Encountering the pesky Microsoft Edge "Wget and Curl" Command Error in DevTools? 😩 You're not alone—many developers hit this snag when trying to copy and replay network requests as curl or wget commands. This error often pops up on Windows because these tools aren't natively available or properly configured in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Don't worry! This guide delivers precise, up-to-date solutions to banish the error forever. We'll cover root causes, step-by-step fixes, and pro tips to supercharge your debugging. By the end, you'll run those commands flawlessly. 🚀 Let's dive in!
Why Does the Microsoft Edge "Wget and Curl" Command Error Happen?
The issue stems from Edge's powerful DevTools Network panel, where you can "Copy as cURL" or "Copy as wget" for requests. Pasting into your terminal fails with errors like "'curl' is not recognized" or "'wget' is not recognized" because:
- Windows lacks built-in curl (pre-Windows 10 1803) or wget.
- Path issues or outdated Edge versions.
- PowerShell execution policies blocking scripts.
- Conflicting antivirus or proxy settings.
See that frustrating red error? It's common but fixable in minutes. ✅
🔧 Step-by-Step Fixes: Solving Microsoft Edge "Wget and Curl" Command Error
Start with the simplest methods. Test after each step.
1️⃣ Verify and Install Curl & Wget on Windows (Fastest Fix)
Modern Windows includes curl by default. For wget, use these:
| Tool | Installation Command | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Curl (Built-in) | N/A – Use curl --version |
curl --version shows version 7.x+ |
| Wget | winget install GnuWin32.wget or download from official site |
wget --version |
Pro Tip: Open PowerShell as Administrator and run winget install --id=GNU.Wget. Restart terminal. Boom—error gone! 🎉
2️⃣ Update Microsoft Edge to the Latest Version
Edge auto-updates, but check: Menu > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. Ensure you're on the newest stable release for improved DevTools command generation.
3️⃣ Fix PowerShell Execution Policy
If scripts block execution:
- Run PowerShell as Admin.
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser- Confirm with
Y.
This unlocks curl/wget without security risks for your user.
4️⃣ Use Edge DevTools Alternatives & Workarounds
While fixing, try these:
- Copy as PowerShell instead—native support!
- Enable Experimental Features: edge://flags/#enable-devtools-experiments.
- Paste into online curl testers for quick validation.
Look at that success! Your commands now run perfectly. 😊
Advanced Troubleshooting for Stubborn Errors
If basics fail:
- Proxy Issues: Add
--proxy [yourproxy]to commands. Check Edge settings > System > Open proxy settings. - Antivirus Clash: Whitelist curl.exe/wget.exe.
- Path Refresh:
refreshenvin Chocolatey or restart Explorer. - Reset DevTools: F12 > Gear icon > Restore defaults.
For official guidance, see Microsoft Edge DevTools Network docs.
Prevent Future Microsoft Edge "Wget and Curl" Command Errors
⭐ Make it permanent:
- Install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) for native Linux tools:
wsl --install. - Use Git Bash—comes with curl/wget.
- Pin Edge DevTools shortcuts for "Copy as cURL (Bash)".
Bonus: Integrate with VS Code's REST Client extension for no-terminal replays.
Wrap-Up: Reclaim Your Productivity! 👏
Congrats—you've mastered solving Microsoft Edge "Wget and Curl" Command Error! These fixes work on the latest Edge builds, saving you hours in debugging. Share your success in comments below—what fixed it for you? Stay tuned for more dev tips. Happy coding! 🌟
Optimized for SEO with real-user fixes. Tested on current Windows & Edge versions.