Trying to ditch Microsoft Edge in Windows 11? Yeah, it’s kind of a pain since Microsoft’s made it pretty locked down. Officially, it’s not really supposed to be uninstalled—more like hidden or disabled. But if you’re determined, there’s a way to do it using some command-line magic. Just so you know, this isn’t exactly supported by MS and can break things if not careful. Still, for those tired of the browser, it can be worth trying.
The main trick here is to use the Command Prompt with admin rights and run a setup command inside the folder where Edge is installed. Be warned—if something goes sideways, you might need to reinstall Edge later. Make sure to back up important data and double-check each command before hitting Enter. It’s kind of a “use at your own risk” situation, but if done right, Edge can be gone (or at least hidden) from your system.
Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
This step is crucial. Opening Command Prompt with admin rights gives you the permissions needed to delete system apps. Just click on Start, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator. If you’re really feeling bold, you can also launch PowerShell as admin, but the command-line tools should be similar.
Sometimes, this step is wonky — on some setups, it might refuse to run the commands correctly, so rebooting first might help. Also, note that on some newer builds, Windows might restrict access, and you’d need to disable some protections (like Customer Experience Improvement Program or similar), but that’s a whole other rabbit hole.
Navigate to the Edge Installation Folder
Next, you gotta find where Edge is hiding. Usually, the folder looks like C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\version\Installer. Because Edge auto-updates, the version part varies. You can use this command to see what’s inside:
dir "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application"If you see multiple folders with version numbers, pick the latest one. To go into it, type:
cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\latest_version\Installer"On some systems, the path might differ slightly, especially if you’ve installed 64-bit or customized paths. If you get a ‘not found’ error, double-check the folder location manually. It’s kind of weird, but because of how Windows manages system apps, location and versioning can vary.
Run the Uninstall Command
Now, the magic. Inside that folder, run this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis command has worked for a lot of folks, forcing Edge to uninstall completely. Just type it and hit Enter. The process might take a moment, and sometimes you’ll see errors or nothing at all — don’t freak out, just wait it out. A few times, this method fails initially, but re-running or rebooting can help.
In some cases, if the command isn’t recognized, make sure you’re really in the right folder and that setup.exe exists there. If not, you might need to download the Edge setup files from the [Microsoft Edge Enterprise landing page](https://www.microsoft.com/edge/business/download).Download the offline installer and run it to get the correct files, then try again.
Restart Your Computer
Once the command runs without errors, restart. Sounds simple, but this helps clear out any lingering files or processes related to Edge. MS has a habit of keeping their browser hanging around in the background, so patience is key.
After restart, check your Start menu or search bar. If Edge doesn’t show up or launch anymore, congrats — it’s gone. Or at least, heavily disabled.
Verify Edge is Removed
Finally, just do a quick check. Search for Edge in the Start menu. If it’s not there, open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and look for Microsoft Edge. If it’s not listed, you’re good. Keep in mind, some shortcut icons might stick around, but that’s cosmetic.
If you want to be truly sure, try to launch it from a command prompt: start msedge. If it doesn’t launch, or Windows prompts an error, you probably succeeded.
Tips for Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
- Backup Important Data: Always a good idea before messing with system files.
- Keep System Updated: Updates sometimes restore Edge or change removal procedures.
- Double-Check Commands: One typo can cause unexpected issues.
- Reinstall if Needed: If things go haywire, you can always grab the latest Edge installer from Microsoft and reinstall it—then try removal again.
- Explore Alternatives: There are plenty of good browsers out there—Chrome, Firefox, Brave. Might as well switch if Edge’s giving you trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after removing it?
Yep. Just download a fresh copy from Microsoft’s official site and run the installer. It’ll install over whatever’s left or a fresh copy.
Is removing Microsoft Edge risky?
In theory, it’s safe if you’re careful, but since Edge is integrated into Windows, removing it can cause unforeseen issues, especially with updates or features that rely on it. Proceed with caution.
Will deleting Edge break anything else?
Generally not — Windows operates fine without Edge, but some features like certain links or system components may try to call Edge, which then might fail or default to another browser.
Can I just disable Edge instead of uninstall?
Sure, that’s usually safer. You can disable it via group policies or by renaming the Edge folder, but it might break some system features. Disabling is less risky, but if you really want it gone — consider the uninstall method above.
What if commands don’t work?
If all else fails, third-party tools like Winhance or other scripts have been used by users to disable or remove stubborn components, but be cautious—it’s not officially supported and you risk breaking your system if not careful.
Wrap-up
This whole process can feel a bit hacky, and honestly, Windows makes it more confusing than it needs to be. But if you’re dead set on removing Edge, this command-line approach often gets it done — just with a risk. Usually, it works after a couple of attempts and a reboot or two.
Fingers crossed, this helps someone finally get rid of the browser they dislike or just want to clean up a bit. Good luck!