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Windows cannot find 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'

Anonymous
2020-08-28T15:15:19+00:00

Split from this thread.

I originally installed the new Microsoft Edge in November 2019.  Beginning today, upon opening Microsoft Edge I got the message

"Windows cannot find 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe'.  Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again."

I'm not aware of any updates since I usually handle those myself. 

First, I removed the desktop, start, and taskbar shortcuts.  Then I uninstalled Microsoft Edge from Programs and Features/add or remove programs and reinstalled it from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge using a standard (not custom) install using both Chrome and Firefox.  I now have MicrosoftEdgeSetup.exe, MicrosoftEdgeSetup(1).exe, and MicrosoftEdgeSetup(2).exe.  I have used all three.

This did not fix the problem.  Interestingly enough, I can navigate to that location but my system can't.  No changes were made on my part to deny access to this file path.

Utilizing "repair" and "reset" in the Apps Settings has not fixed the problem.

What's going on?

Microsoft Edge | Open the browser | Windows 10

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-08-27T19:03:39+00:00

    This error commonly arises when Windows settings have been changed by third-party security software (e.g. McAfee, Symantec, Norton, Avast, AVG). There is usually no need for ordinary careful users to run any security software other than Windows Security built-in to Windows 10.

    Could this be the case?

    22 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2020-08-28T01:17:17+00:00

    Oh yes this is exactly the reason why. Yes you are absolutely right, I uninstalled my Avast Premiere as my antivirus software then this happened. All of my apps were not accessible right after the uninstallation. I fixed my problem by resetting my laptop, reinstalling windows. The risk is real, too costly. Thank you sir.

    18 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2020-06-11T07:41:10+00:00

    Now i cant even open a pdf it comes up with the same error message? I'm over it, paying for a product that seems to be getting worse and worse and with no answers

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-08-27T14:38:30+00:00

    This is exactly my same problem now. I have downloaded the installer for google chrome just in case it won't do anything.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-11-14T19:40:46+00:00

    How do we fix it though?  Should we edit the registery?  how?

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