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If you see “Please close all Microsoft Edge windows and try again” even though no Edge window is open, Windows or the installer may still detect an Edge process running in the background—or in another signed-in account. Save your work, close Edge, then end its remaining processes in Task Manager. If the message appears during an uninstall, first check whether you are trying to remove stable Edge or a separately installed channel such as Beta, Dev, or Canary.
Try this one-minute fix first
- Save anything important in Edge, including forms, downloads, and unsaved work, then close every Edge window.
- Check the notification area beside the clock. If an Edge icon is there, right-click it and choose Quit or Exit, if offered.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If you see its compact view, select More details.
- Under Processes, find Microsoft Edge or
msedge.exe. Expand grouped entries if needed, select the Edge group or process, and choose End task. Repeat until no Edge browser processes remain. - Retry the update, repair, or uninstall that produced the message.
Closing a window does not always close the browser. Startup boost, background extensions, or another Edge activity can leave processes running. Microsoft’s Edge troubleshooting guidance also recommends ending all msedge.exe tasks when leftover processes interfere with Edge.
If Edge keeps running in the background
If Edge reappears in Task Manager after you end its tasks, background features may be restarting it. If Edge opens, type edge://settings/system in its address bar and turn off:
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- Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed
Labels can vary slightly by Edge build, language, or organization policy. Microsoft explains that Startup boost can keep Edge processes running after browser windows close in its Startup boost guidance. If either setting is missing or disabled, the computer may be managed by your workplace or school; do not try to bypass its policy.
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- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
- Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
- Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
Close Edge, restart Windows from Start > Power > Restart, and retry the operation before opening Edge again. A restart can clear a process or installer lock that is not visible in the current session.
Use Command Prompt if Task Manager does not work
After saving your work, you can ask Windows to force-close Edge processes by image name:
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Crisp HD 720p/30 fps video calls with diagonal 55° field of view and auto light correction. Compatible with popular platforms including Skype and Zoom.
- The built-in noise-reducing mic makes sure your voice comes across clearly up to 1.5 meters away, even if you’re in busy surroundings.
- C270’s RightLight 2 feature adjusts to lighting conditions, producing brighter, contrasted images to help you look good in all your conference calls.
- The adjustable universal clip lets you attach the camera securely to your screen or laptop, or fold the clip and set the webcam on a shelf. You’re always ready for your next video call.
taskkill /f /im msedge.exe /tOpen Start, type Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator if ordinary termination fails. In the command, /im msedge.exe targets the executable by name, /f forces termination, and /t also ends child processes. These switches are documented in Microsoft’s taskkill reference.
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This can close Edge windows and sessions, interrupt downloads, and discard unsaved forms or work. Use it only after saving what you need. It targets Edge browser processes; do not indiscriminately end every process containing “Microsoft” or every WebView2 process. WebView2 can be used by other applications.
Rank #3
- 【Full HD 1080P Webcam】Powered by a 1080p FHD two-MP CMOS, the NexiGo N60 Webcam produces exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 with 30fps. The 3.6mm glass lens provides a crisp image at fixed distances and is optimized between 19.6 inches to 13 feet, making it ideal for almost any indoor use.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11 / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
- 【Built-in Noise-Cancelling Microphone】The built-in noise-canceling microphone reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Great for Zoom / Facetime / Video Calling / OBS / Twitch / Facebook / YouTube / Conferencing / Gaming / Streaming / Recording / Online School.
- 【USB Webcam with Privacy Protection Cover】The privacy cover blocks the lens when the webcam is not in use. It's perfect to help provide security and peace of mind to anyone, from individuals to large companies. 【Note:】Please contact our support for firmware update if you have noticed any audio delays.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 10 & 11, Pro / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
Check other signed-in Windows accounts
On a shared PC, through Fast User Switching, or in a Remote Desktop setup, another signed-in user may have Edge open even when your desktop does not show it. In Task Manager, check the Users tab or user list. Ask the other person to close Edge, or—if appropriate—sign out that account rather than only switching away from it. You may need administrator rights to manage another user’s session. A Microsoft Q&A report describes this scenario, but it is one possible cause, not a diagnosis for every case.
If the message appears during an Edge update
- After closing Edge processes, open Edge and go to
edge://settings/help. - Let it check for updates. If Download and install appears, select it. If Edge shows Restart, select it to apply the downloaded update.
- If that does not work, check Windows Update. In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Windows 10 has a similar route, but its exact labels depend on the release.
- If the update still fails, download the installer from Microsoft’s official Edge page and run it. Avoid unofficial repackaged installers.
Microsoft documents updating from Edge’s About page, Windows Update, or its official installer in its update settings guidance and update instructions. If the installer now displays a numeric error code, stop repeating the process-kill steps and use Microsoft’s current installation and update troubleshooting guide. Codes can point to different issues, such as permissions, a pending update, network access, date and time, or the Edge Update service; follow the guidance for the exact code rather than changing settings at random.
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- 1080P Webcam with Cover for Video Calls - EMEET computer webcam provides design and Optimization for professional video streaming. Realistic 1920 x 1080p video, 5-layer anti-glare lens, providing smooth video. C960 computer camera delivers 1920x1080 video with fixed focus (11.8–118.1 inches), so as to provide a clearer image. C960 USB webcam has a cover and can be removed automatically to meet your needs for privacy. For optimal image performance, use the webcam in a well-lit environment.
- Built-in 2 Omnidirectional Mics - EMEET webcam with microphone for desktop features 2 built-in omnidirectional microphones, picking up your voice to create clear audio for communication. When installing the webcam, select EMEET C960 as the default microphone input device in your computer and video applications and select C960 as the default device in Zoom/Teams and ensure microphone permissions are enabled for proper use. Please note that C960 does not include built-in speakers.
- Automatic Light Adjustment - Automatic exposure adjustment is applied in EMEET HD webcam 1080p so that the streaming webcam can deliver stable image performance. EMEET C960 camera for computer also features color adjustment and exposure optimization to help you look your best. For optimal video quality, it is recommended to use the webcam in normal or well-lit environments and select suitable video settings in your application. Proper lighting helps achieve a clearer and more balanced image.
- Plug-and-Play & Upgraded USB Connectivity - New C960 webcam features both USB Type-A & A-to-C adapter connections for wider compatibility. For stable performance, connect the webcam directly to the computer's main USB port and ensure the device is recognized correctly. If a hub or docking station is used, please ensure it provides sufficient power and stable data transmission, as limited ports may affect performance. 90° wide-angle lens captures more participants without frequent adjustments.
- High Compatibility & Multi Application - C960 webcam for laptop is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, and Android TV 7.0+. Not supported: Windows Hello, TVs, tablets, or game consoles. It works with Zoom, Teams, Facetime, Google Meet, YouTube and more. Please select C960 webcam as the default camera and microphone device in your application and ensure camera/microphone permissions are enabled, especially on macOS. (Tips: Incompatible with Windows Hello)
If the message appears during an uninstall
First identify which Edge installation you are removing. Microsoft says the normal stable Edge installation is a core Windows component and generally cannot be uninstalled on Windows installations covered by its uninstall support article. Availability can vary with Windows edition, region, installation method, and channel. A missing or unavailable uninstall button does not necessarily mean Edge is stuck running.
Separately installed channels such as Edge Beta, Dev, or Canary may be removable through Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps; locate the specific channel and use its menu if an uninstall option is available. Do not delete Edge’s program folder, edit the registry, or use a third-party removal utility to force the removal. Those approaches can interfere with Windows servicing or applications that depend on Edge components. If stable Edge cannot be removed normally, repair it if needed or choose another browser as your default instead.
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- HD lighting adjustment and autofocus: The Logitech webcam automatically fine-tunes the lighting, producing bright, razor-sharp images even in low-light settings. This makes it a great webcam for streaming and an ideal web camera for laptop use
- Advanced capture software: Easily create and share video content with this Logitech camera that is suitable for use as a desktop computer camera or a monitor webcam
- Stereo audio with dual mics: Capture natural sound during calls and recorded videos with this 1080p webcam, great as a video conference camera or a computer webcam
- Full HD 1080p video calling and recording at 30 fps. You'll make a strong impression with this PC webcam that features crisp, clearly detailed, and vibrantly colored video
Repair Edge if updating still fails
If Windows offers a repair control, try it before attempting a more disruptive reinstall. The path may be Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Edge > Advanced options > Repair. The control is not available for every desktop app or installation, so do not worry if it is absent. Microsoft describes these Windows app recovery options in its install and removal troubleshooting guidance.
If Repair is unavailable or does not help, restart Windows and run the official Microsoft Edge installer. Before repairing or reinstalling, make sure important favorites, passwords, and other data are synced or otherwise backed up. Do not assume every repair or installation method preserves all local data in every configuration.
When the error keeps coming back
- Edge returns immediately after you end it: turn off Startup boost and background extensions, restart, and check other signed-in accounts.
- Task Manager shows many Edge processes: that can be normal while the browser is in use. Chromium-based browsers use separate processes for tasks such as tabs, extensions, and rendering; the number alone does not indicate malware. Focus on whether processes remain after Edge closes and whether they block the operation.
- No Edge process is visible: another user session, a stale installer lock, a damaged update registration, or a pending operation may still be involved. Restart first; if the error persists, use the update or repair steps above.
- You are on a managed work or school PC: your organization may control update timing or lock background settings. Contact IT rather than bypassing policy.
- The installer reports a different error or still fails: check Microsoft’s current Edge troubleshooting steps. On a restricted corporate network, ask IT to check required update access rather than changing proxy, VPN, or DNS settings without a specific reason.
Do not disable security software as a routine fix. If Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance points to it as a possible blocker, any temporary test should be limited and protection should be turned back on immediately. If the basic process, restart, and official repair steps do not help—or the device is managed—contact your administrator or Microsoft Support with the exact operation and any error code.
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