Is Microsoft Edge acting up, loading websites incorrectly, or showing unwanted changes to your browser settings? Maybe your homepage has changed, extensions are causing problems, or Edge simply isn’t working the way it used to. In these situations, resetting Microsoft Edge to its default settings can help you troubleshoot common browser problems without completely uninstalling the browser.
Microsoft Edge includes a reset option that restores several browser settings to their original defaults. This can be especially useful when you’re dealing with unexpected changes, problematic extensions, or browsing issues.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Reset Microsoft Edge Browser to the Default Settings
To Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Settings:
- Open Microsoft Edge on your Windows computer.
- Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and choose Settings.
- Select Reset settings from the Settings sidebar.
- Click Restore settings to their default values.
- Review the reset information and select Reset to confirm.
- Restart Microsoft Edge and check whether the browser issue has been resolved.
Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on Your Windows Computer
The first step is to launch Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer. You can open it from the Start menu, desktop shortcut, or taskbar, depending on how you normally access the browser.
Select the Microsoft Edge icon and wait for the browser window to appear. If Edge takes a little longer than usual to open, give it a moment to finish loading.
Once the browser is open, make sure you’re working in the correct Edge profile if you use multiple profiles. This helps you review the appropriate browser settings before making changes.
If Microsoft Edge won’t open at all, you may need to try a different troubleshooting method, such as repairing the browser through Windows settings. The reset process described in this guide requires you to access Edge’s Settings menu.
Step 2: Open the Microsoft Edge Settings Menu
After opening Edge, look at the upper-right corner of the browser window. You’ll see a three-dot menu, commonly called the Settings and more menu.
Select the three dots to open the browser’s main menu. You’ll find several options related to browsing, downloads, extensions, and other features.
Now select Settings. Microsoft Edge will open its settings page, where you can manage browser preferences and configuration options.
You can also access the settings page directly by entering the following navigation path in the browser:
Three-dot menu > Settings
Take a moment to look at the Settings sidebar. It contains different categories, including profiles, privacy, appearance, and other browser preferences. You don’t need to change anything in these sections manually because Edge has a dedicated reset option.
Step 3: Select Reset Settings
Once you’re on the Microsoft Edge Settings page, look at the navigation panel on the left side. Scroll through the available categories until you find Reset settings.
Select the option to open the reset settings section. On some Edge versions, you may find this option toward the bottom of the Settings sidebar.
You can also use the Settings search box to locate the reset option more quickly. Type Reset settings into the search field and select the matching result if it appears.
The reset settings page contains an option for restoring the browser’s settings to their original defaults. This is the option you need to continue.
Navigation path: Settings > Reset settings
The exact layout may vary slightly depending on your Microsoft Edge version, but the reset feature is generally located within this section.
Step 4: Choose Restore Settings to Their Default Values
After opening the Reset settings section, you’ll see an option called Restore settings to their default values. Select this option to open the browser reset confirmation window.
Microsoft Edge will display information about the changes that may occur during the reset. Take a moment to read the message before continuing.
The reset process generally restores settings such as your startup behavior, new tab configuration, search engine preferences, and pinned or customized browser settings that are covered by the reset feature. Extensions may also be disabled, and temporary browser customizations can be removed.
It’s important to understand that resetting Edge is not the same as deleting all browser data. Your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords are generally not deleted by this reset option. However, you should review any important data and account settings before making changes, particularly if you’re troubleshooting a specific problem.
Navigation path: Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values
Step 5: Review the Reset Warning and Confirm
After selecting the restore option, Microsoft Edge will display a confirmation message explaining what resetting the browser involves.
Read the information carefully before selecting the confirmation button. This gives you an opportunity to understand the changes and decide whether the reset is appropriate for your situation.
When you’re ready, select Reset to confirm the action.
Microsoft Edge will restore the applicable settings to their original defaults. The process may take a short amount of time, depending on your browser configuration and system performance.
Avoid repeatedly clicking the reset button while the operation is in progress. Wait for Edge to finish applying the changes.
Navigation path: Restore settings to their default values > Reset
Once the reset is complete, you can continue to the next step to check your browser configuration.
Step 6: Restart Microsoft Edge and Test the Browser
After completing the reset, close Microsoft Edge and open it again. Restarting the browser gives you a chance to check whether the settings changes have addressed the problem.
Try opening a website that previously caused an issue. For example, if Edge was having trouble loading pages, visit a familiar website and check whether it now responds normally.
You can also test your homepage, search engine, and other settings that you customized previously.
If the browser is working correctly, you can start adjusting your preferred settings again. If the original problem continues, the cause may be related to an extension, network configuration, corrupted browser files, or another system issue.
Resetting Microsoft Edge can resolve configuration problems, but it does not guarantee that every browser issue will be fixed.
Review Your Browser Settings After the Reset
Once Microsoft Edge restarts, take a few minutes to review the settings that matter most to your daily browsing experience.
Start by checking your search engine preferences. If you previously selected a particular search provider, you may need to review the setting and adjust it according to your preference.
Next, check your homepage and startup behavior. If you want Edge to open a specific website when it launches, review the relevant settings and configure them again.
You should also review your extensions. A reset may disable installed extensions, so open the Extensions section and check whether the extensions you use regularly are still enabled.
Navigation path: Three-dot menu > Extensions > Manage extensions
Only enable extensions that you trust and recognize. If you suspect an extension caused your browser problem, consider leaving it disabled while you test Edge.
Finally, check other preferences such as appearance, privacy settings, and default browser behavior. You can customize these settings again without needing to repeat the full reset process.
What Happens When You Reset Microsoft Edge?
Before resetting Edge, it’s helpful to understand the types of changes the process can make.
Browser Settings Return to Their Defaults
The reset process restores supported browser settings to their original default configuration. This can help remove unwanted customizations and configuration changes that interfere with normal browsing.
Extensions May Be Disabled
Some extensions may be disabled during the reset. This is useful when an extension is interfering with websites or browser behavior, but you may need to enable trusted extensions again afterward.
Personal Browsing Data Is Generally Retained
The standard reset option does not normally delete your saved favorites, passwords, or browsing history. However, reset behavior and related settings can vary by browser version, so review the confirmation message before proceeding.
Custom Preferences May Need to Be Reconfigured
Your homepage, search preferences, and other custom settings may change. After the reset, you can open Edge’s Settings menu and personalize the browser again.
FAQs
Does resetting Microsoft Edge delete bookmarks?
No, the standard Edge reset generally does not delete your bookmarks or favorites. However, it’s always a good idea to verify important data before changing browser settings, especially if you use multiple profiles or synchronization.
Will resetting Edge remove saved passwords?
The standard reset option generally does not remove saved passwords. You should still review the confirmation message and ensure you have access to important account credentials before troubleshooting.
Can I reset Microsoft Edge without uninstalling it?
Yes. You can reset Edge through its Settings menu without uninstalling the browser. This is a convenient way to restore supported settings while keeping the browser installed on your computer.
Why is Microsoft Edge still not working after the reset?
If Edge continues to experience problems after a reset, the cause may be outside the browser’s settings. Possible factors include problematic extensions, outdated software, damaged browser files, or network-related issues.
Try updating Microsoft Edge, disabling suspicious extensions, and checking whether the problem occurs across different websites. If the browser still fails to work correctly, consider using Windows’ repair option for Microsoft Edge.
Does resetting Edge remove viruses or malware?
Resetting Edge is not a complete malware removal solution. Although it can undo certain unwanted browser settings, it does not guarantee that malware or potentially unwanted software has been removed from your computer.
If you notice persistent redirects, unexpected pop-ups, or unfamiliar applications, consider checking your computer with a reputable security tool and reviewing recently installed software.
Can I undo a Microsoft Edge reset?
Microsoft Edge does not generally provide a dedicated undo button that automatically restores all settings changed by the reset process. Before resetting, make a note of important customizations so you can reconfigure them afterward.
If you use Edge synchronization, review your account and synchronization settings carefully when restoring preferences.