Getting rid of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 can feel like a bit of a pain, mostly because it’s so baked into the system. It’s not like deleting a normal app — Edge gets integrated into the core OS, which makes removal a little tricky. Still, with some patience, you can do it without breaking your system. This guide walks through some tried-and-true methods—using Command Prompt with admin rights, navigating the folder structure, and even stopping future reinstallation during updates. The goal? To banish Edge at least until Microsoft pulls some magic update that puts it back, which, honestly, usually happens—so be prepared for that. But for now, these steps will help you reclaim some control over what’s running on your machine.
How to Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10
Careful steps for totally nixing Edge on your Windows 10
Open Command Prompt with Admin Privileges
- First, type cmd in the search bar, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Windows needs these permissions because we’re about to make really low-level changes. On some setups, you might need to disable User Account Control prompts or confirm the UAC dialog — depends on how aggressive your security settings are.
Navigate to the Edge Application Folder
- Once in Command Prompt, use the command
cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application"to jump right to the folder where Edge installs itself. If you’ve installed it differently or it’s not there, you might need to check Program Files or Program Files (x86). Sometimes, it’s inC:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application.
Find and note the Edge version folder
- Inside that Application folder, you’ll see folders named after versions like
113.0.1774.48— these are the version numbers. Look for the latest (usually the topmost or newest one), and remember it. On some setups, you might see multiple folders, so pick the latest or the one that matches your installed version.
Time to uninstall Edge
- Navigate into that version’s folder by running
cd 113.0.1774.48(replace with your actual version).Then run:setup.exe --uninstall --force-uninstall --system-levelThis command tells Windows to do a forced uninstall, skipping prompts and making sure Edge gets nuked system-wide. Be aware—on some machines, you need to run this more than once, or it might leave bits behind. After execution, expect some flickering or brief system adjustments, then Edge should be gone.
Stop it from reinstalling during Windows Updates
- Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft or C:\Program Files\Microsoft. Find the folder called
EdgeUpdateand *rename* it, e.g., toEdgeUpdateBackup. This little trick prevents Windows from re-downloading or reinstalling updates that include Edge. It’s kind of weird, but on some updates, Windows just reverts to installing Edge if you don’t do this.
Tips for making this stick and avoiding reinstallation hurdles
- Before messing around, back up your important files—because messing with system folders always has some risk.
- Double-check command syntax. A typo in
setup.exe --uninstallcan leave you scratching your head. - If the commands fail or Edge isn’t gone, try rebooting and running the uninstall commands again. Sometimes they only work after a restart.
- Have a fallback browser ready. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary to ditch Edge.
- After everything, keep an eye on updates — check if Edge pops back after system upgrades. You might need to do this process again after big Windows updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Edge later if I change my mind?
Definitely. Just head over to the official Microsoft Edge download page and grab the installer. It’s not a big deal to put it back if you need to.
Will removing Edge break other Microsoft programs?
Generally no, but keep in mind that some Windows features or apps might expect it to be there. No harm, but don’t be surprised if some notifications suggest reinstalling or repairing it. Still, most of the time, other apps keep chugging without Edge.
Is it safe to run these commands?
As long as you copy-paste exactly what’s written and understand what it does — it’s safe. But if you’re not used to Command Prompt or system folders, maybe ask around or look for more guidance. Messing with system components always carries some risk, so proceed carefully.
What happens to my bookmarks and browsing data?
They’re stored locally, so uninstalling Edge will delete them unless you export or sync them elsewhere first. Kind of a pain if you didn’t back things up beforehand.
Can third-party tools really remove Edge?
They can, but they’re not always reliable or trustworthy. Manual methods like this tend to be safer — just be careful about what you download and run.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator
- Navigate to the Edge Application folder
- Identify your installed Edge version
- Run the uninstall command inside that version folder
- Rename the EdgeUpdate folder to block reinstallation
Wrap-up
Removing Edge from Windows 10 isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s doable if you follow the steps carefully. Just remember, Edge is deeply woven into Windows, so you might need to run these steps again after updates or reboots. Still, for those who really want it gone, this approach offers a decent shot at making it happen. Keep backups handy and don’t rush it. Fingers crossed, this saves someone a few headaches with unwanted updates or clutter.