How to Enable JavaScript in Edge on Windows 10/11

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

If videos or other media objects do not play correctly in Microsoft Edge, you may need to enable JavaScript in the browser. This guide will show you how to quickly enable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Most websites contain JavaScript, which is a scripting program that allows specific functions or features to run on a webpage from a web browser such as Microsoft Edge. If JavaScript is disabled in your browser, the contents, functions or features that rely on JavaScript may not be available.

How to Enable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge Windows 10/11

Why would JavaScript sometimes be disabled in Microsoft Edge?

Before we proceed with enabling JavaScript, it is important to know that JavaScript is most of the time enabled by default on all types of devices, whether it be a Windows laptop, desktop, or even a Windows Phone. It would be a rare occasion if JavaScript was disabled without your consent.

If JavaScript is disabled in Microsoft Edge, it could be someone else who disabled it manually on your Edge browser without your knowledge. In this case, you can turn it back on. However, if it is due to an act of malware or virus, you may have a problem. In such a scenario, run a full scan on your PC with your antivirus software and ensure your Windows is protected by at least one malware protection software. Windows Defender would be good enough.

It’s also worth mentioning that if JavaScript objects cannot load on certain websites, it does not mean that your Edge’s JavaScript is disabled. It could be the website’s problem itself, such as bad scripts that Edge can’t run. So, try to play a video on YouTube or do something on Facebook. If everything runs fine on other websites, it may indicate that the issue lies with the problem website itself.

Also, do not mistake JavaScript with Java. They are two unrelated products with just a common word in part of their names. If your issue lies with a Java object, try to update your Java here or via Control Panel > Java > Updates in Windows 10 or 11. It’s worth noting that Java is no longer being supported by most browsers, including Microsoft Edge. Therefore, the problem is not likely Java related.

How to enable or disable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge

Update: Microsoft has now removed the “Allows you to run scripts, like JavaScript” from Microsoft Edge policy. It’s no longer in the said group policy folder. However, it means that JavaScript in Microsoft Edge will now be forced enabled by default. As of now, there is no way to disable JavaScript in the Edge browser.

Related issue: YouTube or Facebook Video Won’t Play on Windows 10/11.

To enable or disable JavaScript in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11/10, we will use a tool called Group Policy Editor, which is only available for Windows 10 or 11 Pro users. If you’re using Windows Home or Starter edition, unfortunately, there is no way to change the setting in these editions. To proceed, follow the steps below:

    1. Go to start menu.
    2. Type “Edit group policy” and open it.Edit Group Policy
    3. On the left pane, navigate to the following folder.
      User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components
    4. On the right pane, look for “Allows you to run scripts, like JavaScript“.Allows you to run scripts like Javascript Missing Edge
    5. Double-click it.
    6. Choose Enable (or Disable) and then click OK.

Restart your computer. Open Microsoft Edge and try to go back to the website where you had a problem loading its content. If everything is working fine, you have successfully enabled JavaScript in Microsoft Edge.

It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing an issue where it seems that JavaScript has been disabled when browsing a website, it’s a good idea to check if other websites work fine. If everything runs fine on other websites, it may indicate that the problem lies with the website itself.

Categories: Microsoft Edge

Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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