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

Question

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?

Answer 1

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?

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

How do we fix it though?  

Uninstall the third-party software that's causing it. Use the manufacturer's uninstall utility if necessary.

Answer 4

No third party software has been installed by me other than Microsoft/Windows auto-updates  yet I too have the same issue.

Answer 5

I'd too had the same problem like you had!  All cause by Avast!  They advertise a "Clean-Up Boost" program to make my computer to run faster!  And what it did was it took 118 programs that I used a little and put them in "Sleep Mode"!  The problem with that is if you need to use the program again like Microsoft Word, YOU CANNOT GET IT OUT OF SLEEP MODE!!!!  IT DOESN'T REPLY how hard you try!  So I was forced to delete all of my Avast Antivirus software including "Clean-Up Boost"!  Big mistake there, but that's another story!  Then I was getting the Edge error message on my screen!  Went to Google to find a solution to this problem and found a link that solved my problem and I will walk you through it to get rid of the ERROR MESSAGE!

First go to Windows Search box which is next to the Start menu and type in REGEDIT and press enter.  That will automatically take you to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current\Image File Execution Options and if it doesn't go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and type or scroll the rest of the way through!  Once your at \Image File. . . on the left hand side of the screen you will see different .exe file names and go to msedge.  When you find msedge.exe click on the file and delete the record name just below the (Default)!  Then go to the file just underneath msedge and is attached to it "25446da6ceb8c06f_PD" and click on it.  Delete the record "Debugger  "C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe"  And close the window that you are in and then restart the computer again and the ERROR MESSAGE will be GONE permanently!

None of this applies to me , I never have nor do I ever plan to use avast . I only use what Windows and Microsoft provide. My issue was fixed with a Microsoft update ;-)