Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Microsoft’s made sure it’s tightly woven into the OS, so doing this involves some command-line wizardry. Still, if you’re dead set on ditching it, this guide covers the essentials. Just a heads-up: messing with built-in system components isn’t without risks — like, you could cause unexpected weirdness. But if you follow the steps carefully, it’s possible to do it safely. Expect that after this, you’ll have a little more control over your system, and maybe save some space or focus solely on your preferred browser.
How to Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
This process involves using the Command Prompt to uninstall Edge. Because of course, Windows has to make it more complicated than pulling up a browser to remove another. Here’s what you’ll need to do—no fancy tools, just some careful commands. You might need to re-download Edge later if you ever change your mind, or use workarounds to restore it, but for now, let’s focus on the removal.
Open Command Prompt with Admin rights
- Hit the Start Menu and type “cmd”.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. This step is crucial because uninstallation commands need elevated privileges. Otherwise, they’ll just throw permission errors, and you’ll be stuck.
When you open it as admin, the console’s prompt will be ready to accept the big guns. This method is often needed because Windows locks down certain parts of system apps, including Edge.
Find the correct Edge version and go to its installer folder
- Type in the following command:
cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\VERSION\Installer"
Replace VERSION with the current version number of Edge installed on your PC.
Finding that version isn’t hard—just open Edge, click the three dots in the top right corner, go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. It shows the version number there, like 118.0.2068.… if you’re wondering.
On some setups, you might need to go digging deeper into the folder structure, but generally, this is where the installer lives after install.
Uninstall Microsoft Edge with the command
- Once in the right directory, type:
setup --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
This forces Windows to remove Edge completely. The --force-uninstall flag is there because Edge’s still technically part of the OS, and sometimes it fights back. People have reported that on some machines, it’ll take a couple of tries or a reboot for everything to stick, so don’t be surprised if it’s a little stubborn.
Reboot and check if Edge is really gone
- Restart the computer — yes, a reboot is always the final step for system changes to fully apply. Sometimes, you might need to do this a couple of times, just to be sure nothing’s left hiding.
- After reboot, search for Edge in the Start menu. If it doesn’t come up and isn’t listed in your default apps, then you’re good. If it still appears, try clearing your cache or default app settings.
Be aware that some shortcuts or system functions could still call Edge, depending on what’s installed. You might see some prompts asking to reinstall, or links opening in the browser that was left behind.
Tips for Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
- If you’re feeling squeamish about Command Prompt, consider just disabling Edge or setting another browser as default. Some third-party tools claim to remove or hide Edge more easily, but tread carefully — lots of them can do more harm than good.
- Always back up your system or create a restore point before diving into these commands. Because, of course, Windows loves to do weird things when you tinker
- Keep your OS updated; you might run into compatibility issues after removal if your system updates itself.
- Check if Edge has updated itself recently—sometimes, newer versions break removal attempts until you patch or update things manually.
- Avoid installing Edge updates manually after removal; Windows might try reinstating it in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after uninstalling it?
Absolutely, just grab the installer from the Microsoft Edge download page and run it. It should restore the app if you need it later, though you might have to reconfigure some default settings.
Will removing Edge break anything?
For the most part, no. Edge is deeply built-in, but Windows has dependencies that might cause some system features or links to malfunction or fallback to fallback browsers. Still, most core functions should keep working, just with less clutter.
Is it safe to remove Edge?
If you follow the steps carefully, it’s generally okay — but keep in mind, it’s a core component of system UI. Removing it might sometimes trigger unexpected behaviors or system warnings. So, be prepared for some trial and error.
How do I set another default browser?
Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps, find your preferred browser, and set it as the default. Some browsers might prompt you to set their app as default after install.
Can I remove Edge without Command Prompt?
Kind of tricky. Because Edge’s part of the OS, most removal methods require command-line tools. Some third-party tools claim to do it, but they can be risky — not always worth the hassle.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Navigate to the Edge installer folder using
cd. - Run the uninstall command:
setup --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall. - Restart your PC.
- Check if Edge is gone from the Start menu.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of Edge isn’t something you should take lightly, but if you’re tired of the bloat or just prefer another browser, these steps help you chop it out. Not everything may go perfectly at first — system quirks are part of the process — but with patience, it’s doable. Just remember: Windows keeps trying to protect its core features, so keep a backup handy in case something weird happens. Fingers crossed this helps someone trim down their setup and get more out of their system without Edge getting in the way.