Links will not open in Microsoft Edge: how to fix it

If clicking a link does nothing, opens a blank tab, or opens a different browser than you expect, Windows is usually pointing links at the wrong program or Edge is stuck in the background. Your computer is fine and this can be fixed in a few minutes.

Steps

1. Close Edge fully. Right click the Start button, choose Task Manager, find Microsoft Edge in the list, select it and click End task. Then open Edge again and try the link.
2. Restart the computer. A restart clears a stuck Edge process more often than you would think.
3. Set your default browser. Open Settings, then Apps, then Default apps. Click Microsoft Edge (or the browser you want) and click Set default at the top. Links from email and documents will now open there.
4. If links in Outlook or Word still do nothing, close Outlook and Word, open them again, and try one link.
5. Update Edge. In Edge click the three dots at the top right, then Settings, then About Microsoft Edge. Edge checks for updates on its own. Restart it when asked.
6. Reset Edge settings if links still fail. In Edge Settings click Reset settings, then Restore settings to their default values, then Reset. Your favorites and saved passwords stay.
7. If a link opens but shows a warning page, read it before you go on. Do not enter passwords or card numbers on a page you reached from an email you were not expecting.

Common questions

Will resetting Edge delete my favorites?

No. Resetting Edge turns off extensions and clears temporary data, but keeps your favorites, history and saved passwords.

Why did my default browser change by itself?

Windows updates and newly installed programs sometimes ask to become the default browser. Setting it again in Default apps fixes it.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms