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How do I restore the icons at the top of the Microsoft Edge browser

LizzyD 0 Reputation points
2025-11-10T01:47:56.7633333+00:00

Two days ago, the browser icons that point to my favorite websites disappeared and were replaced by generic 'world' icons. These still point to the websites in question, that is not an issue, but I'm a very visual person and miss the icons the way they used to look - it was easy to immediately choose where I wanted to go. I've done everything from clearing the cache to reinstalling and nothing seems to work. Look forward to hearing what I might be able to do to sort this minor but annoying issue out. (Incidentally the other browsers I use are fine). Picture attached for reference.ICONS issue

Microsoft Edge | Website issues | Windows 11
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  1. April P 5,435 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-10T02:40:00.81+00:00

    Hi LizzyD,

    This is April, I'll be happy to assist you. Sorry to hear that you're having issue with Microsoft Edge. Let me help you out.

    Based on the description of the issue you provided, your browser's website shortcuts lost their custom icons and now show generic globe icons.

    Have you noticed if the missing icons affect only bookmarks on the toolbar, or do they also appear generic in other areas like the bookmarks manager or new tab suggestions?

    Since other browsers display the links correctly and they still work, this appears to be a favicon (site icon) display issue limited to that specific browser.

    Here are steps to help restore those icons:

    1. Manually Refresh Favicons Force the browser to reload site icons:
      • Delete the old bookmark, then recreate it by dragging the padlock icon (next to the site URL) to your bookmarks bar.
      • Open the website in a new tab and let it fully load. This often triggers a favicon refresh.
    2. Clear Favicon Cache (Not Just Browser Cache) If you're using Microsoft Edge, clearing the regular cache often doesn't touch the favicon cache. Try this:
      • Close all browser windows.
      • Navigate to this folder: %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\
      • Delete the file named and
      • Restart the browser.
    3. Check Extensions or Securitiy Tools Privacy or antivirus software can block favicon loading:
      • Temporarily disable extensions, especially ad or privacy blockers.
      • Review antivirus settings for "web protection" or "tracking protection" features that may interfere.
    4. Create a New Browser Profile If the current profile is corrupted:
      • Open your browser settings.
      • Create a new user profile
      • Import bookmarks and check if icons load correctly.
    5. Try a Favicon Refresh Extension There are extensions like Favicon Restorer or Bookmark Favicon Changer can help force favicon updates automatically.

    I hope this helps. If you need further assistance you can reply to this message.

    Thank you,

    April P.

    Independent Advisor

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