How to Get Rid of the MSN Home Page

Changing the MSN page in your browser does not remove MSN or affect your Microsoft account. It simply tells the browser to open a different page, such as a blank tab or a site you choose. The names and locations of browser controls can vary slightly by version, so use the browser’s settings search if a menu path looks different.

What You’ll Need

The browser that opens to MSN, such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
A preferred replacement page, if you want a website to open instead of a blank or new-tab page.
Access to browser settings. On a work- or school-managed device, some settings may be controlled by an administrator.

Step-by-Step

Identify which browser is showing MSN. Look at the browser’s name or icon, rather than assuming that Windows itself is opening the page. If MSN appears only after clicking a particular shortcut, check that shortcut’s target too; it may be set to open a web address.
Check the browser’s startup setting. Open the browser menu and choose Settings. Search settings for “startup” or “when browser starts.” If the browser is set to open a specific page or set of pages, remove the MSN address and select the option for a new tab, or add the replacement page you prefer. In Chrome, this is generally under On startup; in Edge, look under Start, home, and new tabs. Menu wording can vary by version.
Change the home button’s address, if needed. A home page is not always the same as the page shown when the browser launches. In settings, search for “home” or “home button.” If the home button is enabled and points to MSN, change its address or turn the button off. This setting affects what happens when you click the home icon; it may not change startup behavior.
Look separately at new-tab behavior. Open a new tab after saving your changes. Some browsers let you customize the new-tab page independently, while others provide only limited choices. If MSN appears only in new tabs, search settings for “new tab” and use the available options. A third-party extension may control this page, so check extensions if the browser does not offer a suitable setting.
Review extensions or add-ons. Open the browser’s extensions or add-ons page. Look for unfamiliar items or anything that mentions search, home pages, or new tabs. Disable a questionable extension first and open a fresh tab to test. If the problem stops, remove the extension if you do not need it. Avoid removing extensions you recognize and rely on without checking what they do.
Save and test the change. Close the settings tab, then fully close and reopen the browser. Check both startup and new tabs, and click the home button if present. Testing each action helps identify which setting still points to MSN rather than changing unrelated preferences.
Check the default search engine only if searches still go to MSN. The search engine controls searches typed into the address bar; it is separate from the startup and home page. Search settings for “search engine” and choose your preferred option if it has changed. If it changes back, investigate extensions, recently installed software, or device management rather than repeatedly resetting the same menu.

Common Mistakes

Changing only one page setting: Startup, home button, new tab, and search engine are different controls. Removing MSN from one does not necessarily affect the others. Decide what action opens MSN and check the matching setting.

Assuming every new tab is customizable: Some browsers restrict what can appear on a new-tab page. If there is no setting to choose a different page, a browser-supported extension may offer that feature, but install extensions only from the browser’s official store and review their permissions.

Deleting all browser data too soon: Clearing cookies or browsing history usually does not change a saved startup page. It can also sign you out of websites. Try the relevant settings and extension checks first.

Removing an extension without testing: Disable it first, then see whether the unwanted page stops appearing. This helps identify the cause and avoids removing a useful add-on unnecessarily.

Confusing MSN with a browser notification: A pop-up or alert may come from a site’s notification permission rather than the home page setting. If the page itself is not opening, inspect site notification permissions and remove permission for any site you do not want sending alerts.

Tips

Use the settings search box for terms such as “startup,” “home,” “new tab,” and “extension” when menus move.
Change one setting at a time and test it. That makes it easier to see which control was responsible.
If you want a simple start, select the browser’s standard new-tab option instead of entering a web address.
Keep your browser updated through its built-in update controls, and review extensions periodically.
On a shared computer, confirm which browser profile you are editing. Different profiles can have separate settings and extensions.

Troubleshooting

MSN returns after restarting the browser: Recheck startup and home settings, then disable extensions one at a time. If an extension is responsible, remove it or review its settings. Also consider software installed around the time the behavior began; use your operating system’s normal uninstall process for an app you do not recognize, after confirming it is not needed.

The settings are locked or keep reverting: Look for a message that the browser is managed by an organization. A work or school administrator may set these options centrally, so contact that administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction. On a personal device, check whether an unwanted extension or app is enforcing the setting.

Only a shortcut opens MSN: Try launching the browser from its normal app icon or Start menu. If that opens correctly, edit or replace the shortcut that adds the unwanted page; do not change system files or remove the browser.

MSN appears in a different browser: Repeat the checks in that browser. Each browser maintains its own startup, home, and extension settings, even when they are used on the same computer.

The browser still behaves unexpectedly: Use its built-in reset or repair option only after noting that it may restore default settings and disable extensions. If the device is managed, or the unwanted behavior continues after removing suspicious extensions and apps, contact the device administrator or the browser’s official support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove MSN as my home page in Edge?

Open Edge Settings and search for “home” and “startup.” Change any MSN address you find, then check the new-tab options and extensions. The menu labels can differ slightly by version.

Why does MSN open when I start my browser?

The browser may have MSN saved as a startup page, or an extension or app may be setting it. Check startup settings first, then review extensions if the address returns.

Can I remove MSN without uninstalling Microsoft Edge?

Yes. Change the browser’s page settings; there is no need to uninstall Edge or remove Microsoft software just to choose another home page.

Why does MSN show up only in a new tab?

New-tab behavior can be controlled separately from the startup page and home button. Check the browser’s new-tab settings and extensions.

Will changing my home page change my search engine?

No. The home page controls the page opened by a home button or related setting. The search engine controls where address-bar searches go, so change it separately if needed.

What if this is a work or school computer?

Some settings may be set by an administrator and cannot be changed by an individual user. Contact the organization’s IT support if the browser says it is managed or the setting keeps reverting.

Further reading: Microsoft Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.