Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially since it’s deeply woven into the OS. But if you’re set on ditching it, the main trick is using the Command Prompt and some specific commands because, well, Microsoft decided to hide it pretty well in system folders. Just a heads up — this isn’t an official way from Microsoft, so messing around could cause unexpected hiccups, or at least leave some residual files behind. Still, some folks have successfully gotten rid of Edge with this approach, and it can make your system feel a bit cleaner if you don’t need it cluttering up your start menu or taking up space.
Removing Edge from Windows 11
If you’re hitting the wall with Edge or just want it out of sight, here’s how to do it. Follow these steps carefully and remember, it’s kind of a hacky process. Expect some command line magic and potential leftover files, but hey, sometimes it’s worth a shot to reclaim a bit of margin on your system.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
You need admin rights because Windows locks down system files pretty tight. Click on the Start menu, type “cmd” or “Command Prompt,” right-click on it, and choose Run as administrator. This elevates your permissions so you can run the uninstaller commands without errors. Sometimes, on some setups, you might have to disable your antivirus temporarily — Windows doesn’t always like you tinkering with its core apps. On one machine, the uninstall worked on the first try, while on another, it took a reboot and a few retries.
Navigate to the Edge Installer Directory
Now, this part gets tricky because you need to point the terminal to where Edge is installed. You’ll want to run the following command:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\\Installer" Replace <version> with the actual folder name, which is usually a number like 117.0.2045.60. If you’re not sure what version you have, open Edge, go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge, and look at the version number. Sometimes the directory might be slightly different based on your system language and updates, so you might have to browse around a bit manually.
Run the Uninstall Command
Once you’re in the right folder, execute this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis tells the installer to completely wipe out Edge from your system, ignoring warnings or prompts. It’s pretty aggressive, and honestly, in some cases, it feels like magic — but it’s known to work on most setups. Just keep in mind, sometimes this process needs a restart afterwards. On one or two machines, the first run sorta failed, but after a reboot and retry, it was gone.
Check if Edge is Gone
After running the command, restart your computer. Then, look for Edge in your Start menu or try to open it directly. If it’s no longer listed or launching is impossible, congrats — you did it. If not, maybe the folder still exists or some remnant is left. In that case, you can manually go into %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge and delete whatever’s left — just be careful not to delete anything else.
Clean Up Remaining Files
Sometimes the uninstall doesn’t clear out all files, especially cached data and leftover folders. You might want to delete these manually:
%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge
It’s not pretty, but this can help in making sure nothing’s lingering. Be warned, though — deleting files in system folders could potentially cause issues if you delete something you shouldn’t, so only do this if you’re comfortable tinkering.
Tips for Removing Edge from Windows 11
- Always create a system restore point before diving into these steps — Windows can be unpredictable.
- Double-check all commands before hitting Enter. A typo can mess up your system or break other apps.
- Keep your system updated; sometimes, Windows patches can alter how Edge is embedded, so you might need to adapt these steps.
- This method might break some Windows features that depend on Edge, like certain troubleshooters or widgets.
- If you want a cleaner start, consider changing your default browser afterward — just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to remove Edge from Windows 11?
It’s generally okay but not officially supported. Removing it can cause weird glitches or break some Windows tools that rely on Edge. Just be prepared for possible side effects, and don’t say you weren’t warned!
Will deleting Edge free up much space?
Honestly, not really. It’s more about decluttering than freeing up gigabytes. Still, some volume of space might become available, especially if you clean residual files.
Can Edge be reinstalled later if wanted?
Yep — downloading it again from the official Microsoft download page or running a repair install of Windows will bring it back if needed.
Are there ways other than this?
Heck yeah, but most known methods involve third-party scripts or tools that aren’t very reliable or safe. The Command Prompt way, even if a bit clunky, tends to do the job without extra fuss.
What if errors crop up during removal?
Check if you’re using the right version number and that you run the Command Prompt as administrator. If it still fails, maybe try to disable security software temporarily or run in safe mode, because Windows can be stubborn like that.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Navigate to the Edge installation directory.
- Run the uninstall command.
- Reboot and verify Edge’s gone.
- Manually delete leftovers if needed.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of Edge might seem a little sketchy, but it’s doable if you’re careful. Just remember, messing with system apps carries some risks, so backups and restore points are your friends. When it’s done — hopefully, your system feels a little faster, a bit cleaner — and you’re free from the browser you didn’t want.
Fingers crossed this helps someone save a few hours and gives back some control over their machine.