Windows 10 Browsers Not Working: What's This Bug & How to Fix It

Many users reported that their browser is not working in Windows 10 or the latest iteration. While bugs and crashes are common in all browsers, things take a turn when they’re not working altogether.

In most cases, the underlying cause is generally trivial and can be fixed. Here’s how:

How to fix Windows 10 browsers not working?

1. Use the Internet Connections troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter control panel in the text field, and click OK.
2. Click on the View by dropdown menu, and select Large icons.
3. Click on Troubleshooting.
4. Now, click on View all.
5. Locate and click on the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once done running the troubleshooter, check if the browser now starts working in Windows 10. If not, we’ve got more solutions ahead.

3. Run the DISM tool

• Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator.
• Click Yes in the UAC that appears.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open Command Prompt.
• Now, paste the following commands one at a time, and hit Enter after each:Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

The DISM tool helps fix Windows corruption errors and damaged system files which may sometimes prevent your browser from working properly.

4. Run a System File Checker scan

1. Press Windows + X to open the Quick Access menu, and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open Command Prompt in a new tab.
4. Paste the following command and hit Enter:sfc /scannow

A System File Checker scan checks or scans all protected system files and then replaces the incorrect versions with the genuine Microsoft version.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

1. Press Windows + R to launch Run, enter msconfig in the text field, and click OK.
2. Navigate to the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services option, and then click on Disable all.
3. Now, go to the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.
4. Locate any programs that are set to open at startup, select them, and click on the Disable button.
5. Once done, close the Task Manager, click on Apply and then on OK.
6. Click Restart on the prompt that appears.

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes when you experience a browser not working issue in Windows 10.

6. Whitelist your browser in the antivirus and firewall

If your browser isn’t working on Windows 10, your antivirus or firewall settings may be the cause. Temporarily disable them to check.

→ Open your antivirus software and firewall settings and disable them. Go back to your browser and see if it’s working.

If disabling fixes the issue and the browser works, whitelist your browser.

In general, you’ll find a section in your security software labeled Trusted apps or Exceptions. Include the browser app you’re using to that list, save settings, and check again.

7. Perform a System Restore

1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Create a restore point in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
2. Click on the System Restore button.
3. Click Next.
4. Now, select a restore point from the list, and then click on Next.
5. Next, click on Finish at the bottom.

Restoring doesn’t affect your personal files. It, however, removes apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.

In case it doesn’t work, you can always undo a system restore.

8. Create a new user profile

If the browser is not working in Windows 10/11 and the previous methods didn’t work, it could be that the current users’ profile is corrupt.

In this case, it’s recommended you create a new local account on the computer.

Local accounts are relatively simpler when it comes to functioning since these are not linked to the Microsoft servers, thus reducing the likelihood of errors.

9. Perform System Maintenance Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
2. Select Large icons from the View by dropdown menu.
3. Select Troubleshooting.
4. Click on View all from the left.
5. Click on System Maintenance from the troubleshooters listed here.
6. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

The System Maintenance Troubleshooter resolves most of the common system problems.

10. Check for updates

1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Windows Update from the left.
2. Click on Check for updates on the right.
3. If an update is listed after the scan, click on Download & install.

Windows will immediately detect your system’s configuration and download appropriate updates for it. After installing the updates, check if the browser not working problem in Windows 10/11 is fixed.

11. Use PowerShell

1. Press Windows + S, enter Terminal, right-click on the search result, and select Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. In the PowerShell tab that opens, paste the following command and hit Enter:Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
4. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

In case the previous methods didn’t work, this one would fix things if the browser is not working in Windows 10/11.

Why are my browsers not working on Windows 10?

There are several reasons why you are encountering browser issues with Windows 10/11. Here’s a list of all the possible issues:

• Your browser setting is corrupted, causing Windows 10 to misinterpret the default browser
• After software installations, settings changed, causing links to work incorrectly
• Previously installed browser/browsers or add-ons may interfere with other software on your computer
• You upgraded the OS to a newer iteration, and the settings are misconfigured
• Registry keys changed or got corrupted
• Problems with the browser installation

Now, no matter which of these is responsible for your browser not working in Windows 10 or 11, the solutions listed in the next section should get things up and running in no time.

Summary

That’s it! By now, you would have fixed things if the browser is not working in Windows 10/11.

Also, find out how to fix the 404 HTTPS error on browsers in Windows.

Did any of these solutions help restore your browser to working status in Windows 10? Share with us your experience in the comments section below.