Edge wants to do a first-time install when called from other apps

I prefer Edge over Chrome for my default browser, but recently it began occasionally auto-launching as if it were a first time install (Welcome to Edge). If I let it do that, I lose all my settings and bookmarks (I now backup Edge settings weekly). I want to stop this behavior.

I originally noticed this behavior when I double-clicked certain PDFs, Edge would launch as if it were its first time (even if Edge was already running). I've since changed PDF associations to another program.

I thought these nuisance launches were behind me. But today, while running OneNote 2013, I selected a note to be viewed in fullscreen. When I did that, Edge launched with it's nefarious Welcome screen again. So I opened Task Manager to kill Edge before it took over (it already added a few "default" bookmarks from who knows where).

What's with this? And how do I prevent it? I'm about to revert to Chrome (!!!)

Thanks in advance. This is Win10 x64 Home 20H2.

Hello @Telos,

Firstly, I can not advise the following will work in your situation.

Some months ago, I experienced the same issues as you described.

Ok, so I know nothing...but one thing. I uninstalled Edge Chromium, then reinstalled.

An aggravation? Certainly.

But the issue never recured.

Perhaps of no relevance to your specific issue, I understand. Just throwing it out there.

Stay safe.

WXC said:

Hello @Telos,

Firstly, I can not advise the following will work in your situation.

Some months ago, I experienced the same issues as you described.

Ok, so I know nothing...but one thing. I uninstalled Edge Chromium, then reinstalled.

An aggravation? Certainly.

But the issue never recured.

Perhaps of no relevance to your specific issue, I understand. Just throwing it out there.

Stay safe.

I just tried this. Rebooted and opened OneNote 2013... selected note and then "full screen". Edge did not launch and OneNote went to full screen. So far, so good.

I used HiBit Uninstaller to remove Edge. Interstingly, neither the Edge uninstaller or the HiBit scan removed my settings. When I initially launched I got a new empty page with promoted shortcuts, but after my blocks of *.msn.com kicked in. I had a clean new page (full black).

So far, so good... thanks!

There must be a better ( much easier !) solution to change this unwanted behaviour .............

Encountered this problem many times , when clicking on a link in other software also , booom , "welcome" ..all setting gone !
My solution is ; backup once/twice a week , using special software to backup Edge-Chromium , works fine and fast...........