Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 machine? Yeah, it’s not exactly a stroll in the park because Windows kinda acts like Edge is a core part of the OS. But honestly, it can be done — if you’re comfortable with some command-line magic. Here’s a rundown of what worked on some setups, though I’ve seen a few quirks along the way.
How to Uninstall Edge from Windows 11
Basically, you need to use the Command Prompt as an admin and point it to the right folder where Edge’s installer lives. This isn’t your regular ‘Apps & features’ thing, since Edge is baked into Windows — so a direct uninstall requires a bit of shortcut hacking.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Hit Search, type `cmd`, right-click on Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator. Getting admin rights is crucial — without it, you might end up stuck, or worse, error messages that make no sense.
It’s kinda weird, but on some machines, you need to do this twice — open it, then open it again as admin, just to be sure. Windows has to make it harder than necessary, of course.
Step 2: Navigate to the Microsoft Edge Directory
Type this command: cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application"
Now, because there are multiple version numbers and folders, you have to find the correct version. The folder path looks like this: `xx.xx.xx.xxx`. To see what’s installed, you can check via File Explorer or run:
dir "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application"This lists the installed versions. Then, CD into that folder, like cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\xx.xx.xx.xxx".
If you can’t find the folder, maybe Edge installed differently — so double-check your directories in Explorer.
Step 3: Uninstall Microsoft Edge
Run this command: setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
Basically, you tell the installer to wipe out Edge at the system level. Some users report that it works fine, but don’t be surprised if it fails on some updates or newer versions — Windows keeps Edge as a backup, just in case.
Step 4: Confirm the Uninstallation
Check if Edge really disappeared — look for it in Start, or try opening a web link. If it’s gone, congrats! If Edge is still there, a reboot or two might help.
On some setups, Edge stubbornly sticks around until you do a reboot, so don’t skip that step. Windows loves to reinstall or revert changes at restart, because of course, they have to make it harder.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
If Edge still shows up after uninstalling, give your PC a proper reboot. This helps finalize the removal and clears any lingering processes. Sometimes, Edge might technically be gone, but some background services still keep a ghost of it alive until you restart.
Once those steps are done, Edge shouldn’t bother you anymore. You’ll be free to install your favorite browser, and Windows won’t default back to Edge as much (though updates can reintroduce it, so stay vigilant). And yeah, if you want it back later, just grab it from the Microsoft Edge download page.
Tips on Uninstalling Edge from Windows 11
- Back up your bookmarks or settings if you care — Edge does store some sync info you might want later.
- Be aware that removing Edge *can* mess with some system processes, especially if you let Windows update itself. Sometimes, the update process will just reinstall Edge anyway.
- Have another browser ready to go, because some Windows native apps prefer Edge for doing their thing.
- Reinstall isn’t hard — just grab it from Microsoft’s site if you decide you miss it.
- Don’t forget, there are scripts and tools online that claim to do this automatically, but they’re hit or miss — use them at your own risk, and always back up first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after uninstalling it?
Sure. Just head over to the Microsoft Edge download page and install it normally. Easy peasy.
Does removing Edge break Windows updates?
Generally, no. But Outlook and other Windows apps sometimes rely on Edge, so disabling or uninstalling can cause weird glitches or warnings. Updates might also push Edge back onto your system, so keep an eye out.
Will uninstalling Edge mess with other apps?
Most other apps are fine — they rely on standard browsers or fetch web content differently. But some Windows features might get weird if Edge isn’t around anymore.
Is there a way to just disable or hide Edge without removing it?
Yeah, setting a different browser as default is the easiest — Windows will stop forcing Edge, mostly. But disabling Edge totally needs manual uninstalling, which is the trickier route we just went over.
Is this process the same for Windows 10?
More or less, but some folder paths or commands slightly differ. The general idea still applies — you need admin rights, to find the right folder, and run the uninstall commands from there.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Admin
- Find and go to the Edge folder
- Run the uninstall command
- Kick off a reboot
- Check if it’s really gone
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Just keep in mind, Edge is pretty ingrained in Windows — so it might come back after updates, or if you’re not careful. But hey, at least now you know the drill.