How To Reset Microsoft Edge To Default Settings On Windows 11

You can reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings on Windows 11 by navigating through the browser’s settings menu.

Resetting Microsoft Edge reverts its settings to their original state, effectively clearing out accumulated data and problematic configurations that can cause slowdowns or crashes. This process is ideal for troubleshooting issues like persistent unwanted ads or browser hijacking malware.

When you reset Edge, it clears your browsing cache, cookies, and disables installed extensions. This action can resolve numerous bugs impacting browser performance. For instance, this often fixes the common issue of Edge running unexpectedly slow on Windows 11.

While this reset will remove your currently open tabs and installed extensions, it importantly preserves your saved bookmarks and passwords if you are signed into Microsoft Edge with your 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.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Click Reset settings on the left.
5. Select Restore settings to their default values.
6. Click Reset to confirm.

Hard Reset by Deleting Local Data

If the standard reset fails, you can delete the data folder manually.

1. Close all Edge windows.
2. Press Windows Key + R.
3. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data and press Enter.
4. Find the Default folder and delete it.
5. 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:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Type Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage and press Enter.
3. Restart your computer to reinstall the browser.

Repairing Edge via Windows Settings

Windows 11 has a built-in repair tool. Requires Administrator Privileges:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft Edge.
3. Click the three dots and select Modify.
4. Click Repair.

How to Repair Microsoft Edge in Windows 11

See more

Checking for Registry-Level Hijacks

If your settings are locked, check the registry. Requires Administrator Privileges:

1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
3. Delete any suspicious entries.