How to Get Rid of Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
So, trying to kick Microsoft Edge off Windows 11? Yeah, it can feel like a losing battle at times. It’s like that unwanted guest that just won’t leave. But fear not—while Edge is pretty well embedded in the system, there are ways to either disable or remove it completely. Some folks just can’t stand it, preferring their browser of choice instead.
First off, good to remember that Edge isn’t just hanging around for no reason. It plays nice with some system functions, and Microsoft’s all about having it in the background for security and updates. So, getting rid of it might take some maneuvering, and you might find some leftover files even after you think you’re done. But hey, others have managed to cut it loose, so it’s worth a shot!
Accessing Command Prompt with Admin Rights
First thing’s first, you’re gonna want to fire up the Command Prompt with admin privileges. Normal permissions won’t cut it when messing with system files.
Just type “cmd” into the search bar, right-click the Command Prompt, and hit Run as administrator. If that feels too slow, you can just smash Windows key + S, type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Quick and easy.
Finding Edge’s Installation Directory
Next up, you’ve got to steer the command prompt toward where Edge is hiding. Typically, it’s tucked away in the Program Files folder.
Use this command:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\\Installer" Swap out <version> for whatever version number you spot in Edge’s folder. You can find it by opening Edge and heading to Settings > About Microsoft Edge. Or just check in File Explorer at:
File Explorer → Local Disk (C:) → Program Files (x86) → Microsoft → Edge → Application → *version*
This is where it can get a bit tricky. Different systems might have slightly different setups, so if entering that command doesn’t work, it might mean a new version or a change in structure. A little detective work usually helps figure it out.
Actually Uninstalling Edge
Now, for the big moment—time to kick Edge to the curb. Stay in that command prompt and hit it with this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis should tell the installer to boot Edge off your system. But be warned—it’s a forceful move. If things get weird or the uninstall doesn’t seem to work right, sometimes running the command more than once or restarting between attempts helps clear it out completely. Not a smooth experience for everyone, but perseverance pays off.
Stopping Edge from Starting Up
Even after uninstalling, Edge loves to surprise you by popping up due to system processes or during start-up. So, to really keep it at bay, you’ve also gotta take it off the startup list.
Open up Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Flip over to the Startup tab and hunt for Microsoft Edge. If it’s lurking there, right-click and hit Disable.
Lots of folks forget this part, and then they’re baffled when Edge launches randomly. Cutting it from startup means less background clutter and fewer resources wasted.
Cleaning Up Remaining Traces
Alright, even after doing all that, you might still find some stray files or remnants. You know how Windows can be—just when you think it’s gone, it leaves little reminders.
Search your File Explorer for “Microsoft Edge” or similar folders. Common places to check include:
- Sample Path:
C:\Users\your-username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge - Sample Path:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Edge
Delete anything that still looks like Edge, but be careful not to nuke anything important for the system. It can be a good idea to double-check all Edge processes are closed in Task Manager first, just to avoid any hiccups. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could clean up the registry:
- Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter - Drill down to paths like HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge
- Only do this if you’re comfy; consider backing up the registry first, and delete Edge-related entries if you’re certain.
Just a heads up: playing with the registry can be risky, so only dive in if you know what you’re doing.
And that’s pretty much it! After going through all these steps, Edge should be living in the past—at least practically speaking. It may still leave bits and pieces behind, but you shouldn’t have to deal with it actively. Getting rid of Edge isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s doable with some focus.
Using this process can set you free to enjoy your browser of choice, be it Chrome, Firefox, or any other. Just keep in mind that every system is a little different, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t go off without a hitch the first time. Also, as a way to protect yourself, create a restore point before diving into this mess. Just head to Settings > System > About > System Protection and hit Create. That way, if things do go sideways, you can fix it without losing your cool.
Taking back control over your system can feel great. With the right steps, Windows 11 can be customized to fit your browsing preferences—no Edge required.