reset: bookmarks (usually), saved passwords (usually), and your Microsoft account profile.
• Deleted by “Reset settings” in Edge: homepage, search engine, startup pages, and pinned tabs. Nothing else.

To be safe, export your bookmarks before a full reset: go to edge://settings/profiles > Export bookmarks.

When to Avoid a Reset

A reset will not fix hardware problems, network issues, or problems caused by other software. If Edge is slow only on one website, the site itself may be the problem. Also, if you use Edge for work with many extensions, a reset means reconfiguring everything, so try the lighter options first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting Edge delete my passwords?

Usually no, but it depends on the method. The full reset via Windows Settings keeps saved passwords in most cases, but the warning says data will be deleted. To be safe, back up your passwords by going to edge://settings/passwords and exporting them before resetting.

Is there a difference between Repair and Reset in Windows Settings?

Yes. Repair reinstalls the Edge app files without touching any of your data. It is the safer first step. Reset goes further and deletes browsing data, settings, and extensions. Always try Repair first.

Will resetting Edge fix it if my browser is hijacked by adware?

It can, but not always. A reset will remove unwanted extensions and restore your homepage and search engine. However, if the adware is installed as a separate program, you need to uninstall that program from Settings > Apps first.

Do I need to restart my computer after resetting Edge?

Not always, but it is recommended. A restart ensures all Edge processes are fully closed and the new files are loaded cleanly. If Edge still misbehaves after a reset, restarting before trying another method is a good idea.

Can I reset Edge without losing my bookmarks?

Yes. Use the “Reset settings” option inside Edge (Method 3) which does not touch bookmarks. For a full reset, export your bookmarks first via edge://settings/profiles > Export bookmarks.

What if none of these methods work?

If Edge is still broken after trying all five methods, consider using a different browser temporarily, or check for Windows updates. In rare cases, a Windows system file corruption is the root cause, which you can fix by running sfc /scannow in an admin command prompt.

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