Getting rid of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 isn’t technically a nightmare, but it can feel a bit like navigating a minefield. Sometimes, Edge stubbornly stays put even after attempts to ‘uninstall’ it, mainly because it’s baked into the OS in some ways. But if you’re really tired of seeing it hog resources or just want to declutter your system, there are ways to nudge it out of your way—though you might have to get a little creative. This guide walks through some reliable steps—using terminal commands and a bit of folder cleanup—that actually work in most setups. Just keep in mind: Windows has to make it harder than necessary, and sometimes you might need to try a couple of things before it sticks.
Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10
Method 1: Use Command Prompt with Admin Privileges
This is the go-to for most advanced users. It helps because the uninstaller is baked into Edge’s installer package, and running commands as an administrator ensures you’ve got the rights to delete system files. When Edge refuses to be uninstalled via usual methods, this trick often does the job. You’ll only see results if the folder structure is intact, so this isn’t a magic fix for every update or variant.
Here’s what you do: open a Command Prompt (Admin). To do that, right-click the Start menu, select Windows Terminal (Admin), or search for cmd, right-click, and choose “Run as administrator.” Confirm UAC prompts if they pop up. Now, you’ll need to find the folder where Edge is installed. Usually, it’s in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\, but sometimes the version folder varies so that you might need to look around or run a quick search. Use the following command to change directory:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application"If that doesn’t work, just navigate manually via File Explorer to see what’s there. Once you’re in the right folder, run this command:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis instructs the installer to forcibly remove Edge at a system level. Yes, it’s kind of weird, but on many setups, this’ll nuke the browser completely. Be prepared for a quick command-line show—sometimes it takes a minute to process. If it doesn’t, don’t panic; check if Edge is still in your Start menu or taskbar.
Method 2: Manually delete leftover files and shortcuts
If the command line didn’t do the trick, you might have leftover files hanging around. These leftovers can sometimes cause Edge to stubbornly reappear or keep generating updates. Head over to the folders in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge and %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge. Delete those directories, but beware—some files might be protected. You might need to take ownership or run File Explorer as administrator.
Also, check if there are any shortcuts still pointing to Edge in your Desktop or Start Menu. Right-click those and select Delete. Just a quick cleanup—sometimes Windows is sneaky and keeps remnants hidden, which is aggravating.
Additional tip: Using Winaero Tweaker or third-party tools
Another angle is third-party utilities like Winaero Tweaker. They sometimes let you disable or hide Edge without full removal. Not always a perfect substitute, but it can help if you’re just trying to hide it for good or prevent it from auto-starting.
Important notes and what to expect
This approach works best if you haven’t gotten updates that replace or override removal. Microsoft sometimes pushes updates that reinstall Edge or restore components to keep pushing their ecosystem. On some machines, Edge removal might only be partial or require repeated attempts. Also, always have another browser installed beforehand unless you’re comfortable with just using Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Opera, or others. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Tips for removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10
- Backup your data: Always good practice before tinkering with system files. Better safe than sorry.
- Double-check folder paths: Edges can hide in different spots after updates, so a quick folder search can save headaches.
- Stay cautious with commands: A misplaced command can cause more harm than good.
- Consider using PowerShell or third-party scripts: Sometimes scripts available on GitHub or community sites can automate or simplify this process.
- Reinstall if needed: If something goes wrong, just download the official installer from the Microsoft Edge website and install a fresh copy—reinstalling is pretty straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge later?
Of course. Just download it from Microsoft’s official site whenever you want it back. No big deal.
Will deleting Edge break other apps?
Not in most cases, unless some app was heavily reliant on Edge components. Usually, removing it only affects the browser itself.
Is it safe to remove Edge?
If you follow the steps carefully, yeah. Just make sure you’ve got another browser installed first, so you’re not left stranded on the web.
Do I need admin rights?
Yep, for messing around in system folders or executing uninstall commands. Otherwise, it’s a no-go.
What if the folder isn’t there?
If it’s missing, Edge might’ve already been removed or might have been installed somewhere else due to updates. Don’t worry, you can check installed apps or use tools like Windows PowerShell to see if it’s still lurking.
Summary
- Run Command Prompt as administrator to execute uninstall commands.
- Manually delete leftover folders if needed.
- Clean up shortcuts or residual files to fully hide Edge.
- Reinstall from Microsoft if you change your mind later.
Wrap-up
This isn’t exactly a one-click solution, but with a bit of elbow grease, Edge can be removed if it’s just getting in the way. Just remember, Windows really doesn’t want you to fully ditch its default browser, so don’t be surprised if some steps need to be repeated or if updates reinstall parts of it. Still, it feels pretty good to reclaim some control over the system. Worked for me — hope it works for you too.