Microsoft Edge Not Responding When Attaching Email File

Question

Like the title says I cannot attach any files to emails in Microsoft Edge currently. This started today and I have never had this problem before. Essentially, I click the attach file button in my Gmail, and then it opens in my personal file, but nothing loads and it just says, "Working on it...". Nothing loads and the entire process freezes, I have to close out of the tab which brings up the message "Microsoft Edge is not responding". I reset my computer, I cleared my cache, downloads, and more. I reset the file explorer several times. When I click on the file explorer itself, I have no problems. It is just when I attempt to open it through Gmail. I need to do this for work for a variety of reasons, and I am not sure what could possibly be the issue at this point.

Answer 1

Follow these steps in order, testing Gmail attachments after each step:

1. Close other tabs, extensions, and apps
   Edge may be running low on memory and freezing when opening the File Explorer picker.
   • Close all other Edge tabs except Gmail.
   • Close other running apps and pause any downloads.
   • Remove or disable unneeded extensions.
     Then retry attaching a file.
2. Make sure Microsoft Edge is up to date
   • In Edge, select Settings and more (… ) > Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
   • Apply any available update and restart Edge.
     Test Gmail again.
3. Restart the computer again
   A background process can interfere with Edge’s file dialog.
   • Restart Windows, then open only Edge and Gmail and try attaching a file.
4. Scan for malware and check security software
   • Run a malware scan using Windows Security as described in the Edge troubleshooting article (see reference).
   • If using third‑party security software (for example, Norton or McAfee), open that app and ensure it is fully updated. Out‑of‑date security software can interfere with browser operations.
5. Clear Edge browsing data (full)
   Since basic cache clearing was already done, perform a full clear:
   • In Edge, select Settings and more (… ) > History > Open history page.
   • Select Delete browsing data.
   • Set Time range to All time.
   • Select all checkboxes and choose Clear now.
     Restart Edge and test again.
6. Repair Microsoft Edge
   If the issue persists, repair the Edge installation:
   1. Close Edge for all users on the PC.
   2. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   3. Find Microsoft Edge, select it, then choose Modify. If Modify is not available, Edge is managed by the organization and IT support is required.
   4. When prompted with Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?, select Yes.
   5. Ensure the device is online, then select Repair.
      Browser data and settings should not be affected.
      After repair completes, restart Edge and test Gmail attachments.
7. Test other sites and browsers
   • Try attaching a file in another webmail or upload dialog (for example, a different site that opens the file picker).
   • Try the same Gmail attachment operation in another browser.
     If the problem only occurs in Edge and persists after repair, collect details (Windows version, Edge version, any error messages) and contact support or the organization’s IT admin.

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References:

• What to do if Microsoft Edge isn't working