Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as clicking “Uninstall” — because, of course, Windows loves to make it harder than it needs to be. If you’ve tried removing it through traditional methods and hit dead ends, don’t worry; there are command-line tricks that do the job. It’s mostly about running some commands in Command Prompt with admin rights, but yeah, it can feel a little intimidating if you’re not used to that. The key is to make sure you find the right version of Edge first, then execute the proper uninstallation commands to get rid of it completely.
While it isn’t recommended for everyone (Edge is tightly integrated into Windows), if you really want to remove it, this walkthrough should give you a clearer path. Just keep in mind: on some setups, the uninstall process might be a bit glitchy or require a reboot afterward. And because Windows changes with updates, this isn’t a guaranteed forever fix, but on most machines, it does 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 pick Run as administrator. Why? Because uninstall commands that touch core system applications need elevated privileges, or they just won’t work.
- This step’s crucial — if you’re not running as admin, expect errors, or worse, no change at all.
Locate and Navigate to Edge’s Installation Folder
- To find out the exact version of Edge you’re running, open Edge, go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge. You’ll see a version number like 112.0.1722.64.
- Now, in Command Prompt, type something like:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\112.0.1722.64\Installer"and hit Enter. - This takes you right into the folder where Edge installed. You need the exact version because Windows puts each update in its own folder, and the uninstall command targets that folder specifically.
Note: Sometimes, the folder names are a bit tricky—double-check in File Explorer if needed. Also, if you installed a different build (like insider builds), paths might shift slightly.
Run the Uninstall Command
- Type this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall - Hit Enter. This kicks off the uninstallation at a system level, skipping half the usual Windows GUI hoops.
- On some setups, this might throw a warning or require a second run, especially if this is your first time doing it. Straight-up magic wand stuff — not exactly, but close.
Watch for Confirmation and Follow Instructions
- A prompt might pop up asking to confirm. Just click through, or follow the prompts that show up. Sometimes Windows throws a message about processes in use — that’s normal, so you might want to close any open Edge windows first.
- If you encounter errors, it can be helpful to run the command again, making sure the paths and version match exactly. Misspelled commands or wrong version numbers are common culprits.
Finish and Restart
- After the command completes without errors, restart your computer. It’s the final step to actually remove leftovers and reset the system’s environment.
- After rebooting, check your list of installed apps. If Edge isn’t there, then congrats, you did it!
Interestingly, on some machines, Edge refuses to fully uninstall or reappears after a big system update. Keep that in mind — Windows really wants to keep it around, but with these commands, you can at least temporarily banish it.
Tips for Uninstalling Edge Effectively
- Always note your current Edge version before jumping into commands. No sense in guessing the folder path.
- If Edge is your default browser, switch that first in Settings > Apps > Default Apps — otherwise, you might run into weird issues or error messages.
- Make sure Windows is fully updated, as sometimes updates patch these uninstall procedures.
- If commands fail, double-check your syntax. Even a small typo can kill the process or make it do nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Edge after removing it?
Totally — just download the latest version from Microsoft’s official site. Reinstalling is straightforward as long as you saved the installer or can download it again.
Will removing Edge break anything else?
Generally not. It shouldn’t affect Office, OneDrive, or other Microsoft apps. Just keep in mind that some Windows features depend on Edge, but in most cases, they’ll fall back on Chrome or another default browser.
Is there an easier way without command lines?
Honestly, not really — Microsoft has intentionally made Edge hard to uninstall through normal Settings because it’s baked into Windows. The command prompt method is currently the most reliable approach.
What if the uninstallation doesn’t work?
Check that you’re running the Command Prompt as admin, and verify your version number and folder paths are accurate. Sometimes Windows gets squirrely, and a reboot or a re-run helps.
Step-by-Step Wrap-up
- Open Command Prompt as an admin.
- Find your Edge version, then go 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.
Wrap-up
Removing Edge from Windows 11 isn’t an official one-click feature, but these command-line steps seem to work well enough. It’s kind of a hassle, but for those who want to free themselves from Microsoft’s tightly integrated browser, this does the trick for most setups. Just remember: Windows updates can sometimes bring Edge back or hide its removal, so be prepared to repeat these steps if needed. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a few hours of frustration.