Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 is kind of a pain, mainly because it’s woven into the OS pretty deeply. Most folks want to get rid of it because they prefer other browsers, or maybe Edge keeps bothering them with updates or redirects. Doing this isn’t as simple as hitting “Uninstall” — you’ve got to get into the command line and run some commands. But if it’s worth a shot, here’s a rough way to do it, especially if Edge keeps popping up and messing with your flow. Just a heads up, on some systems it might be a bit finicky — sometimes you’ll run into permissions issues or Edge will hold on tight, so be ready for some trial and error.
How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 10
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
The first hurdle is launching Command Prompt with admin rights. You need this because Windows tightly controls system apps like Edge, and standard permissions won’t cut it. Just type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. If you’re on a newer Windows setup, you might hit a User Account Control prompt, so give it permission. This is the step where many get stuck if they don’t run the shell elevated, so make sure it’s admin mode.
Navigate to the Edge Installation Directory
Next, you need to find where Edge is hiding — usually in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application. If you want to see what’s really there, first do a dir command in the directory and see what folders pop up, especially since Edge updates itself pretty often. Use the command: cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application"
On some machines, the path might be slightly different, or you might have multiple version folders — just navigate until you find the actual current version folder. This is important because the uninstallation command will usually reference that specific folder.
Identify the Installed Edge Version
Once inside, type dir. You should see folders named with version numbers, like 92.0.902.67 or whatever’s current. Knowing this version number is crucial because the uninstall command often needs it. Sometimes, just running setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall in that folder does the trick. But on other setups, you might need to specify a full path or a slightly different command to force it out.
Be aware that the syntax should include double dashes (–) and correct flags; Windows sometimes throws errors if syntax isn’t perfect. Honestly, it’s a bit of trial and error—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Uninstall Microsoft Edge
If you’ve navigated correctly and found the setup.exe, execute the command: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\
This forces Windows to unload Edge completely. Sometimes, it takes a reboot afterward for everything to settle, especially if Edge refuses to go quietly. On some setups, the command might just hang or say it can’t find the file — if that’s the case, double-check the folder paths and version info, or try re-running Command Prompt as admin. Insider tip: Make sure all Edge windows are closed before running this—else, the process might balk or fail.
Restart Your PC
Once the uninstall command runs without errors, reboot your computer. Why? Because Windows can be stubborn, and lingering Edge processes or cached files sometimes prevent complete removal. After restart, search for Edge — if it’s gone, you’re good. If not, maybe try again or check for leftover files in C:\Users\
Tips for Uninstalling Edge on Windows 10
- Close all Edge tabs and windows before starting — an open Edge process can block uninstallation.
- Back up your data or bookmarks from Edge, just in case you want to switch back later.
- If commands aren’t working, double-check your paths — Windows loves to hide or move things around after updates.
- Some apps or features might break if they rely on Edge’s WebView component, so keep that in mind.
- Remember, if you want Edge back, just download it from Microsoft’s official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I uninstall Edge through Programs & Features?
Because it’s embedded into Windows, Microsoft built it so you typically can’t just uninstall it like a normal app. That’s why you need native tools like PowerShell or Command Prompt, and sometimes, more advanced hacks.
Can I remove Edge without breaking anything?
Mostly, but beware — some Windows components or apps rely on Edge WebView. If you remove Edge completely, certain features might break or behave unexpectedly. It’s a risk, but for many people, it’s manageable.
What if I want it back later?
Easy: just download it again from Microsoft and install. No magic needed on your end — Microsoft makes it pretty straightforward to reinstall Edge.
Is using Command Prompt risky?
It can be, especially if you type commands wrong. Always double-check what you’re running — a typo can mess up your system in nasty ways. But if you follow the instructions carefully, it should be fine.
Will removing Edge speed up my PC?
Probably not. Edge isn’t a giant resource hog, and removing it only saves a little disk space — unless Edge kept crashing or causing issues, then maybe. The real speed boost usually comes from other cleanup tasks.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Navigate to the Edge Application folder
- Find the current version folder
- Run the uninstall command with proper flags
- Reboot your PC and check if Edge’s gone
Wrap-up
Getting rid of Edge isn’t totally straightforward because of how integrated it is, but with a little patience and some command line magic, it’s doable. Just be careful, follow each step, and expect some trial and error. If it works, great — if not, maybe give it another shot later or explore alternatives like Edge Canary or legacy builds. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a bit of hassle down the line.