ByIf your Microsoft Edge is repeatedly crashing, automatically closing, freezing, or suddenly showing “Not Responding,” this problem is not only annoying but also serious for your productivity and data security. We’re presenting a detailed, step-by-step Complete Fix Guide here to help you permanently fix this problem.
Main Causes of Microsoft Edge Crashing
There are several technical reasons why Edge may suddenly crash or hang. The main reasons are:
- Outdated or corrupt browser version
- Bad or incompatible extensions
- Corrupt cache and cookies
- Hardware acceleration conflict
- Windows update issue
- Malware or virus
- Driver issue (especially graphics driver)
Correctly identifying and resolving these causes is the most effective way to stabilize Edge.
1. Update Microsoft Edge to the Latest Version
Often, an outdated version is the main cause of crashing.
How to Update:
1. Open Edge
2. Click the three dots (⋯) in the top right
3. Go to Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge
4. If an update is available, install it immediately.
The latest version includes bug fixes, security improvements, and performance optimizations.
2. Disable or Remove Edge Extensions
Incompatible or heavy extensions often cause browser crashes.
Solution:
1. Type `edge://extensions/` in the address bar.
2. Temporarily disable all extensions.
3. Restart Edge.
4. Turn on extensions one by one and identify the problem.
If a particular extension is causing the problem, remove it.
3. Clear the Browser Cache and Cookies.
Heavy or corrupt cache files can cause Edge to freeze.
Steps to clear the cache:
1. Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services
2. Go to the Clear Browsing Data section
3. Click “Choose what to clear.”
4. Select Cached Images and Files and Cookies
5. Press Clear Now
Then restart the browser.
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4. Turn off Hardware Acceleration
Sometimes, a conflict between the GPU driver and hardware acceleration can cause Edge to crash.
How to turn it off:
1. Settings > System and Performance
2. Turn off “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
3. Restart Edge
This setting is highly effective for graphics-related crashing issues.
5. Reset Microsoft Edge
If the above solutions don’t work, resetting the browser is the most effective solution.
Reset process:
1. Settings > Reset Settings
2. Click “Restore settings to their default values.”
3. Confirm the reset
This will reset your settings, but passwords and bookmarks will remain intact.
6. Check Windows Update
An outdated Windows system can also cause Edge to crash.
Update steps:
1. Settings > Update & Security
2. Click “Check for updates.”
3. Install available updates
4. Restart the system
7. Update graphics drivers
If Edge crashes while watching videos or opening heavy websites, the problem may be with the GPU driver.
Driver update process:
1. Right-click on Start
2. Open Device Manager
3. Select Display Adapters
4. Right-click on your GPU
5. Select “Update Driver.”
8. Perform a Malware and Virus Scan
Malware can affect browser performance.
How to scan:
Open Windows Security
Go to Virus & Threat Protection
Run a Full Scan
If malware is found, remove it immediately.
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9. Repair Edge (Advanced Fix)
Windows also has an option to repair Edge.
Repair Process:
1. Settings > Apps > Apps & Features
2. Find Microsoft Edge
3. Click Advanced Options
4. Select Repair
If Repair doesn’t resolve the issue, use the Reset option.
10. Check for the problem via Clean Boot
Sometimes other software conflicts with Edge.
Clean Boot Process:
1. Type `msconfig` into Run
2. Open the Services tab
3. Check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
4. Disable other services
5. Restart the system
If Edge works fine, the problem is likely due to third-party software.
Pro Tips to Permanently Prevent Microsoft Edge Crashing Issues
- Regularly Update Your Browser
- Don’t Install Unnecessary Extensions
- Clear the Cache Every 2–3 Weeks
- Keep Windows and Drivers Updated
- Use a Reliable Antivirus
Conclusion
If Microsoft Edge is shutting down, freezing, or constantly crashing, systematically implement all of the solutions above. Usually, updating, removing extensions, clearing the cache, disabling hardware acceleration, and resetting the system completely resolve the issue.
The most effective way to keep Edge stable and fast is to keep your system regularly updated and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Microsoft Edge Frequently Crashes or Automatically Quits
1. Why is Microsoft Edge crashing repeatedly?
The main reasons for Edge crashing include outdated browser versions, corrupted cache files, incompatible extensions, hardware acceleration conflicts, graphics driver issues, or missing Windows updates.
2. Why does Microsoft Edge shut down on its own?
Edge can suddenly shut down when the system is low on memory, when there are conflicts with third-party software, or when there is malware. This issue can also occur while browsing heavy websites or streaming videos.
3. Will resetting Microsoft Edge delete passwords and bookmarks?
No, resetting Settings resets your custom settings, but saved passwords, bookmarks, and history remain intact.
4. What to do immediately if Edge freezes?
- Open Task Manager
- End Task in Microsoft Edge
- Restart the system
- Reopen the browser
If the problem recurs, clear the cache and disable extensions.
5. Can extensions cause Edge to crash?
Yes, sometimes incompatible or outdated extensions affect browser stability. Try temporarily disabling all extensions.
6. What is Hardware Acceleration, and why should you turn it off?
Hardware Acceleration is a feature that boosts browser performance by utilizing the GPU. However, if there’s a problem with the graphics driver, it can cause Edge to crash. In such a case, disabling it is helpful.
7. Can Edge crash due to a lack of Windows updates?
Yes, sometimes older Windows versions may cause Edge to malfunction due to bugs. Therefore, it’s important to update Windows regularly.
8. Why does Edge crash while playing videos?
This issue is usually related to the graphics driver, GPU overload, or hardware acceleration. Update drivers or turn off hardware acceleration.
9. Can viruses or malware affect Edge?
Yes, malware can affect browser files, causing Edge to slow down or crash. It’s important to run a full system scan regularly.
10. What’s the difference between repairing and resetting Microsoft Edge?
Repair: Repairs browser files, preserving data.
Reset: Returns browser settings to default, but preserves personal data.
11. How to permanently stop the Edge Not Responding issue?
- Update regularly
- Remove unnecessary extensions
- Clear the cache
- Keep the system and drivers updated
- Use a reliable antivirus
12. Should Edge be completely uninstalled and reinstalled?
If all other solutions don’t work, consider repairing and resetting, followed by reinstalling. In most cases, a reset resolves the issue.
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