Microsoft Edge can need a restart after an update, a frozen window, or a setting change that has not taken effect. Start with the quickest close-and-reopen method, then move to the forced options only when Edge refuses to shut down cleanly.
Here are the current ways to restart Edge on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, and Android. Microsoft supports Edge on Linux, but not on Chromebooks.
Close Edge and open it again
Use this when Edge is working normally and you want a fresh browser session. Closing every Edge window, then reopening the app, is the basic desktop restart.
One Windows caveat: Startup boost lets Edge processes restart in the background after the last window closes, and background mode can keep the browser running as well. If closing every window does not clear the problem, turn those settings off or end every msedge.exe task as described below.
On Windows, close all Microsoft Edge windows.
Open Microsoft Edge again from Start, the taskbar, a desktop shortcut, or the app list.
On Mac, choose Microsoft Edge in the menu bar, select Quit, then reopen Edge from the Dock, Applications, Spotlight, or Launchpad.
On Linux, close every Microsoft Edge window, then start Microsoft Edge again from your desktop's application launcher.
Restart Edge to finish an update
When Edge has an update waiting, use the built-in restart button on the update page. Open Settings and more, choose Help and feedback, then select About Microsoft Edge.
You can also enter edge://settings/help in the address bar. If the About page says an update is ready, select Restart.
Edge can also show a pending-update restart prompt or recycle icon at the far right of the top menu bar. Select the prompt, follow the on-screen message, and Edge restarts to complete the update.
Force Edge to close when it freezes
The most common reason to force a restart is that Edge stopped responding or will not close normally.
On Windows, right-click Start, open Task Manager, select Microsoft Edge, and choose End task.
Confirm the browser closed, close Task Manager, then reopen Microsoft Edge.
For a cleaner Windows restart, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
End every msedge.exe task, then start Microsoft Edge again.
On Mac, press Option + Command + Esc, select Microsoft Edge, choose Force Quit, then reopen Edge.
Use keyboard shortcuts for a quick restart
Use this when Edge still responds and you want to close it without clicking through each window. After the shortcut closes Edge, reopen it the way you normally do.
On Windows, press Alt + F4 to close the current Edge window.
You can also press Ctrl + Shift + W to close the current window.
Repeat the shortcut for each open Edge window.
Reopen Microsoft Edge from Start, the taskbar, or your shortcut.
On macOS, press Command + Q to quit Edge, then open it again.
Stop Edge from staying open in the background
Closing Edge on Windows can leave background extensions and apps running. Open edge://settings/system, turn off Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed, then close all Edge windows and reopen the browser.
Startup boost keeps Edge ready in the background. Open edge://settings/system, turn off Startup boost, close every Edge window, and reopen Edge.
If Edge still does not restart cleanly after these settings are off, use Task Manager to end Microsoft Edge and every msedge.exe task.
Restart Windows before opening Edge again
This fixes Edge problems that continue after you close the browser.
Select Start.
Select the Power button.
Choose Restart.
After Windows restarts, open Microsoft Edge.
Restart Edge on iPhone iPad or Android
On iPhone, open the App Switcher.
Swipe right until you find Microsoft Edge.
Swipe up on the app.
Go to the Home Screen or App Library, then tap Microsoft Edge.
On iPad, open Expose or App Switcher, swipe up on Microsoft Edge, then reopen it from the Home Screen, App Library, or Dock.
On Android, tap the Edge menu ..., choose Exit browser, then open Edge again from the Home screen or app drawer.
If Edge is stuck on Android, open the phone's Settings app, go to Apps, select Microsoft Edge, tap Force stop, and reopen Edge. Android settings vary by phone, so the Apps path and the wording of these options can differ on your device. Check with your device manufacturer if you cannot find them.
Restart the phone or tablet first when a normal mobile relaunch does not fix the problem.
Check work or school controls
Use this check when Edge keeps asking for a restart, forces a restart window, or blocks update settings. Managed devices can follow organization rules for Edge updates and restart behavior.
Look for workplace or school management when Edge restart controls are unavailable.
Contact your IT team for restart notifications, background behavior, Startup boost, and update timing.
Repair or reinstall Edge when restarting fails
Use these final fixes after normal restarts, forced quits, and device restarts fail.
- 1.On Windows, close Edge and make sure you have administrative rights to the device. If more than one user is signed in, confirm Edge is closed for all of them. Then go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- 2.Select Microsoft Edge, choose Modify, select Yes when prompted, confirm you are connected to the internet, then choose Repair. If Modify is unavailable, your organization most likely installed and manages Edge, so contact your administrator.
- 3.Open Microsoft Edge after the repair finishes.
- 4.To reinstall Edge, open another working browser and go to Microsoft's official Edge download page.
- 5.Select the download for your device, follow the installer prompts, and open Microsoft Edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does restarting Microsoft Edge delete my tabs?
Microsoft's documentation covers the restart methods themselves, not tab recovery behavior, so do not count on tabs returning automatically. Save work in web apps before closing or forcing Edge to quit.
What is the fastest way to restart Edge on Windows?
Close every Edge window and reopen it from Start, the taskbar, a desktop shortcut, or the app list. If Edge is frozen, use Task Manager and choose End task.
Why does Edge keep asking me to restart?
A pending update can require a browser restart. Open About Microsoft Edge or select the restart prompt in the toolbar to complete the update.
Can I restart Microsoft Edge on my phone?
Yes. On iPhone or iPad, close Edge from the App Switcher and reopen it. On Android, use Exit browser, force stop Edge, or restart the phone.