How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Working on Mac

Microsoft Edge is a versatile and modern web browser that has gained popularity due to its speed, privacy features, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. However, like any software, Edge can occasionally encounter issues, particularly on Mac systems. If you find yourself facing problems with Microsoft Edge not working on your Mac, you’re not alone. This article provides you with a comprehensive guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve issues with Microsoft Edge on a Mac. We will explore common problems and offer step-by-step solutions to help you get Edge back up and running smoothly.

Understanding Common Issues

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand the common issues that users may encounter when Microsoft Edge is not functioning correctly on a Mac. These can include:

Edge Not Launching: The application doesn’t start when clicked.
Freezing and Crashing: The browser becomes unresponsive or crashes unexpectedly.
Slow Performance: Edge takes a long time to load pages or responds sluggishly.
Website Loading Issues: Specific websites fail to load or render correctly.
Extensions Not Working: Installed extensions do not function as expected.
Update Problems: Issues related to updating Edge to the latest version.

Now that we have identified common issues, let’s explore possible solutions for each problem.

1. Edge Not Launching

Check for Updates

If Microsoft Edge is not launching at all, your first step should be to check for any pending updates. Sometimes, a bug in an older version can prevent the browser from starting.

Open the Mac App Store.
Click on the “Updates” tab.
Look for Microsoft Edge.
If an update is available, click “Update.”

Restart Your Mac

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches hindering Edge from launching.

Click on the Apple logo at the top left of your screen.
Select “Restart…”
After your Mac restarts, try launching Microsoft Edge again.

Force Quit the Application

If the application is unresponsive, it might be running in the background.

Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
Select Microsoft Edge from the list and click “Force Quit.”
Try reopening Edge.

Check Activity Monitor

Another effective approach is to check your Activity Monitor for any hung processes.

Open “Activity Monitor” from the Applications folder or use Spotlight (press Command + Space and type “Activity Monitor”).
Look for any instances of Microsoft Edge.
If found, select them and click on the “X” in the top left to quit.

Reinstall Microsoft Edge

If none of the above methods work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Edge:

Open “Finder” and navigate to the Applications folder.
Find Microsoft Edge and drag it to the Trash.
Visit the official Microsoft Edge website to download and install the latest version.

2. Freezing and Crashing

Clear Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache files can lead to freezing and crashing. Here’s how to clear them:

Open Microsoft Edge.
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
Go to “Settings” > “Privacy, search, and services.”
Scroll down to “Clear browsing data” and click “Choose what to clear.”
Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,” then click “Clear now.”

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause issues on Macs. Disabling it may resolve freezing and crashing:

In Edge, go to “Settings” > “System and performance.”
Toggle off the “Use hardware acceleration when available” option.
Restart Edge.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can lead to performance issues. Even though Mac updates graphics drivers through its system updates, you can check for updates:

Click the Apple logo and select “System Preferences.”
Go to “Software Update” and install any updates that are available.

Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, third-party software can conflict with Edge. Check for any recently installed applications that might be causing issues and consider uninstalling them temporarily to test if Edge stabilizes.

3. Slow Performance

Limit Extensions

A large number of extensions can slow down performance. Disable unnecessary extensions:

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of Edge.
Go to “Extensions.”
Disable or remove any extensions that you don’t use frequently.

Check Internet Connection

A slow internet connection can cause webpages to load slowly. To check your internet speed:

Use a service like Speedtest to check your internet speed.
If your connection is slow, try resetting your router or contacting your ISP for assistance.

Reset Edge Settings

Resetting Edge can resolve performance issues, but this will also reset your preferences and remove your extensions:

Go to “Settings” > “Reset settings.”
Click “Restore settings to their default values” and confirm.

4. Website Loading Issues

Disable VPN or Proxy

Sometimes, using a VPN or proxy can interfere with website loading:

Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy service you are using and check if the website loads.

Check for Browser Updates

Ensure Edge is up to date as updates often fix specific bugs related to loading issues:

Go to “Settings” > “About Microsoft Edge.”
The browser will check for updates automatically and download them if available.

Remove Corrupted Site Data

Corrupted data for specific sites can prevent them from loading:

Go to the website that is having trouble loading.
Click the padlock icon in the browser address bar.
Choose “Site permissions” and then remove site data.

5. Extensions Not Working

Disable and Re-enable Extensions

Sometimes, simply disabling and then re-enabling an extension can fix issues:

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
Navigate to “Extensions,” toggle off the extensions, and then toggle them back on.

Reinstall Extensions

If an extension is still not functioning, try reinstalling it:

Go to the Edge Add-ons store, find your extension, and click “Remove.”
After deletion, reinstall the extension from the store.

Check Compatibility

Not all extensions are compatible with the latest versions of Edge. Verify that your extensions are compatible or look for alternative extensions that offer similar functionalities.

6. Update Problems

Check for Updates Manually

If Edge is not updating automatically, try checking for updates manually:

Open Edge, then go to “Settings” > “About Microsoft Edge.”
It will automatically search for any available updates.

Remove A Corrupted Update

In some cases, an update may get corrupted. To revert to a previous version:

Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
Find Microsoft Edge and move it to Trash.
Reinstall it from the official Microsoft website to ensure you have the most stable version.

Conclusion

While encountering issues with Microsoft Edge on your Mac can be frustrating, most problems can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps. From checking for updates and managing extensions to resetting settings and limiting hardware acceleration, a combination of these solutions can address the majority of problems.

Should none of the solutions remedy your issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They may offer insights into any known issues with Edge on Mac systems or provide additional troubleshooting steps tailored to your specific problem.

Maintaining a smooth browsing experience requires a mix of regular software updates, managing your extensions wisely, and ensuring your Mac is running optimally. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can keep Microsoft Edge functioning effectively on your Mac, providing you with a reliable tool for your online activities.