Microsoft Edge It has gone from being a little-used alternative to becoming the default browser on Windows systems, especially since Microsoft decided to force its installation with a major update. This has led many users to look for the most effective and secure way to remove or uninstall Edge on your computers.
If you're bothered by Edge on your computer, or you simply prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Firefox, here are the steps to follow, both in Windows 10 and Windows 11. We'll also explain the advantages and disadvantages, and answer the most frequently asked questions about this process.
Why are so many users annoyed by Microsoft Edge?
Since Microsoft Edge replaced Internet Explorer and became the default Windows browser, many users have expressed their discomfort. The main problem lies in the imposition. Microsoft not only installs Edge automatically after certain major Windows updates, but often integrates it so deeply into the system that disable or uninstall it it can be tricky.
Another reason why users seek to remove it is the preference for other browsers. Many are already accustomed to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or even Opera, and seeing the Edge icon permanently on the taskbar, desktop, or Start menu It is annoying, especially if you never use it.
Easy Methods to Hide Edge Without Uninstalling
Before moving on to advanced methods, you may just want to hide Microsoft Edge so that it doesn't bother you, without completely removing it from your PC. These solutions are ideal if you don't want to complicate things or touch anything delicate on your system.
- Remove the Edge icon from the taskbar: Right-click on the icon and select “Unpin from taskbar.”
- Hide Edge from the Start menu: Locate Edge in the right corner of the Start menu, right-click it, and choose "Unpin." This will prevent it from appearing at startup without deleting the program.
Advantage: You'll still be able to access Edge from your list of installed programs if you ever want to get rid of it.
Uninstall Edge using older versions of Windows
If your equipment works with Windows 7, 8.1, or a very old version of Windows 10, uninstalling Edge is much easier, since on these systems the browser is installed as a conventional application.
- Access the Control Panel: Go to "Programs" > "Uninstall a program" and find Microsoft Edge in the list. Right-click and select "Uninstall."
- From Settings: press Win + I, go to “Apps”, find Edge and press “Uninstall”.
This option disappears in modern versions, since Microsoft has removed the visible uninstall feature in settings when Edge is integrated via Windows Update.
Forcibly remove Edge in Windows 10 and 11
If you've updated your PC or are running a modern version of Windows, you'll notice that Edge doesn't even allow you to click "Uninstall" from Settings—the button is grayed out. Here, we explain all the effective methods to remove it, even if the factory setting is limited.
Force uninstall Edge using Command Prompt (CMD)
This method is pretty straightforward, but requires running advanced commands. First of all, you need to know the exact version of Edge installed:
- Open Edge, go to the three dots in the top right, select “Help & feedback” > “About Microsoft Edge,” and note the version.
Once you have the version, follow these steps:
- Press the start button, type cmd, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
- Depending on your system architecture, navigate with the command:
cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\/Installer - When you are in the correct folder, run:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall - Confirm any messages that appear. Edge will be removed from your device.
Warning: Using CMD with system commands can cause problems if the steps are not followed correctly. If you have questions, ask for help or use another method.
Remove Edge with PowerShell
PowerShell is the advanced alternative to CMD, allowing Edge to be removed using special commands:
- Right-click the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
- Writes:
get-appxpackage *edge* - Copy the value of PackageFullName corresponding to Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable.
- Run:
Remove-appxpackage - Check that Edge no longer appears among the installed applications.
Disable Edge by renaming the SystemApps folder
If you would like to disable Edge without deleting it, you can do this by changing the name of its original folder:
- Go to file explorer, enter Local disk (C):\Windows\SystemApps
- Find the folder Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
- Right-click and select “Rename” (for example, add “disabled” to the end).
- Confirm the change. Edge will be disabled and will no longer run.
To reverse the process, simply return the folder to its original name.
Use third-party tools to uninstall Edge
When manual methods fail or are too complex, you can resort to specialized software which forces a complete uninstallation (including residual files) of Edge. The two most popular solutions are:
- IObit UninstallerDownload the free or PRO version. Find Edge among the listed programs or opt for the "Stubborn Program Remover." Click "Uninstall" and follow the steps.
- EaseUS All PCTransInstall the tool, choose App Manager, select Edge, and tap "Uninstall." You can also use the triangle icon to manually "Remove" if the traditional uninstall fails.
Advantage: These tools also often remove residual files and registry entries, leaving the system cleaner.
Remove Edge using Vivetool
For advanced users, Vivetool is a open source tool to enable hidden Windows features (without manually modifying the registry).
- Download Vivetool from its GitHub page and unzip the file to a folder on your C drive.
- Open CMD as administrator and navigate to the Vivetool folder (
cd vivetool). - Run:
vivetool /enable /id:44353396 - Close CMD with “exit” and restart your computer.
- Go back to Settings > Apps, search for Edge, and the “Uninstall” option will appear enabled.
Once uninstalled, you can install another browser from the Microsoft Store if needed.
What happens if you uninstall Edge? Risks, advantages, and disadvantages
Removing Edge isn't always the best decision. The browser is deeply integrated into Windows and many functions depend on it. For example:
- WebView and UWP appsMany modern web-based (UWP) apps require Edge to run. Removing it may cause some apps to crash or not even launch.
- Windows Search and Cortana: These use parts of the Edge engine; removing them may cause system searches to fail or malfunction.
- Copilot and Artificial IntelligenceEdge incorporates direct integration with AI Copilot. If you're interested in experimenting with Microsoft's latest artificial intelligence, you'll lose direct access to its features from within the browser.
- Disk SpaceThe savings are minimal. Edge takes up little space, especially if you have a modern computer. It's not worth the risk of losing functionality in exchange for freeing up a few MB.
- Updates: Even if you uninstall Edge, every major Windows update may automatically reinstall it.
Leaving Edge installed can prevent compatibility issues and maintain optimal system performance if you don't have a specific reason to remove it.
Uninstalling special versions of Edge: Dev, Beta, and Canary
If you installed Edge development versions (such as Dev, Beta, or Canary) to test features, you can easily remove them:
- Go to Apps & Features or Control Panel.
- Find the specific version and select “Uninstall.”
To confirm the version, go to “Help & feedback” in the Edge menu.
Is it advisable to uninstall Microsoft Edge?
The internet offers mixed opinions on whether Edge is worth removing. Being the native Windows browser, it provides optimized integration and performance compared to other browsers such as Chrome or Opera.
The benefits of keeping it active include:
- Optimized performance: Designed to consume fewer resources and work seamlessly with Windows Defender.
- Security: Controlled by Microsoft, it minimizes compatibility issues and vulnerabilities.
- Synchronization: : Allows you to sync bookmarks and passwords with your Microsoft account across multiple devices.
- Cross-platform availability: Available on iOS and Android, facilitating continuity between devices.
- Extensions: Compatible with extensions from the Chrome Web Store and its own store, expanding its functions.
On the other hand, the reasons for removing it are usually personal, preferential, or wanting to free up minimal space, given that it takes up little memory on modern systems.
How to reinstall Edge if you're having problems
If you decide you need Edge again, or if any features stop working after removing it, you can easily get it back:
- From the official website: Download the version appropriate for your system from the Microsoft Edge website.
- From Microsoft Store: Search for Edge in the store and install it with one click. The version will be the same as the original.
After reinstalling, you can set a different browser as your default if you prefer.
Edge Uninstall FAQ
- Why can't I uninstall Edge? Because Microsoft considers it an essential component and, if it is integrated via Windows Update, does not allow its removal from the settings.
- What happens if I delete Edge and don't have another browser? You won't be able to access websites until you install a new one like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera.
- Can Edge come back after deleting it? Yes, after Windows updates. To prevent this, it's recommended to modify the registry.
- Is it safe to delete Edge? It is safe if you follow the steps correctly, although it may affect some system functions.