Resolving Edge 135's First-Run Glitch: Insights and Solutions

Navigating Microsoft Edge 135’s First-Run Glitch​

Recent updates in the browser world have stirred both excitement and frustration among Windows users and IT administrators. Microsoft Edge’s stable release of version 135 has introduced an unexpected hiccup during the First-Run Experience—one that could significantly impact enterprise environments. This article delves into the intricate details of the issue, exploring causes, potential workarounds, and broader implications for Windows users.

What’s Happening in Edge 135?​

When users update to Edge 135, a new welcome page designed to ease account setup fails to perform its intended function. Specifically, users reported receiving an “ERR_INVALID_URL” error on the auto-launched welcome page (edge://welcome-new-device), leaving many frustrated—especially among managed enterprise environments.
The error stems from a particular administrative configuration: the HideFirstRunExperience registry value. Traditionally employed by IT admins to streamline user onboarding by suppressing the standard welcome flow, this registry tweak now appears to be incompatible with Edge 135. For most individual users or those outside the managed framework, the error seems more like an annoying glitch that can be manually dismissed. However, for many enterprise users, the error presents an insurmountable barrier, effectively preventing the browser from functioning as intended.

Key Technical Points​

• Registry Settings at Fault: The HideFirstRunExperience DWORD value, when set to 1, is designed to bypass the initial account setup wizard. Unfortunately, in Edge 135, enabling this policy conflicts with the welcome page logic.
• Error Behavior Variance: In some cases, users have managed to close the error page and proceed without further issues. Yet on managed PCs—commonly found in enterprise environments—the error persists, effectively stalling the browser.
• Microsoft's Acknowledgment: Discussion threads on Reddit and the official Microsoft forums quickly highlighted the anomaly, prompting Microsoft to confirm the error as a known issue on their Known Issues page.

The Underlying Technical Conflict​

At the heart of this problem lies how Edge 135 handles the new welcome page. Previously, Windows administrators relied on registry modifications to optimize the browser’s startup experience. With the HideFirstRunExperience value active, Edge was supposed to bypass the initial account setup entirely. However, the new iteration of the browser seems to have introduced changes in how the welcome page URL is constructed or loaded. The result is a broken link, or more accurately, a URL that the browser identifies as invalid.
This raises a pivotal question for IT administrators: How much change can be absorbed by traditionally reliable customizations before native updates override them? The Edge 135 scenario illustrates that even minor modifications may provoke unforeseen interactions in complex software environments.

Why Does This Matter?​

For enterprise environments, stability is non-negotiable. Managed devices are deployed with one critical expectation—reliability. With Edge acting as a primary tool for daily operations and productivity, any error that stymies user access can lead to significant workflow disruptions. The “ERR_INVALID_URL” error isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s a tangible disruption that forces admins to urgently address a sudden issue on a mass scale.

Potential Workarounds for Affected Users​

In response to this glitch, Microsoft has recommended two immediate workarounds, each with its respective benefits and impacts:

1. Disabling the Registry Value​

Administrators can choose to disable the HideFirstRunExperience value for affected users. This adjustment allows the browser’s First-Run Wizard to proceed correctly, thereby avoiding the error. Keep in mind that this means users will have to contend with the welcome page guidance upon launching Edge, which may not align with streamlined onboarding protocols in some corporate environments.

Steps to Disable:​

• Access the Windows Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the location where the HideFirstRunExperience DWORD is set.
• Modify or delete this entry, effectively allowing Edge to launch the welcome experience without interference.
• Restart Edge to verify that the error no longer appears.

2. Rolling Back to Edge Version 134​

For organizations that can tolerate a temporary regression in browser version, rolling back to Edge 134 provides a reliable stopgap solution. Since Edge 134 does not exhibit the ERR_INVALID_URL error, downgrading may be the preferred course until Microsoft issues a formal patch.

Alternative User-Initiated Fixes​

Some tech-savvy users have uncovered workarounds beyond the immediate Microsoft suggestions:

• Shortcut Method: Right-clicking the Edge icon on the Taskbar and selecting “New window” forces the launch of a functional instance of Edge. Although not a permanent fix, this method can provide temporary relief.
• Command-Line Launch: Modifying the launch command to “start microsoft-edge:about:blank” redirects the browser to open with a blank page instead of the problematic welcome screen.

These methods, while effective for individual users, require careful communication in corporate IT settings to ensure consistent behavior across all managed devices.

Expert Analysis: Bridging Policy and Innovation​

IT administrators and tech experts alike have voiced their concerns. The problem is a stark reminder that when software developers introduce innovations—like an updated welcome page—the intricate dance between customization and default behavior can falter. This issue with Edge 135 serves as a lesson in ensuring backward compatibility, even when implementing new features that ostensibly enhance user experience.

A Closer Look at Enterprise Impact​

• User Accessibility: Managed Windows devices often come pre-configured with multiple tweaks to streamline startup. An error like this disrupts the delicate balance of system customizations, potentially leading to broader accessibility issues.
• Administrative Overhead: IT departments are now forced to issue quick advisories, update internal documentation, and potentially roll back updates—all of which divert resources from strategic initiatives.
• Security Considerations: Forceful or unplanned workarounds can occasionally introduce unintended security gaps. Administrators must weigh the urgency to restore operational functionality against the need to maintain stringent security protocols.

Future Outlook​

How robust will the fix be when Microsoft eventually patches Edge 135? The intricacies of this error shed light on the broader challenges faced by software developers amid rapid innovation. The ability to quickly adapt policies and ensure compatibility across diverse system configurations is no small feat. This edge case presents an opportunity for Microsoft to refine how upcoming updates interact with legacy administrative controls, potentially paving the way for more graceful error handling in future releases.

Broader Implications in the Windows Ecosystem​

This incident with Edge 135 is a microcosm of a larger landscape in Windows and software development:

• User vs. Enterprise Needs: While the broader consumer market might tolerate or even ignore a welcome page error, enterprise environments demand uninterrupted functionality. Even minor errors are magnified and scrutinized in a business context.
• Innovation Under Pressure: Rapid updates are a double-edged sword. They bring fresh features and improved security, yet each release carries inherent risks. An updated welcome page in Edge was expected to simplify onboarding but, paradoxically, it has created a bottleneck.
• The Role of Community Feedback: The swift emergence of discussions on Reddit and official forums underscores the power of community feedback. User reports helped accelerate Microsoft’s acknowledgment of the issue—a process that highlights the importance of agile troubleshooting in modern software development.

Best Practices for Administrators​

Given this scenario, proactive IT departments might consider several best practices:

• Rigorous Testing: Before rolling out updates across an organization, conduct controlled testing with all critical customizations in place. This ensures that potential conflicts are identified early.
• Clear Communication Channels: Establish clear channels to communicate quickly with end-users about any known issues and temporary workarounds while awaiting permanent fixes.
• Documented Policies: Maintain comprehensive documentation on all registry tweaks and policies in use. This will streamline troubleshooting and rollback processes if updates introduce unforeseen issues.
• Engaging with Vendor Communities: Active participation in forums and vendor communities can expedite solutions. Administrators who share feedback contribute to faster resolutions and foster a community of collaborative troubleshooting.

Real-World Case Study: Overcoming the First-Run Challenge​

Consider an enterprise scenario where a mid-size company uses managed PCs for all its staff. After a scheduled update, employees suddenly find their browsers locked into a non-functional state due to the ERR_INVALID_URL error. IT administrates, who had previously implemented the HideFirstRunExperience value to improve boot times, now face an unprecedented challenge.

• Immediate Impact: Employees are unable to access the browser for routine cloud-based tasks, leading to productivity losses.
• Short-Term Solution: The IT team quickly communicates a temporary guideline—advising users to launch a new window from the Taskbar icon or use the command-line workaround.
• Long-Term Strategy: Post-crisis, the team schedules a full audit of all registry-driven customizations to ensure compatibility with future updates. A rollback to Edge 134 is considered as a contingency plan until Microsoft releases an official fix.

This case typifies how even minor mismatches in software configuration can ripple through an organization, underlining the need for vigilant update management practices.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Innovation and Stability​

Microsoft Edge 135’s ERR_INVALID_URL issue represents more than a mere technical glitch—it’s a reminder of the intricate interplay between system innovation and the established customizations that thousands of enterprises rely on daily. The incident emphasizes that while Windows continuously evolves to enhance user experience, every update must be carefully managed to prevent disruption, particularly in highly controlled IT environments.
For Windows users and IT professionals, this episode is an opportunity to revisit update strategies and ensure that both security and operational continuity remain top priorities. As Microsoft works on a permanent fix, clear documentation and robust testing pipelines will be key for IT departments to navigate these transitional moments with minimal stress.
This incident also sparks a broader dialogue about the rapid pace of software updates and the continuous need for compatibility checks, especially when new features intersect with longstanding administrative policies. While innovation is inevitable, ensuring that such progress is harmonized with real-world usability remains the cornerstone of effective Windows management.
In the meantime, users can choose between disabling the problematic registry setting or rolling back to a previous stable version as a stopgap measure. And for those caught in the quicksand of this error, remember that simply launching a new window might be the temporary lifeline needed to keep your workflow on track.
Ultimately, the ERR_INVALID_URL error in Edge 135 offers a lesson in adaptability. It highlights the importance of balancing forward-thinking updates with the safe, stable platforms trusted by enterprises—a challenge that continues to define the dynamic landscape of modern operating systems and browser technology.

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Source: Windows Latest Microsoft Edge 135 breaks with ERR_INVALID_URL on First-Run Experience on Windows