Right now, Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 10 and in the last period, it grew a lot in performance and popularity.

  • If your Microsoft Edge browser keeps freezing it must be frustrating because you can’t browse your pages properly.

  • The Edge freezing problem in Windows 10 can also be fixed by clearing its cache and data.

  • Using a third-party, dedicated cleaning tool can also get the job done so you should try it.

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  • Optimize resource usage: your RAM memory is used more efficiently than Chrome does

  • Enhanced privacy: free and unlimited VPN integrated

  • No ads: built-in Ad Blocker speeds up loading of pages and protects against data-mining

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Even though Microsoft Edge is a great browser, Windows 10 users reported that Microsoft Edge keeps freezing, so let’s see how to fix this problem.

This isn’t the only issue, and many reported that Microsoft Edge won’t close at all. However, there are ways to fix Microsoft Edge if it’s not responding, and this guide will show you how to do it.

Why does my Microsoft Edge keep freezing?

There are many reasons for this, but it’s possible that your cache is corrupted, thus causing this issue to appear.

Sometimes your browser settings can cause this issue, but after resetting them to the default, the issue should be gone.

How do I fix Microsoft Edge if it freezes?

1. Consider using a different browser

Microsoft Edge should not be compared to its predecessor, Internet Explorer, at all in terms of what it can do, since it uses a totally different architecture.

  • Why does my Microsoft Edge keep freezing?
  • How do I fix Microsoft Edge if it freezes?
    1. Consider using a different browser
    1. Clean Edge cache
  • 2.1 Clear cookies and site data
  • 2.2 Clear browsing data
    1. Use a cleaning tool
    1. Start Edge using a website shortcut
    1. Use PowerShell
    1. Turn off Internet Explorer 11
    1. Try resetting Microsoft Edge
  • 7.1 Use the Reset option
  • 7.2 Delete the Edge pack
    1. Run the System File Checker and DISM
  • 8.1 Run the SFC scan
  • 8.2 Run a DISM scan
    1. Change your DNS
  • How can I improve my Microsoft Edge performance?

If this is what drew you to Edge in the first place, but you can’t seem to fix its constant freezes, then maybe it is time you switch it to a different Chromium-based browser.

One such browser is the one recommended below, and it is a worthy alternative to Microsoft Edge from all points of view. It is modern, sleek, has a low resource footprint, and has extensive add-on support.

More so, it has tools that Edge doesn’t such as a built-in unlimited VPN and integrated social network shortcuts on its sidebar.

2. Clean Edge cache

2.1 Clear cookies and site data

  • Start Edge.
  • Click the Menu button (the three horizontal dots) in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
  • Click on the three horizontal lines from the top left and select the Cookies and site permissions options from the list.
  • Now select Manage and delete cookies and site data.
  • Now click on See all cookies and site data.
  • You will see all cookies stored in your browser. Click on the Remove all button.
  • Confirm the selection by clicking the Clear button.

2.2 Clear browsing data

  • Start Edge.
  • Enter Settings as shown in the previous solution.
  • Click on the three horizontal lines from the top left and select Privacy, search, and services from the list.
  • Scroll down and click on Choose what to clear button.
  • Select the data you want to clear and click on the Clear now button.

If Microsoft Edge is hanging, clearing the cache and browsing data is a quick way to fix it.

Opera

A fast and efficient Chromium-based browser that is constantly updated and tweaked to avoid common issues such as freezes.

3. Use a cleaning tool

Microsoft Edge freezes can be a big problem, but according to users, you can fix this issue simply by using a cleaning tool like the one recommended below.

After running this software, issues with freezing in Microsoft Edge were resolved, so you might want to try it for quick results.

It does this by fixing and repairing any files and libraries on your PC by comparing it with its own libraries, creating backups, and making sure everything is in check.

Of course, the tools are useful for the entire well-being of your PC, not just your Microsoft Edge installation.

⇒ Get CCleaner

4. Start Edge using a website shortcut

This is just a workaround, but users reported that it works and that it allows them to use Microsoft Edge without any freezing issues.

To fix this problem simply use another browser to save a website link to your Desktop and open that file using Microsoft Edge. After doing that, Microsoft Edge will start without any issues.

According to users, this problem seems to be caused by tabs in Microsoft Edge, and by using this workaround you’ll be able to use Edge without any freezes.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to use this workaround every time you want to start Microsoft Edge.

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5. Use PowerShell

  • Right-click the Start button and click on PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
  • When PowerShell opens, enter the following command and press Enter to run it: $manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest
  • After the process is completed close PowerShell and restart your PC.
  • After your PC restarts, check if the problem is resolved.

Users reported that you can fix this issue by using PowerShell. We have to mention that PowerShell is an extremely powerful tool and that by using PowerShell you can cause certain issues on your PC.

If you decide to use PowerShell, we advise you to be extra cautious and to create System Restore point so you can restore your PC in case anything goes wrong. To use PowerShell, follow the steps above.

If you find it complicated to use PowerShell, we’ve got an excellent article that will teach you all about it.

6. Turn off Internet Explorer 11

  • Press Windows key + S and enter windows features. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
  • Locate Internet Explorer 11 on the list and uncheck it.
  • Click OK to save the changes.

If Microsoft Edge is slow and it freezes, you can fix it simply by turning off Internet Explorer 11.

This is a simple procedure, and you can do it by following the steps above. After disabling Internet Explorer 11, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

7. Try resetting Microsoft Edge

7.1 Use the Reset option

  • Open Edge.
  • Click the Menu button and select Settings.
  • From the left pane, select Reset settings.
  • Now click on Restore settings to their default values.
  • Confirm that you want to perform the reset.

7.2 Delete the Edge pack

  • Press Windows key + R and enter %localappdata%. Click OK or press Enter.
  • Go to the following directory and delete all files from it: Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe

7.2 Use PowerShell to reset Microsoft Edge

  • Open PowerShell as administrator as shown in Solution 6.
  • When PowerShell opens, enter this command, and press Enter to run it: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml” –Verbose}

We have to mention that using PowerShell can be dangerous, therefore be extra cautious. Resetting Microsoft Edge will clear all your settings, so you might have to set them again.

8. Run the System File Checker and DISM

8.1 Run the SFC scan

  • Type cmd in Windows search and click on Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
  • When Command Prompt starts, enter the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow
  • Wait for the process to complete.

Several users reported that they managed to fix this issue simply by running the SFC scan.

This command is designed to scan your Windows 10 installation and repair it, so be sure to use it by following the steps above.

  • 11 Ways to Fix Microsoft Edge When it Won’t Open or Launch
  • 3 Tips on How to Reinstall Microsoft Edge with Administrator Privileges
  • Microsoft Edge Quick Links Disappeared: Windows 11 Fix

8.2 Run a DISM scan

  • Start Command Prompt as administrator as shown in the previous solution.
  • Enter the following command and press Enter to run it: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If the System File Checker toot doesn’t fix the problem, you might want to try using a DISM scan to set things right again.

9. Change your DNS

  • Open Network Connections window. To do that, press Windows key + X and choose Network Connections from the menu.
  • Locate your network connection, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
  • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
  • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter 8.8.8.8 as Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as Alternate DNS server. You can also use 208.67.222.222 as Preferred and 208.67.220.220 as Alternate DNS server.
  • Click OK to save the changes.

If Microsoft Edge is stuck, then the issue can be your DNS, and you can fix it simply by changing it. To do that, follow the steps above.

If you encounter any other DNS problems or you want to get in-depth expertise, check our comprehensive guide on how to fix DNS issues in Windows 10.

How can I improve my Microsoft Edge performance?

The best way to improve performance is to disable extensions that you don’t actively use. It’s also advised to keep the number of open tabs to a minimum, or at least close the more demanding pages.

Additionally, you can enable Microsoft Edge Efficiency mode in order to optimize the resource usage of your browser.

Microsoft Edge is a great browser but you might experience certain issues with it once in a while. If Microsoft Edge is not responding, be sure to try all solutions from this article.

For more information, we suggest visiting our guide on how to reduce Microsoft Edge’s high CPU usage.

If you have any other suggestions or you just want to express your thoughts, leave them in a comment on the dedicated section below.

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

  • Browser errorsMicrosoft Edge issues

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