Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially since it’s baked into the OS. But if Edge isn’t your thing or you just want to free up some space and declutter, doing it through the Command Prompt is probably your best shot. Just a heads-up: these commands need admin rights, and messing around here can be risky if you’re not cautious, so follow along carefully. Once done, Edge will disappear from your taskbar and start menu, and it won’t bother you anymore—at least until you decide to reinstall it later.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
First off, you gotta launch the Command Prompt with elevated privileges. Click on the Start menu, type “cmd, ” then right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. This step is super important because Windows blocks system-level changes on standard accounts. On some setups, if you skip this step, commands just won’t run or throw errors. After that, a black window pops up, and you’re ready to type.
Find the Correct Directory for Edge
Next, you need to navigate to the folder where Edge installer lives. Type this command: cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\{Version}\Installer" Most of the time, you’ll need to replace {Version} with the current version of Edge installed. To find that out, open Edge, go to the three dots in the upper-right corner, click Help and Feedback, then About Microsoft Edge. Not sure why, but sometimes copying the exact version string makes this step smoother. You might find multiple versions, so pick the latest one. If the directory name seems complex, just keep in mind it usually lives here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\ — then look for the latest folder.
Pro tip: On some machines, this step needs a bit of trial and error, especially if Edge updates itself automatically. If the directory isn’t exactly right, the uninstall command may fail, so double-check the folder names.
Run the Uninstall Command
Type in this command to actually remove Edge: setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall This tells Edge to fully remove itself from your system. It’s pretty thorough, so it should clear out most leftovers and residual files. It’s kind of weird, but after running this, Edge should vanish—no more icons, no more background processes. Be aware: the command can sometimes hang or throw errors if certain processes are running, so a reboot before trying again isn’t a bad idea. But on some setups, it works perfectly on the first try.
Reboot to Complete the Process
Once the command finishes, give your PC a restart. This final step makes sure all lingering Edge components are tidied up, and your system stabilizes without it. On some machines, the effects are instant; on others, it might take a minute or two. Keep an eye on your taskbar and start menu—Edge should be gone.
Remember, uninstalling doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever. If later on, you want Edge back, just grab it from the Microsoft Edge download page, or get it from the Microsoft Store. Reinstalling is just as easy as installing any other app.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
- Think about whether removing Edge might break some Windows features that rely on it. Not sure why, but Windows sometimes finds ways to sneak Edge back or uses it for system functions.
- Make sure you’ve got another browser installed and set as default — just in case things go sideways.
- Backup your bookmarks and passwords if you’re attached to them. You can sync them to your Microsoft account or export bookmarks directly from your current browser.
- Before starting, run Windows Update to get all the latest patches in case they include fixes related to system apps.
- And yes, reinstalling Edge later is simple. Just download or reinstall from the Store if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Edge be reinstallled after uninstall?
Definitely. Either hit the official Edge download page or grab it from the Microsoft Store. It’s pretty straightforward and quick.
Will removing Edge cause Windows to break?
Mostly not, but be aware some Windows features might depend on it, especially the ones involving system notifications or certain apps. Better to have a default browser ready just in case.
Is there any alternative way to remove Edge?
There are some scripts or third-party tools floating around, but honestly, the Command Prompt way is the safest and most effective if you know your way around it.
Why do commands sometimes fail?
If that happens, double-check if you ran Command Prompt as admin and typed everything exactly right. Also, verify that you’re in the correct directory—missing a folder or version mismatch can cause errors.
Does uninstalling Edge speed up my PC?
Unlikely to make a noticeable difference in speed—they’re not resource hogs unless you leave them open. But it can clean up your system and remove clutter if Edge’s background processes bother you.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Navigate to Edge’s Directory
- Run the uninstall command
- Restart your computer
Wrap-up
Removing Edge on Windows 11 isn’t impossible, just a little quirky. The Command Prompt method takes a few steps and careful command entry, but it gets the job done. Keep in mind, some Windows features might depend on Edge, so have another browser ready before you go full uninstall mode. If later on you miss it, reinstalling is super easy. Fingers crossed, this does the trick for someone tired of the built-in browser hogging space or just bugging out.