Removing Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 isn’t exactly plug-and-play, especially if you’re used to just clicking uninstall. Microsoft’s made it a little tricky because Edge is baked into the OS, and they don’t want just anyone removing it completely without some effort. But if you’re tired of seeing it stalking your system or just want to clear some space, there’s definitely a way—though it involves some command work. This guide walks through the process step-by-step, letting you finally rid yourself of Edge and maybe reclaim some system resources. Be warned though—doing this can sometimes mess with system updates or cause weird glitches, so it’s a good idea to have another browser installed first. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck with a broken system or worse, needing to reinstall Windows later. Yeah, not fun. But hey, if that sounds like your thing, keep reading and get ready to run some commands in PowerShell.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
Open PowerShell as Administrator
First thing, gotta get PowerShell running with admin rights. So, right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin), or search for PowerShell in the start menu and choose Run as administrator. This is necessary because Edge is a system app, and removing it requires elevated permissions. On some machines, this might throw a UAC prompt—just click Yes. Make sure you’re logged into an admin account because otherwise, you’ll hit permission errors that make you want to throw your PC out the window.
Locate Microsoft Edge Version
Next, navigate to the Edge installation folder to confirm what version you’re dealing with—Windows can load different versions depending on updates and builds. Type this command to change the directory: cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application", then press Enter. If that doesn’t work, try: cd "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge\Application". Once inside, type dir to list directories and locate the version number, like 112.0.1722.64. Having this info helps avoid uninstalling the wrong version, though in most cases, you can jump straight to the uninstallation command since it defaults to the latest version.
Uninstall Microsoft Edge
Here’s the key part. Type: setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall and hit Enter. This command tells Edge to uninstall itself at the system level, forcing removal even if there are processes running or other hiccups. On some setups, the uninstaller might complain or not run immediately, so if you get weird errors, you might need to ensure that all Edge processes are closed or try running PowerShell as an admin again.
Pro tip: sometimes, Windows updates or certain Edge versions make this command less reliable. In that case, you can manually delete the Edge folder afterwards or use third-party tools, but that’s a bit riskier.
Restart Your Computer
Once the command runs, restart your PC. It’s kinda weird, but a reboot ensures that any lingering Edge files or background processes are fully cleared out. Some say just a restart isn’t enough, and you might need to do a complete shutdown and power off for good measure—especially on older machines or if you see leftover icons or files. Just closing and reopening Windows may leave remnants behind, so don’t skip this step.
Verify Edge Removal
After rebooting, check your Start Menu or search bar for Edge—if it isn’t there or doesn’t launch, congrats, it’s gone. On the other hand, if you see Edge still trying to launch or files stubbornly lingering, you might need to do a manual cleanup: head to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge and delete any leftovers, or run a third-party removal tool. Just be careful not to trash system files unrelated to Edge—Windows has a way of making you second-guess whether you’re deleting the right stuff.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
- Always create a system restore point before messing with system apps. Better safe than bricking your OS.
- Have a reliable browser like Chrome or Firefox installed first, so you don’t end up stuck without internet access.
- Double-check you’re running PowerShell as admin—that’s the key to avoiding permission errors.
- After uninstalling, check for system updates because Windows sometimes restores or reverts changes—yet, in some cases, it might redownload Edge automatically after updates.
- If something goes sideways, reinstall Edge from the official site (Microsoft’s Edge download page) and try again, or consider a system reset if you mess things up badly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after uninstalling it?
Yeah, totally. Just grab the latest installer from Microsoft’s website and install it like any other program. No biggie.
Will uninstalling Edge cause any system issues?
Generally, no—Windows is designed to handle Edge as a core component, but if it’s removed completely, some features might break, or Windows Update might freak out and try to reinstall it. Just be prepared for that possibility and have a backup plan.
Is it safe to remove Edge?
Safest if you really don’t need it. If you follow the steps, it shouldn’t harm your system, but keep in mind that Microsoft built it in as part of Windows, so removing it is a bit like pulling a loose thread—it might unravel elsewhere.
What do I do if I can’t uninstall Edge with PowerShell?
Sometimes, it’s a permissions or policy issue. You might need to disable certain system protections or run commands in recovery mode. Last resort, reinstall Windows or seek help from a professional—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Summary
- Open PowerShell as admin
- Navigate to the Edge installation folder
- Run the uninstall command
- Restart your PC
- Check that Edge’s gone from the start menu
Wrap-up
Yeah, uninstalling Edge isn’t exactly a one-click thing, but with some command-line magic, it’s doable. Just remember, having another browser ready is pretty much mandatory unless you wanna be stuck without one. Also, take your time and double-check commands—because, of course, Windows has to make this more complicated than it needs to be. Fingers crossed this helps someone finally untether from Edge and makes their Windows experience a bit more personal.