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How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Showing in Apps and Features on Windows 11

Microsoft Edge is an essential web browser on Windows 11, but sometimes it may not appear in the “Apps and Features” list. This can cause confusion when you want to uninstall, repair, or modify the browser. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it can save you time and frustration.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple steps to get Microsoft Edge to show up properly in the “Apps and Features” settings. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along.

Whether you want to uninstall Edge or just check its status, these fixes will help you regain control over the browser on your system. Let’s start by covering some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Microsoft Edge not showing in your apps list on Windows 11.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Check your Windows version: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Some issues happen due to outdated software.
  • Understand Microsoft Edge’s role: Edge is a system app integrated with Windows 11. It may not behave like normal apps in some settings.
  • Backup important data: If you plan to reset or reinstall Edge, save your bookmarks and passwords.
  • Administrator access: You may need admin rights to perform some troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes the simplest fixes work best. Restarting your PC refreshes system processes and may solve temporary glitches causing Edge not to appear in the apps list.

  1. Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom left.
  2. Select the Power button.
  3. Choose “Restart” and wait for your PC to reboot.

After restarting, check if Microsoft Edge is now visible in the “Apps and Features” list.

Step 2: Use Windows Search to Locate Microsoft Edge

Sometimes, Microsoft Edge may not appear directly in the apps list but can still be found through Windows Search.

  1. Click on the search icon (magnifying glass) next to the Start menu.
  2. Type Microsoft Edge in the search bar.
  3. Right-click on the Microsoft Edge app icon from the results.
  4. Select “App settings” from the context menu.

This opens the app’s information page where you can repair or reset Edge if needed, even if it’s missing from the main apps list.

Step 3: Repair or Reset Microsoft Edge

If Edge is acting up or missing from the list, repairing or resetting can restore its functionality without uninstalling it.

  1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on Apps in the left sidebar.
  3. Select Apps & Features.
  4. If Edge is visible, click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down to find the Repair button and click it. This will fix problems without affecting your data.
  6. If repair doesn’t work, try clicking Reset. Note that this will delete your browser settings and data.

If Microsoft Edge does not show in the apps list, use the Windows Search method from Step 2 to access app settings for repair or reset.

Step 4: Reinstall Microsoft Edge via PowerShell

If Edge is missing entirely, reinstalling it can fix the problem. This requires using PowerShell, a command-line tool in Windows.

  1. In the Windows search bar, type PowerShell.
  2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
  3. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}

This command reinstalls Microsoft Edge for all users on the PC. Wait for the process to complete, then check the apps list again.

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows versions can cause system apps like Edge to behave unexpectedly.

  1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
  2. Click on Windows Update in the left menu.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your computer after updates finish installing.

Updating Windows ensures you have the latest fixes and compatibility improvements.

Alternative Method: Use System File Checker (SFC)

System file corruption can cause apps to go missing. Running the System File Checker tool can repair damaged Windows files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click and choose “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan checks for corrupted system files and repairs them automatically. Once complete, restart your PC and check the apps list again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Microsoft Edge not listed in Apps and Features?

Microsoft Edge is a system-integrated app in Windows 11 and may sometimes be hidden or managed differently than other apps. Updates or system issues can also cause it to temporarily disappear from the list.

Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge completely?

Microsoft Edge is a core part of Windows 11 and cannot be fully uninstalled through normal settings. However, you can disable or reset it if needed.

Will resetting Microsoft Edge delete my bookmarks?

Yes, resetting Edge deletes your browser data including bookmarks, history, and settings. Make sure to back up important data before resetting.

Is it safe to use PowerShell commands to reinstall Edge?

Yes, using the official PowerShell command to reinstall Edge is safe and recommended if it disappears or becomes corrupted.

What if Microsoft Edge still doesn’t appear after trying all steps?

There may be deeper system issues causing the problem. In such cases, advanced troubleshooting or contacting Microsoft Support is recommended.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Microsoft Edge still does not show in “Apps and Features,” consider these final options:

  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the troubleshooter for apps or Windows Update.
  • Create a new user profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Creating a new profile can fix app visibility issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Edge support page for personalized help.
  • Consider a Windows Repair Install: This process reinstalls Windows without deleting your files and can fix system app problems.

Conclusion

Microsoft Edge not showing up in Windows 11’s “Apps and Features” can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with simple steps. Start by restarting your PC and using Windows Search to access Edge settings. Repairing or resetting the app often resolves the issue without the need for a full reinstall.

If needed, you can safely reinstall Edge using PowerShell or run system scans to fix corrupted files. Always keep Windows updated to avoid compatibility problems.

By following this guide, you should be able to restore Microsoft Edge to your apps list and continue using your browser without hassle.

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