What if Microsoft Edge has disappeared in Windows 10?

Many users were pleased with the new features Microsoft introduced with Windows 10. For instance, the system can automatically detect the type of device it is running on. Basically, it will know if you are using a touch-based gadget or a laptop. Aside from that, Windows 10 now comes with a new browser developed by Microsoft to give users a better experience online.

However, as we all know, Windows 10 is riddled with bugs and errors. Some users complained that they had trouble finding Microsoft Edge in their device. Sometimes, it would only appear when they use Cortana to open some news. If this happens to you, do not panic. Keep reading this article to know what to do if Microsoft Edge disappears in Windows 10.

Method 1: Using the Search Function

You might have been used to accessing Microsoft Edge from the taskbar or desktop. It is possible that you accidentally deleted the shortcut or you unpinned it from the taskbar. In this case, you can search for the app by following the instructions below:

1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S. You can also click the Search icon on your taskbar.
2. Type “Edge” (no quotes), then press Enter.
3. You will see Microsoft Edge in the results.
4. Right-click Microsoft Edge, then select Pin to Taskbar.
5. You will also find the ‘Pin/Unpin from Start’. This will allow you to either unpin or pin the Edge icon to the Start Menu.
6. Once you’ve pinned Microsoft Edge back, you will be able to use the app without problems.

Method 2: Performing an SFC Scan

It is possible that the files needed to run Edge have been corrupted. You can use System File Checker (SFC) to repair or replace them. These are the steps in performing an SFC scan:

1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+X.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
3. Type “sfc /scannow” (no quotes), then press Enter.

The scan may take several minutes. So, it is important that you avoid interrupting it.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

If performing an SFC scan did not fix the issue, you can try running some commands through Windows PowerShell. If you’re wondering what to do if Microsoft Edge disappears in Windows 10, follow the instructions below:

1. Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
2. Type “PowerShell” (no quotes).
3. You might see several results, but you must select the one that reads ‘Windows PowerShell’.
4. Run this command:
5. Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
6. An error message may show up, but it is nothing to be worried about.
7. Once the command has been executed successfully, you can restart your computer.

Method 4: Disabling your Firewall

It is possible that Windows Defender is blocking some features on Microsoft Edge. So, it would be best if you try disabling the Firewall temporarily. Just follow these instructions:

1. Press Windows Key+S on your keyboard.
2. Type “Windows Defender Firewall” (no quotes), then press Enter.
3. Go to the left-pane menu, then click Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off.
4. Switch off Windows Firewall for both public and private networks.
5. Press OK.

Method 5: Disabling your Third-Party Anti-Virus

The same thing can happen with your third-party anti-virus. It is true that it is meant to keep Edge secure, but it can also prevent it from functioning properly. If you want to determine that it is causing problems, it would be best to try disabling it for a couple of minutes. If you notice Edge reappearing after doing this, then it may be time to switch to another security app. There are many antivirus tools out there, but we recommend relying on Auslogics Anti-Malware.

This program is a product of Auslogics, a certified Microsoft Silver Application Developer, which means that it can be trusted to keep your PC protected from malware and data safety threats. What’s more, it is designed not to interfere with your system. So, you can have the peace of mind you want while taking advantage of the features of Microsoft Edge.

Method 6: Running the Troubleshooter

One of the great things about Windows 10 is its built-in troubleshooter which you can also use to resolve the problem. Simply follow these steps:

1. Go to your taskbar, then click the Search icon.
2. Type “Settings” (no quotes), then press Enter.
3. Select Update & Security.
4. Go to the left-pane menu, then click Troubleshoot.
5. Scroll down until you see Windows Store Apps.
6. Select it, then click Run the Troubleshooter.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions until the process is complete.
8. Restart your PC.

Method 7: Ensuring that your System is Updated

Updates for Windows 10 are automatically downloaded in the background. However, it is possible for your system to miss an update or two. In some cases, bugs may prevent Edge from functioning properly. So, it will be helpful if you keep your system updated. To ensure that you’ve got the latest updates installed, follow these instructions:

1. Press Windows Key+S on your keyboard.
2. In the Search box, type “settings” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
3. Go to Update & Security.
4. Go to the right pane, then click Check for Updates.

Method 8: Removing the Latest Update

It may sound odd, but a new update can also be the reason behind the problem. If Microsoft Edge disappeared right after you installed an update, then it would be ideal to remove it. Here are the steps in uninstalling Windows 10 updates:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Update & Security, then click View Update History.
3. Click Uninstall Updates.
4. Look for the most recent update you installed. You can conveniently do this by sorting the updates by date.
5. Right-click the update, then select Uninstall.
6. Restart your PC.

Method 9: Changing the Security Permission

It is possible that some security settings on your computer have been preventing you from using Edge. So, you can try modifying these settings by following these steps:

1. Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
2. Type “%localappdata%” (no quotes), then press Enter. This should open the AppDataLocal folder.
3. Open the Microsoft folder, then double-click the Windows folder.
4. Look for the WER folder. Right-click it, then select Properties.
5. Click the Security tab, then press the Edit button.
6. Select your current user account, then make sure that the Read & Execute, List folder contents, and Read options have a check mark under the Allow column.
7. Save the changes by clicking Apply and OK.

Would you choose Microsoft Edge as your default browser?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!