Microsoft Edge is a popular browser developed by Microsoft, but like any software, it can occasionally experience problems. One of the most common problems users face is video freezing when watching content online.
This problem can indeed be quite frustrating, but luckily, there are several solutions you can try to resolve the issue. In this special article here from Nerd Codex, let’s explore different ways to troubleshoot videos crashing in Microsoft Edge.
1 – Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration is a technology that allows graphics processing tasks to be transferred from the CPU (central processing unit) to your computer’s GPU (graphics processing unit).
This can significantly improve performance when dealing with heavy graphics and videos, making the browsing experience smoother. However, in some cases, hardware acceleration may cause compatibility issues that result in videos crashing in Microsoft Edge.
- Open Microsoft Edge: Make sure the Microsoft Edge browser is open.
- Access Settings: Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the browser window to open the menu. Then click “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
- Scroll Down: On the Settings page, scroll down until you find the “System” section. This is usually located at the bottom of the page.
- Disable Hardware Acceleration: You will see an option called “Use hardware acceleration when available”. This is where you can disable hardware acceleration. Click the toggle next to this option to disable it.
- Restart Microsoft Edge: After disabling hardware acceleration, it is recommended that you restart Microsoft Edge to apply the changes.
- Test Video Playback: Now that hardware acceleration is turned off, test video playback in Microsoft Edge. Check if the video crashing issue is resolved.
Although hardware acceleration is a useful technology for improving graphics performance, there are cases where it can cause compatibility issues with outdated GPU drivers or specific hardware configurations. By disabling hardware acceleration, you offload graphics processing back to the CPU, which may be more compatible with a wider range of systems.
It’s important to note that disabling hardware acceleration is a solution for specific problems. In many cases, hardware acceleration is beneficial for improving browser performance. So, if you are not facing video crashing issues, it is advisable to keep hardware acceleration enabled for a smoother browsing experience.
2 – Check your Internet Connection
Before investigating browser problems, it is important to check your internet connection. A slow or unstable connection can cause video crashes. Follow these steps:
- Check if you are connected to the internet.
- Test your connection speed using a service like Speedtest. If the speed is significantly lower than expected, contact your internet service provider.
- Make sure other devices or background programs are not consuming all of your connection bandwidth.
3 – Update Microsoft Edge
Keeping Microsoft Edge updated is important to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements. Follow these steps to update your browser:
- Click the menu in the top right corner (three dots) of Microsoft Edge.
- Go to “Help and feedback” and then select “About Microsoft Edge”.
- The browser will automatically check for available updates. If there are, it will install them automatically.
4 – Disable Extensions and Add-ons
Extensions and add-ons can cause conflicts that lead to video crashing issues. Try disabling or removing extensions one by one to identify if any of them are causing the problem. Follow these steps:
- Click the menu in the top right corner of Microsoft Edge (three dots).
- Go to “Extensions”.
- Disable or remove extensions one by one and test if the problem persists after each action.
5 – Clear Cache and Cookies
The accumulation of temporary data, such as cache and cookies, can affect browser performance. Clearing this data may resolve crash issues. Follow these steps:
- Click the menu in the top right corner of Microsoft Edge (three dots).
- Go to “Settings”.
- Scroll down and click on “Privacy, search and services”.
- In “Clear browsing data”, select the options “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files”.
- Click “Clear”.
6 – Check Video and Hardware Settings
Make sure your computer’s video and hardware settings are optimized for video playback. Update your graphics card drivers and make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements for the website or streaming app you’re using.
7 – Use an Alternative Browser
If the issue persists on Microsoft Edge, consider using an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to watch videos. This can help isolate whether the problem is related to the browser itself.
8 – Check the Website or Application
Sometimes the video crashing issue can be caused by the website or app you are using. Make sure the issue doesn’t occur on other streaming sites or apps. If the problem persists everywhere, it is most likely a browser issue.
9 – Update the Operating System
Make sure your operating system is up to date with the latest security and performance updates. Operating system problems may affect the browser’s functionality.
Video crashing issues in Microsoft Edge can be frustrating, but can usually be resolved by following the steps mentioned above. Make sure to check your internet connection, keep your browser and drivers updated, manage extensions, and clear your cache regularly.
If the problem persists, consider contacting your Microsoft Edge technical support or explore online support forums for additional help. With patience and persistence, you can enjoy a smooth video viewing experience on Microsoft Edge.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
