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Microsoft Edge Version 135.0.3179.* Issue: Can’t Open edge://welcome-new-device/
Microsoft Edge version 135.0.3179.* has stirred up frustration among users due to a recurring issue with its First Run Wizard feature. Released on April 3, 2025, this update aimed to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance but inadvertently introduced a bug that disrupts usability for many.
The update to version 135.0.3179.54 was intended to fix bugs, enhance policies, and improve web platform performance. However, reports from IT administrators and users indicate that the browser freezes or displays an error message when attempting to open the First Run Wizard URL (edge://welcome-new-device/).
Problems Reported
White Screen Freeze
The browser becomes unresponsive after startup, showing only a blank window. Closing it requires using Task Manager.
ERR_INVALID_URL Error
The First Run Wizard fails to load, displaying the error message “ERR_INVALID_URL.” Users cannot bypass this issue without intervention.
Policy Conflicts
The “Hide First-Run Experience” policy causes Edge to malfunction when enabled. Disabling this policy resolves the issue but forces the wizard to appear on all devices.
User Experiences
- Jannik’s Account: An IT administrator shared that Edge froze after updating Windows 11 24H2 and automatically installing version 135.x. Investigating further, he found that manually accessing the First Run Wizard URL worked on older versions (134.x) but failed on 135.x.
- Marcel T.’s Report: Another user highlighted that activating the wizard via Group Policy fixes the issue but causes it to reappear across all devices, creating additional workload.
Community Feedback
- Reddit Threads: Users confirmed similar issues, with administrators unable to hide the start page due to policy conflicts.
- Microsoft Answers Forum: Discussions revealed that disabling the “Hide First-Run Experience” policy temporarily resolves the error but imposes unwanted changes.
Workarounds
Activate the First Run Wizard
Enabling this feature via Group Policy resolves the issue but forces the wizard to appear on all devices. This workaround is functional but inconvenient for administrators managing multiple systems.
Start via Direct Links
Opening Edge through specific links bypasses the wizard and allows normal operation. While effective, this approach doesn’t address the root cause.
Update to Version 135.0.3179.66
Some users reported success with this newer version; however, others noted persistent issues. Updating may work inconsistently depending on system configurations.
What Can You Do?
If you’re facing these problems:
- Disable the “Hide First-Run Experience” policy temporarily for immediate relief.
- Use direct links to start Edge without triggering the wizard.
- Check for updates regularly; newer versions may provide a permanent fix.
- Monitor community forums for insights and solutions from other users.
Microsoft Edge’s frequent updates aim to improve security and functionality but can sometimes introduce unexpected challenges for users and administrators alike. While workarounds exist, they often come with trade-offs in convenience or efficiency. If these issues persist despite applying fixes, consider reaching out directly to Microsoft support or exploring alternative browsers until a stable solution is released.