How to Permanently Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 via PowerShell

If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed that Microsoft Edge is deeply integrated into the system. For many users, Edge works perfectly fine as a browser. But if you prefer Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Opera, you might be wondering:

“Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 completely?”

The short answer: Yes, you can—but it takes a little work. Microsoft doesn’t make it easy, since Edge is tied into several system functions. However, with the right PowerShell commands, you can remove Edge permanently (or at least stop it from popping back up).

This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it safely.

Table of Contents

Why Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?

Here are some common reasons why users want to uninstall Edge:

Preference: You already use another browser and don’t want Edge cluttering your system.
Performance: Fewer background processes mean less RAM and CPU usage.
Privacy: Some users don’t like Microsoft tracking through Edge.
Declutter: Keep your Start menu and system clean.

Think of it like removing a default app from your smartphone—if you never use it, why keep it?

Can You Really Uninstall Edge?

Before we dive in, here’s the reality:

Microsoft doesn’t allow uninstalling Edge through regular settings.
If you go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, you’ll notice Edge has no uninstall button.
Even if you manage to remove it, Windows Updates may reinstall Edge during system updates.

That’s where PowerShell comes in—allowing us to bypass normal restrictions.

Different Methods to Remove Edge

There are a few approaches, depending on how “permanent” you want it:

Using PowerShell (most effective) – Uninstalls Microsoft Edge from your system.
Renaming/Deleting Edge folders – Prevents the app from launching, but risky.
Disabling Edge via Group Policy – Stops it from opening automatically.
Third-party uninstall tools – Can remove Edge, but may not be safe or reliable.

This guide focuses on PowerShell, since it’s the cleanest method.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Permanently Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 via PowerShell

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

Press Win + S to open search.
Type PowerShell.
Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.

💡 You need admin rights, or the commands won’t work.

Step 2: Check Microsoft Edge Installation Folder

Edge installs in a system folder. We need to confirm where it is.

By default, Edge lives here:

Inside, you’ll see a version number folder (like 116.0.1938.81).

Step 3: Navigate to the Installer Folder

In PowerShell, type:

🔹 Replace <version> with the actual version number you see.

Example:

Step 4: Run the Uninstall Command

Now enter this command:

What this does:

–uninstall → Removes Edge.
–system-level → Applies to all users on the system.
–verbose-logging → Provides details.
–force-uninstall → Ignores restrictions.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After running the command, restart your PC.

Edge should now be completely gone.
Search for it in the Start menu—it won’t appear.

What If Edge Comes Back After Windows Update?

Here’s the catch: Windows Updates sometimes reinstall Edge.

How to Prevent Reinstallation:

Open Registry Editor (Win + R → type regedit).
Navigate to:

Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value:
- Name: DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium
- Value: 1

This tells Windows not to force Edge updates.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause problems. Always back up your registry first.

Alternative Method: Rename the Edge Folder

If PowerShell doesn’t work or Edge keeps coming back, another trick is to rename Edge’s installation folder.

Go to:

Find the folder named:

Rename it to something like:

This prevents Windows from launching Edge, but updates might restore it.

Risks of Removing Microsoft Edge

Before you uninstall, keep these in mind:

Some Windows features rely on Edge, like Help menus or certain widgets.
System updates may fail or reinstall Edge automatically.
If something breaks, you may need to reinstall Edge manually.

So, only remove Edge if you’re confident you won’t need it.

Reinstalling Microsoft Edge (If Needed)

If you change your mind, you can reinstall Edge easily:

Go to the official Microsoft Edge download page.
Download the latest installer.
Run the setup and reinstall Edge.

Table: Pros and Cons of Removing Edge

Pros	Cons
Frees up space and memory usage	May cause issues with Windows apps
Cleaner Start menu experience	Updates may reinstall Edge
No unwanted browser pop-ups	Some features won’t work properly
More control over your system	Advanced tweaks required (registry)

Key Takeaways

You can permanently remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 using PowerShell.
Use the command:

To stop Windows from reinstalling Edge, tweak the registry settings.
Alternative methods include renaming Edge’s folder or using third-party tools.
Removing Edge has pros and cons—decide if it’s worth it for your setup.

Conclusion

Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to uninstall Edge—but with PowerShell, it’s completely possible. Whether you want to free up space, improve performance, or just avoid clutter, now you know the exact steps to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 permanently.

Just remember:

Keep your registry backed up.
Be prepared for Windows updates trying to reinstall Edge.
If something breaks, you can always reinstall Edge later.

So, go ahead—take control of your PC and make it truly yours. 🚀

FAQs

1. Is it safe to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?
Yes, but some system features may not work correctly.

2. Will Windows updates reinstall Edge?
Yes, unless you block updates via the Registry.

3. Can I remove Edge without PowerShell?
Not fully—only PowerShell or folder renaming can uninstall it.

4. How much space do I save by removing Edge?
Roughly 400–600 MB depending on version.

5. Can I reinstall Edge later if I need it?
Yes, simply download it from Microsoft’s official website.