How To Reset Microsoft Edge To Default Settings On Windows 11
Is your web browser feeling slow, crashing, or showing weird ads? You are not alone. Over time, your browser collects junk files and bad settings that slow it down. Resetting Microsoft Edge brings it back to its original state. This is the best way to fix performance issues and remove browser hijackers.
Why do this? A reset clears your cache, cookies, and extensions. It fixes bugs that make your browser act up. What happens when done? Your browser will look and feel brand new. You will lose your current tabs and extensions, but your bookmarks and passwords will stay if you use a Microsoft account.
How to Back Up Your Edge Profile Before a Hard Reset
Pro Tip: Before doing a hard reset, back up your data. Go to %localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data in your file explorer. Copy the Default folder to a safe place like your desktop. This ensures you have a backup if something goes wrong.
How to Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Settings: The Standard Method
This is the safest way to fix most problems.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Click Reset settings on the left.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Click Reset to confirm.
Hard Reset by Deleting Local Data
If the standard reset fails, you can delete the data folder manually.
- Close all Edge windows.
- Press Windows Key + R.
- Type
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Dataand press Enter. - Find the Default folder and delete it.
- Open Edge again to let it create a fresh folder.
Resetting via PowerShell and Command Line
Advanced users can use PowerShell to clear browser data. Requires Administrator Privileges:
- Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).
- Type
Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackageand press Enter. - Restart your computer to reinstall the browser.
Repairing Edge via Windows Settings
Windows 11 has a built-in repair tool. Requires Administrator Privileges:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots and select Modify.
- Click Repair.
Checking for Registry-Level Hijacks
If your settings are locked, check the registry. Requires Administrator Privileges:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge. - Delete any suspicious entries.
Does resetting Edge remove my saved passwords?
No. If you are signed into your Microsoft account and have sync enabled, your passwords are saved in the cloud. Once you sign back in after the reset, your passwords will automatically sync back to your browser. If you are not signed in, please export them first.
Why does Edge keep reverting to old settings after a reset?
This usually happens because your Microsoft account syncs your old settings back to the browser immediately after you sign in. To fix this, turn off sync before resetting, or check for malicious extensions and registry policies that might be forcing the browser to keep old, unwanted configurations.
Summary
Resetting Microsoft Edge helps fix performance issues by clearing out old cache and corrupted data. You can use the built-in reset button, the Windows repair tool, or manually delete the User Data folder. Always back up your data first and check your sync settings to keep your passwords and bookmarks safe.
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