How to Disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 4, 2025

Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11, and while it’s fast and packed with features, not everyone wants to use it. Maybe you prefer Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, or you just don’t like having Edge pop up when opening certain links. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to uninstall Edge completely. But don’t worry—you can disable it or stop it from interfering with your browsing experience. Here’s how.

Why Can’t You Simply Uninstall Microsoft Edge?

Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 11 because it powers certain system components and apps. That’s why there’s no simple “Uninstall” button in the Settings menu. Removing it completely could cause issues with your system. However, you can disable or limit Edge’s influence so it won’t bother you.

Methods to Disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

Here are the best ways to stop Edge from being your default browser and prevent it from launching unnecessarily.

1. Change the Default Browser

The first and easiest step is to set your preferred browser as the default.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.

  3. Scroll down and select your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).

  4. Under each file type (.htm, .html, HTTP, HTTPS), click and change it to your new browser.

This ensures links open in your preferred browser instead of Edge.

2. Disable Microsoft Edge as a Startup App

Edge sometimes launches automatically when Windows starts. Here’s how to stop that:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup tab.

  3. Find Microsoft Edge and click Disable.

Now, Edge won’t start automatically when you log in.

3. Prevent Edge from Preloading in the Background

Even if you don’t open Edge, Windows preloads it to make it launch faster. You can turn this off.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Startup Apps.

  2. Look for Microsoft Edge and turn it off.

Alternatively, you can use Group Policy or Registry Editor for more control (explained below).

4. Use Group Policy to Disable Edge Preloading (Windows 11 Pro)

If you have Windows 11 Pro, you can use Group Policy:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.

  3. Find these two policies:

    • Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup

    • Allow Microsoft Edge to start and load the Start and New Tab page at Windows startup

  4. Set both to Disabled.

This will stop Edge from preloading.

5. Use the Registry Editor (For Home Users)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you can edit the registry:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
    (Create the folder if it doesn’t exist).

  3. Right-click, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  4. Name it:

    • AllowPrelaunch and set the value to 0.

    • AllowTabPreloading and set the value to 0.

Restart your PC, and Edge will no longer preload.

6. Remove Microsoft Edge Using Command Prompt (Not Recommended)

If you still want to remove Edge entirely, you can do it via Command Prompt. Warning: This might cause issues with your system.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, and run as administrator.

  2. Navigate to the Edge installation folder:
    cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\<version>\Installer

  3. Run this command:

    setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall

This will uninstall Edge, but be cautious.

7. Stop Edge from Opening PDF Files

If PDFs keep opening in Edge, change the default PDF app:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.

  2. Search for .pdf and select your preferred app (e.g., Adobe Reader).

Important Note

Disabling Edge will not break your system if done properly, but completely removing it might affect Windows features like Widgets and certain apps that rely on Edge. It’s safer to disable preloading and set another browser as default.

Final Thoughts

While Microsoft wants Edge to be an essential part of Windows 11, you have the freedom to choose your browser. With these steps, you can stop Edge from hogging your resources or taking over your browsing experience without completely breaking your system.

FAQs

1. Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge completely?
Yes, using Command Prompt, but it’s not recommended as it may affect Windows features.

2. Will disabling Edge break my system?
No, as long as you only disable preloading and remove it from startup, your system will work fine.

3. How do I stop Edge from opening PDF files?
Change the default PDF app in Settings > Default apps.

4. Does disabling Edge free up space?
Not significantly. Edge doesn’t take up much disk space.

5. Is there an easier way to stop Edge?
Yes, the easiest method is to change your default browser and disable preloading.

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