Reset Microsoft Edge Browser to the Default Settings
Resetting Microsoft Edge is a useful troubleshooting method when the browser starts behaving differently from normal or when incorrect settings make it difficult to use. The process is simple enough for beginners and can be completed directly from the Edge Settings page.
To reset Edge, open the browser, select the three-dot menu, open Settings, select Reset settings, and then choose Restore settings to their default values. Review the warning and select Reset to complete the process.
If you are experiencing browser-related problems, follow the steps below to reset Microsoft Edge safely.
Reset Microsoft Edge Browser to the Default Settings
To reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings, open Edge and select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. Select Settings, choose Reset settings from the left side, and then select Restore settings to their default values. Review the information shown in the confirmation window and select Reset. Edge will restore supported browser settings to their original defaults while keeping important personal information such as favorites and saved passwords.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
The first step is to open Microsoft Edge on your Windows computer. You can launch it from the Start menu, desktop shortcut, taskbar, or another location where you normally keep the browser.
If you cannot immediately find Edge, select the Start button and type Microsoft Edge into the search box. When Microsoft Edge appears in the search results, select it to open the browser.
Once Edge opens, wait a few seconds for your normal homepage or currently configured startup page to appear. You do not need to close your existing tabs before starting the reset process, although saving any important work first is recommended.
Step 2: Open the Edge Settings
After Microsoft Edge is open, look at the upper-right corner of the browser window. You will see a button with three horizontal dots. This is the Settings and more menu.
Select the three-dot button to open the menu. You will see several options related to your browser, including tools for managing downloads, favorites, extensions, printing, and settings.
Look toward the lower portion of this menu and select Settings. Microsoft Edge will open its Settings page in a new browser tab.
You can also reach Edge’s settings by entering edge://settings into the address bar and pressing Enter. If you are a very new user, however, using the three-dot menu is usually easier because you can clearly see where the Settings option is located.
Step 3: Select Reset Settings
Once the Settings page opens, look at the left side of the window. You will see several categories that control different parts of Microsoft Edge.
Scroll through the list if necessary and find Reset settings. Select it to open the reset section.
The Reset settings page contains options related to restoring Edge’s configuration. This is the section you need if you want to return Edge’s supported settings to their original configuration.
Take a moment to read the information displayed on this page. Resetting Edge is different from uninstalling the browser. You are simply restoring certain browser preferences to their default values.
Step 4: Choose Restore Settings to Their Default Values
On the Reset settings page, look for the option named Restore settings to their default values.
Select this option to continue.
A confirmation window will appear explaining what will happen when the reset is performed. This confirmation is important because it allows you to review the changes before proceeding.
Microsoft Edge’s reset process can restore settings such as the startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs to their default configuration. It can also disable extensions and clear temporary configuration changes.
Your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords are generally not removed by this reset. However, if you have important browser data, it is always a good idea to make sure it is synchronized with your Microsoft account or otherwise backed up before making significant browser changes.
Step 5: Review the Reset Information
Before selecting the final reset button, carefully read the message displayed in the confirmation window.
This step is particularly useful for beginners because it explains the type of settings that Edge will restore. A browser reset is designed to address configuration problems, rather than erase your entire browser profile.
For example, if you previously changed your default search engine, customized your startup page, or installed extensions that modify browser behavior, some of those changes may no longer remain active after the reset.
If you are comfortable proceeding, select the Reset button.
You do not need to restart Windows for this process. Microsoft Edge will perform the reset within the browser.
Step 6: Wait for Microsoft Edge to Complete the Reset
After selecting Reset, give Microsoft Edge a little time to apply the changes. The exact time can vary depending on your computer and browser configuration.
Avoid repeatedly clicking the reset button while the process is taking place. Once Edge finishes, the browser should have its supported settings restored to their default configuration.
If an extension was responsible for unwanted browser behavior, resetting Edge can also help by disabling extensions. You can later review your extensions and enable only the ones you trust and actually need.
Step 7: Check Microsoft Edge After the Reset
Once the reset is complete, test Microsoft Edge to see whether the original problem has been resolved.
Open a few websites that were previously causing problems. Check whether pages load normally, whether unexpected redirects have stopped, and whether the browser responds more normally.
You should also check your homepage, search engine, extensions, and other browser preferences because some of these settings may have returned to their default configuration.
If you had customized Edge before the reset, you can now gradually restore your preferred settings. It is better to change settings one at a time rather than changing everything immediately. This makes it easier to identify a particular setting or extension if the original problem returns.
Reconfigure Your Preferred Settings
The final step is optional, but it can be useful if you previously customized Microsoft Edge.
Open Settings again and review the browser’s available options. You can configure your preferred startup behavior, appearance, privacy settings, search preferences, and other options.
If you use browser extensions, open the Extensions section and review the extensions installed on your computer. Enable only the extensions you recognize and trust.
If the browser was reset because you were experiencing unusual behavior, avoid immediately reinstalling every extension you previously used. Add them gradually and test Edge after each change.
This approach can help you identify whether a particular extension or browser customization was responsible for the original problem.
FAQs
Does resetting Microsoft Edge delete my bookmarks?
Normally, resetting Edge’s settings does not remove your favorites or bookmarks. However, it is still sensible to make sure important browser data is synchronized or backed up before making significant changes.
Will resetting Edge delete saved passwords?
The standard Reset settings feature is not designed to delete your saved passwords. Your passwords and other personal browsing information are generally retained. If you are concerned about important credentials, verify that your Edge profile is synchronized before resetting the browser.
Will resetting Microsoft Edge uninstall the browser?
No. Resetting Edge does not uninstall Microsoft Edge. It restores supported browser settings to their default configuration.
Will my extensions be removed?
Resetting Edge can disable extensions and restore related settings. After the reset, you can open the Extensions section and review the extensions you want to use again.
Should I reset Edge if it is running slowly?
A reset can help when slow performance is related to incorrect settings, unwanted extensions, or other browser configuration problems. However, slow performance can also be caused by insufficient system resources, outdated software, network problems, or other Windows issues.
Can I undo an Edge reset?
There is no simple universal Undo Reset button that automatically restores every previous browser setting. If you need particular customizations, you may have to configure them again manually.
Why should I reset Microsoft Edge?
You might reset Edge when the browser has unexpected settings, unwanted startup behavior, problematic extensions, search changes, or other configuration-related issues that are difficult to troubleshoot individually.
Do I need to restart my computer after resetting Edge?
Usually, you do not need to restart Windows after resetting Microsoft Edge. Close and reopen Edge if necessary, then test the browser again.