Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 isn’t as easy as just hitting “Uninstall” — because, of course, Windows loves to make things trickier than they need to be. If you’ve tried the usual methods and hit a dead end, don’t stress — there are command-line tricks that do the job. It’s mainly about running some commands in Command Prompt with admin rights, but yeah, it can seem a bit intimidating if you’re not used to that. The main thing is to find the right version of Edge first, then run the correct commands to get rid of it completely.
While it’s not recommended for everyone (since Edge is pretty well baked into Windows), if you’re set on removing it, this walkthrough should give you a clearer path. Just keep in mind: on some setups, the uninstall might be a bit dodgy or require a reboot afterwards. And with Windows updates, this might not be a forever fix — but for most machines, it’ll do the trick.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
- Search for Command Prompt in your start menu, then right-click and select Run as administrator. Why? Because commands that mess with core system apps need elevated privileges, otherwise they won’t work.
- This step’s a must — if you’re not running as admin, you’ll see errors, or nothing will happen at all.
Find and Navigate to Edge’s Installation Folder
- Check your Edge version first: open Edge, go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge. You’ll see a version number, like 112.0.1722.64.
- Then, in Command Prompt, type something like:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\112.0.1722.64\Installer"and hit Enter. - This takes you straight to the folder where Edge’s installed. You need the exact version because Windows keeps each update in its own folder, and the uninstall command targets that folder specifically.
Heads up: sometimes, the folder names can be a little tricky — you can double-check in File Explorer if unsure. Also, if you’ve got a different build (like insider releases), paths might be a bit different.
Run the Uninstall Command
- Type this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall - Press Enter. This kicks off the uninstallation at a system level, skipping a lot of the usual Windows GUI fuss.
- On some setups, it might give a warning or need a second run, especially if it’s your first time. Think of it like wizardry, almost — not quite magic, but close.
Wait for Confirmation and Follow the Prompts
- A confirmation box might pop up. Just click through or follow any instructions. Sometimes, Windows will show a message about processes in use — that’s normal, so it’s a good idea to close any open Edge windows first.
- If errors pop up, try running the command again, making sure the paths and version numbers are spot on. Typos or incorrect versions are common offenders.
Finish Off and Restart
- Once the command’s done without errors, restart your PC. That’s the final step to clear out any leftovers and give the system a refresh.
- After reboot, check your apps list. If Edge’s gone, then good on you — job done!
Just a heads up: on some machines, Edge might refuse to be fully uninstalled or might come back after a big Windows update. Windows does like to keep its default browser around, but with these commands, you can at least banish it for now.
Tips for Uninstalling Edge Smarter
- Always note down your current Edge version before firing up commands — saves you the guesswork with folder paths.
- If Edge is your default browser, change that first in Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Otherwise, you might run into issues or errors.
- Make sure Windows is fully updated — sometimes updates fix or mess with uninstall routines.
- If commands don’t work, double-check your syntax. A tiny typo can cause all sorts of bother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Edge later if I want to?
Absolutely — just grab the latest version from Microsoft’s official site. Reinstalling is straightforward as long as you have the installer or can download it again.
Will removing Edge break anything else?
Generally, no. It shouldn’t mess with Office, OneDrive, or other Microsoft apps. Just keep in mind some Windows features rely on Edge, but in most cases, they’ll just fall back on Chrome or another browser.
Is there an easier way without using command lines?
Honestly, not really — Microsoft has made it pretty tricky to uninstall Edge through Settings because it’s built into Windows. The command-line method is currently the most reliable way around it.
What if it doesn’t work?
Make sure you’re running Command Prompt as an admin, and double-check your version number and paths. Sometimes, Windows can be a bit squirrelly — rebooting or retrying can help fix minor hiccups.
Quick Wrap-up
- Open Command Prompt as an admin.
- Check your Edge version, then navigate to its installer folder in Command Prompt.
- Run the uninstall command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall. - Confirm any prompts, then restart your PC.
Final Word
Uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 isn’t an official feature — it’s a bit of a workaround. But these command-line steps seem to do the trick most of the time. It’s a bit of a hassle, but if you want to free yourself from Microsoft’s browser grip, it’s doable. Just remember: Windows updates can sometimes bring Edge back or hide its removal, so you might need to repeat the process now and then. Hope this helps someone save a bunch of time and hassle.