Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed on Windows, and most of the time, it works perfectly well. But sometimes, you might prefer another browser. If you’re set on making a change, knowing how to remove Microsoft Edge completely can be helpful.
While Microsoft doesn’t make it super obvious, it is possible to uninstall Edge in certain situations. This guide will walk you through the different methods, explaining each step clearly and concisely. Let’s dive in!
1. Understanding the Challenge
Microsoft has made uninstalling Edge more difficult than other programs. They want you to use their browser! This is because it’s deeply integrated into the Windows operating system, however that doesn’t make it impossible.
It’s important to note that if you’re using a very recent version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, the traditional uninstall option might not be available. But don’t worry; there are still ways to do it using Command Prompt.
2. How to Remove Microsoft Edge Using Settings (If Possible)
The simplest way to try removing Edge is through the Settings app. Open the Start Menu and click the settings icon.
Next, go to “Apps” then “Apps & features.” Search for “Microsoft Edge” in the list or in the search bar.
If the “Uninstall” button is not greyed out (it may be depending on your Windows version), click it and follow the prompts. If it’s greyed out, move on to the next method.
3. Removing Microsoft Edge via Command Prompt
This method involves using Command Prompt with administrator privileges. First, close Microsoft Edge completely.
Next, search for “Command Prompt” in the Start Menu, right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator.”
Now, you’ll need to locate the Edge installation directory. Typically, it’s found in a path similar to this: `C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application`. The exact path might vary slightly based on your version.
Once you’ve found the “Application” folder, navigate into the folder that has the version number. For example, `92.0.902.78`.
Inside that folder, navigate into the “Installer” folder. Now, in the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: `setup.exe –uninstall –force-uninstall`
This command forces the uninstallation of Microsoft Edge. Wait for the process to complete. It might take a few moments. Once the command is executed, Edge should be removed from your system.
4. What to Do If You Can’t Remove It
In some cases, even the Command Prompt method might not work, especially on newer Windows versions where Edge is even more deeply integrated. Microsoft is continually making it harder to uninstall.
If you’re still unable to remove Edge, consider simply ignoring it and using your preferred browser as the default. You can change the default browser in the Settings app under “Apps” and then “Default apps.”
You can also hide the Edge icon from your taskbar and Start Menu to reduce its visibility. Right-click on the icon and unpin it.
While completely removing it might not be possible, focusing on using your preferred browser and minimizing Edge’s presence can still improve your browsing experience. Always remember to back up your system before making significant changes.
Removing Microsoft Edge can sometimes be a bit tricky, but hopefully, this guide has given you the tools you need to try. Remember to be patient, and if one method doesn’t work, try the next. Switching default browser is also helpful, good luck in your browsing journey!