Getting rid of Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially since it’s pretty well woven into the OS. But if you’re keen to ditch it, the main trick is using Command Prompt and a few specific commands — because, fair dinkum, Microsoft’s made it pretty tricky to find those files. Just a heads up — this isn’t an official method from Microsoft, so messing around could cause some hiccups or leave behind some leftover bits. Still, plenty of folks have managed to kick it to the kerb using this way, and it can tidy up your system if you don’t need it cluttering your start menu or eating up space.
How to Remove Edge from Windows 11
If you’re banging your head against the wall with Edge or just want it out of sight, here’s what to do. Follow these steps carefully — it’s a bit of a hack — expect some command line magic and leftover files, but sometimes it’s worth a go to free up some room on your PC.
Open Command Prompt as Admin
You’ll need admin rights because Windows keeps a tight grip on its system files. Click the Start menu, type “cmd” or “Command Prompt,” right-click it, and choose Run as administrator. This boosts your permissions so you can run the uninstall commands without a fuss. Sometimes, on some setups, you might have to turn off your antivirus temporarily — Windows can be a bit sus about tinkering with its core apps. On one machine, the uninstall worked first go, but on another, it took a restart and a few tries.
Go to the Edge Installer Folder
This part’s a bit tricky because you need to point the terminal to where Edge is installed. Run this command:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\\Installer" Replace <version> with the actual folder name, usually a number like 117.0.2045.60. If you’re not sure, open Edge, go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge, and check the version number. The directory might be a tiny bit different depending on your system language and updates, so you might need to poke around a bit manually.
Run the Uninstall Command
Once you’re in the right folder, punch in this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis tells the installer to wipe out Edge completely from your system, ignoring any warnings or prompts. It’s pretty ruthless, but it does the trick on most setups. Keep in mind, sometimes you’ll need to reboot afterwards. On a couple of machines, the first go failed a bit, but after a restart and another shot, it was gone.
Check If Edge’s Gone
After running the command, reboot your PC. Then, look in your Start menu or try to open Edge directly. If it’s not there and won’t open, cheers — you’ve done it. If it’s still hanging around, the folder might still be there or some bits are left. You can manually head into %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge and delete what’s left — just watch out not to delete other important stuff.
Clean Up Leftover Files
Sometimes, the uninstall doesn’t clear out all the bits, especially cached data and leftover folders. You might want to delete these manually:
%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge
Not the nicest job, but it can help ensure nothing’s hanging around. Be careful, though — deleting files from system folders can cause issues if you whack the wrong one, so only do this if you’re comfortable tinkering.
Tips for Removing Edge from Windows 11
- Always back up your system or create a restore point before diving into this — Windows can be flaky.
- Double-check commands before hitting Enter. A typo can cause all sorts of dramas.
- Keep your Windows up-to-date; sometimes patches change how Edge is baked in, and you might need to adjust these steps.
- This method might break some Windows features that rely on Edge, like certain troubleshooters or widgets.
- If you want a cleaner start, consider changing your default browser after you’ve removed Edge — just to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to remove Edge from Windows 11?
Generally, it’s alright but not officially supported. Removing it might cause some odd glitches or break certain Windows tools that need Edge. Be ready for a few surprises, and don’t say you weren’t warned!
Will deleting Edge free up a lot of space?
Honestly, not really. It’s more about lightening the load than freeing up heaps of gigabytes. But some space might free up if you clean up leftover files.
Can I reinstall Edge later if I want?
Definitely — just download it again from Microsoft’s official site or run a repair install of Windows, and it’ll be back if needed.
Are there other ways to do this?
Yep, but most involve third-party scripts or tools that aren’t always reliable or safe. The Command Prompt way, even if a little rough, tends to do the job straightforwardly.
What if I hit errors during removal?
Make sure you’re using the right version number and that you’ve run Command Prompt as an admin. If it still doesn’t work, try disabling your security software temporarily or run in safe mode — sometimes Windows is a bit stubborn like that.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Admin.
- Navigate to the Edge folder.
- Run the uninstall command.
- Reboot and check if Edge’s gone.
- Manually tidy up leftovers if needed.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of Edge might seem a bit dodgy, but it’s doable if you’re careful. Just remember, messing with system apps can be risky, so backups and restore points are your mates. When it’s all said and done — hopefully your system feels snappier, cleaner, and you’re free from a browser you didn’t want in the first place.
Fingers crossed this helps some blokes and sheilas save a bit of hassle and take back control of their machine.