Microsoft Edge Fails to Start

Question

My computer restarted after installing an update and since then, I am completely unable to start Edge. When I click the icon on the taskbar I get a brief flash of the Windows circle by the mouse pointer then nothing. I have tried the following:-

• Repaired Edge via the App settings
• Reinstalled Edge
• Opening an InPrivate window from the shortcut
• Renamed the User Data folder in my local Appdata folder
• Uninstalled the recent update (KB5070311) and restarted
• Uninstalled my AV software and replaced with an alternate
• Searched the registry for MetricsReportingEnabled to delete but not present
• Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

It doesn't appear in Task Manager when I start it, and there is nothing in the Application log in Event Viewer to show it is starting and then crashing.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to what else to try as I can't see any reason why it won't start or any log files giving any indication what may be happening.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Joe

Answer 1

It sounds like you've already tried a comprehensive list of troubleshooting steps for Microsoft Edge. Since Edge is not appearing in Task Manager and there are no logs indicating it is starting, here are a few additional steps you can consider:

1. Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, additional updates may resolve issues caused by previous updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
2. Create a New User Profile: There might be an issue with your current user profile. You can create a new user account and see if Edge starts there. If it does, you may need to migrate your data to the new profile.
3. Reset Windows: If nothing else works, you may consider resetting Windows. This can be done by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Make sure to back up your data before doing this.
4. Use the Process Monitor Tool: If you have access to it, using the Process Monitor tool can help trace what happens when you attempt to start Edge. This might provide more insight into what is going wrong.
5. Check Group Policy Settings: If you're on a managed device, certain Group Policy settings might be preventing Edge from starting. You can check with your IT administrator if applicable.

If you continue to experience issues, contacting Microsoft Support may provide you with more tailored assistance.

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References:

• The computer needs to be restarted before Setup can continue
• Modern, Inbox, and Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooting guidance

Answer 2

Hi, good day!

Please try performing a System Restore at an earlier date where everything is still working.

Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: rstrui.exe

Press Enter. This will open System Restore

Click the Next button.

Select the restore point at an earlier date where everything is still working.

Click Next then Finish

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Answer 3

Have you tried creating a new local administrator account then see if the issue persists?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/manage-user-accounts-in-windows-104dc19f-6430-4b49-6a2b-e4dbd1dcdf32