Can't Open Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser that comes with the Windows OS. The browser has improved tremendously since it was first launched and some users find it as a suitable alternative to the juggernaut that is Chrome. Under certain circumstances, however, Edge might refuse to start leading to unneeded frustration. The specific reasons causing the browser from failing to launch vary significantly but there are some catch-all solutions that could be able to solve the issue. 

Try a SFC scan

SFC or System File Checker is a convenient Windows utility that can assist users in finding and fixing any corrupted files on the system. To start a SFC scan, users need to first open an elevated Command Prompt window.

1. Type command prompt in the search field on the taskbar. Right-click the top result and choose the 'Run as administrator' option. 
2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter on your keyboard. 
3. Wait for the SFC to finish. Depending on your system's hardware, it may take up to 15 minutes.

Re-register Microsoft Edge Using PowerShell

One potential solution is to try registering Microsoft Edge through PowerShell. While the process may seem a bit intimidating, just follow the instructions outlined below:

1. Type powershell in the search field on the taskbar and right-click the top result. It should be 'Windows PowerShell.' Select 'Run as administrator' from the available options.
2. Copy and paste the Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} command in the PowerShell window. To paste it, right-click inside the PowerShell window and the command should appear.
3. Press Enter on your keyboard.
4. Wait for Edge to be reregistered and try to open it once again.

Do a clean boot of the system

To eliminate the possibility of a software conflict preventing Edge from starting, users may want to perform a clean boot of their PCs. Clean boot means that Windows will be started with only the minimal needed programs and drivers to ensure that it is functioning properly. 

1. Start by typing system configuration in the search field on the taskbar and open the top result. 
2. Go to the 'Services' tab and check the 'Hide all Microsoft services' checkbox.
3. Click on 'Disable all.'
4. Open the 'Startup' tab and select 'Open Task Manager.'
5. Here, disable all applications one by one by selecting them and click on 'Disable.'
6. Close Task Manager, click the 'OK' button in 'System Configuration,' and restart the computer. 
7. Try to open Microsoft Edge.