Reinstall Microsoft Edge Without Losing Data: Foolproof 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Is your Microsoft Edge acting up—crashing constantly, running slow, or plagued by stubborn extensions? Don't worry! You can reinstall Microsoft Edge without losing your data like bookmarks, passwords, history, and settings. This guide uses the safest method, preserving your Edge profile folder automatically. No tech expertise needed—just follow these steps for a fresh start. 🚀

Ready to reclaim your smooth browsing? Let's dive in and get your browser back to peak performance.

Why Reinstall Microsoft Edge? Quick Reasons to Act Now

Before we jump into the how-to, here's why thousands turn to reinstalling Microsoft Edge:

• ⭐ Fixes crashes and freezing from corrupted files.
• 👍 Boosts speed by clearing junk without data loss.
• 🔧 Resolves extension conflicts or update glitches.
• 🛡️ Tackles security issues in the latest Chromium-based builds.

Best part? Your user data stays safe in the %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data folder—uninstall doesn't touch it. But for peace of mind, we'll cover a quick backup first. 👆

Step 1: Quick Backup to Safeguard Your Data (5 Minutes Max)

While reinstalling Microsoft Edge keeps data intact, a backup is smart insurance. Here's how:

Pro tip: Sync via Microsoft account (edge://settings/profiles/sync) for automatic cloud backup. Now you're bulletproof! 😊

Step 2: Uninstall Microsoft Edge Safely (No Data Wipe)

Time to remove the old version. Windows keeps your profile folder untouched—promise!

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).
3. Search "Microsoft Edge".
4. Click the three dots next to it > Uninstall.
5. Confirm. Ignore any "keep my files" prompt—data is already safe. 👍

If Edge is stubborn (pre-installed on Windows), use PowerShell for a clean sweep:

1. Right-click Start > Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Paste: Get-AppxPackage *edge* | Remove-AppxPackage and hit Enter.
3. Restart PC.

Done! Your browser is gone, but data lingers happily. Excited for the fresh install? Keep reading...

Step 3: Download and Reinstall Microsoft Edge (Latest Version)

Grab the official, newest build straight from Microsoft—no shady sites.

1. Visit Microsoft Edge download page.
2. Click Download for Windows. It auto-detects your system.
3. Run the .msi installer as Admin (right-click > Run as administrator).
4. Follow prompts: Accept terms, choose default settings.
5. Launch Edge—it auto-detects your old profile! 🎉

Your bookmarks, tabs, and logins reappear like magic. Sync if enabled for extras.

Step 4: Verify and Restore Your Data

Launch Edge and check:

• Bookmarks: edge://favorites/ — all there?
• Passwords: edge://settings/passwords — intact?
• Settings: edge://settings/ — familiar?

If anything's missing:

1. 1️⃣ Import bookmarks: Favorites > Import from HTML.
2. 2️⃣ Passwords: Settings > Import from CSV.
3. 3️⃣ Extensions: edge://extensions/ > Get from store using notes.
4. 4️⃣ Profile restore: Close Edge, replace Default folder with backup, relaunch.

Everything golden? You're set for lightning-fast browsing!

Troubleshooting: What If Things Go Sideways?

Rare hiccups? We've got fixes:

For enterprise versions, check IT policies first.

Bonus Tips for Peak Microsoft Edge Performance

• Enable Performance mode: edge://settings/system.
• Use Collections for organized tabs.
• Vertical tabs for multitasking pros.
• Regular updates: edge://settings/help.

Congrats—you've mastered how to reinstall Microsoft Edge without losing your data! Your browser is reborn, faster, and frustration-free. Share this guide if it helped, and drop a comment below: What's your top Edge feature? Stay tuned for more tips. 👏