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

This worked for me, but it was AVG and not Avast.

Same for me, it was AVG.

Answer 4

I fixed my problem by resetting my laptop, reinstalling windows.

That may not have been necessary. Avast apparently adds registry entries to prevent access to the program executables (.exe files), but doesn't remove them when it's uninstalled. For anyone in the same situation, here's how to remove the entry:

1. Copy this line of code:

reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msedge.exe" /f 2. Right-click on the start button and select Run to open a Run box.

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3. Type cmd and press Ctrl-Shift-Enter to open an administrator command window. Give UAC permission when prompted.

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4. Right-click (and select Paste if necessary) to paste the command you copied at (1) into the window, then press Enter to execute the command.

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If you did this properly, you should see the message The operation completed successfully. Close the command window.

In your own case (where more programs were affected and showing the Windows cannot find ... error) repeat this exercise, substituting the .exe file from the error message in each case for msedge.exe in the line of code.

Answer 5

Spot on solution, thanks.