How to Restore Microsoft Edge to Default Settings

If you’re having trouble with Microsoft Edge — maybe it’s running slow, behaving oddly, or showing ads and pop-ups you can’t get rid of — restoring the browser to its default settings can help.

This reset doesn’t delete your favorites, history, or saved passwords. It just undoes custom settings, disables extensions, and clears cookies. Here’s how to do it and what to expect.

How to Reset Microsoft Edge to Default

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu (top-right corner).
3. Go to Settings.
4. In the left sidebar, click Reset settings.
5. Click Restore settings to their default values.
6. In the confirmation popup, click Reset.

That’s it. Edge will now:

• Disable all extensions
• Clear temporary data like cookies
• Reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs

What Is Not Affected

The reset won’t remove:

• Favorites
• Browsing history
• Saved passwords

Those remain intact, so you don’t need to back them up before the reset.

When Should You Reset Edge?

Consider a reset if:

• Edge is unusually slow
• You’re getting redirected to unwanted sites
• Your homepage or search engine has changed without your permission
• Extensions aren’t behaving as expected
• You suspect adware or browser hijackers

After the Reset

After resetting, you can:

• Re-enable the extensions you trust
• Sign back in to sync settings, history, and passwords
• Re-customize your startup page and layout preferences

Alternative: Repair or Reinstall Edge

If a reset doesn’t solve your issue, you can repair or reinstall Edge:

On Windows:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for Microsoft Edge.
3. Click the three-dot menu next to it.
4. Choose Modify > then click Repair.

This will reinstall Edge without affecting your data.

Summary

Resetting Microsoft Edge is a simple, safe way to fix most browser issues. It keeps your important data like favorites and passwords while removing problematic settings or extensions. If you still see issues after the reset, try a repair or reinstall for a clean slate.

Questions? Drop them in the comments form below.