How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 13, 2025

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 11, and while it’s fast and secure, not everyone wants to use it. Maybe you prefer Chrome, Firefox, or Brave, or you simply want to remove bloatware. Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t make uninstalling Edge straightforward — but don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 step by step, plus give you alternative solutions if a full uninstall isn’t possible.

Let’s dive in!

Why You Might Want to Remove Microsoft Edge

Here are a few common reasons users uninstall Edge:

  • Personal Preference: You just prefer another browser.

  • Reduce Clutter: Free up space and keep your system clean.

  • Privacy Concerns: Avoid Microsoft’s browser data collection.

  • Stop Automatic Launching: Edge sometimes opens links by default, even if you set another browser as default.

Important Note Before You Start

Microsoft Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 11. Removing it completely can sometimes break certain features, like widgets or Microsoft Store links. If you just want to stop Edge from opening automatically, consider disabling it rather than uninstalling.

Step 1: Check If You Can Uninstall Edge Normally

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.

  3. Scroll down and find Microsoft Edge.

  4. See if there’s an Uninstall button.

🔎 In most cases, you won’t see the uninstall button for Edge. If you do, click it and follow the prompts — you’re done! If not, move to the next steps.

Step 2: Uninstall Edge Using Command Prompt

If the uninstall option is missing, you can manually remove Edge using its setup file:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type this and press Enter:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application

  3. Look for a folder with the version number (like 124.0.2478.51). Open it.

  4. Inside, open the Installer folder.

  5. Click the address bar of File Explorer, type cmd, and press Enter — this opens Command Prompt in that folder.

  6. Copy and paste this command and hit Enter:

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

  7. Wait for the process to finish. Microsoft Edge should now be removed.

Step 3: Remove Leftover Files (Optional)

To clean up leftover Edge files:

  1. Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%, and hit Enter.

  2. Delete any folder named MicrosoftEdge or Edge.

  3. Open File Explorer and go to:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\

    Delete the Edge folder if it still exists.

Step 4: Disable Edge Updates (Optional)

Even after uninstalling, Windows Update might reinstall Edge. To stop that:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Find Microsoft Edge Update Service (edgeupdate).

  3. Right-click > Properties.

  4. Change Startup type to Disabled.

  5. Repeat for Microsoft Edge Update Service (edgeupdatem).

Alternative: Just Disable Edge (If You Don’t Want to Break Windows)

If you don’t want to risk removing Edge entirely:

  • Change Default Browser:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.

    • Set Chrome, Firefox, or your preferred browser as the default for all file types.

  • Block Edge with Third-Party Tools:
    Apps like EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect force Windows to open links in your default browser instead of Edge.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If Edge comes back after a Windows Update, repeat the uninstall steps.

  • If something in Windows breaks (like widgets or settings links), reinstall Edge from the Microsoft Edge Website.

  • Run SFC /scannow in Command Prompt if you face system issues after uninstalling.

Safety Tips Before Removing Edge

  • Create a System Restore Point: Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Configure Restore Point and create one, so you can roll back if something goes wrong.

  • Backup Bookmarks: Export your Edge bookmarks first (Settings > Favorites > Export).

Conclusion

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 isn’t as simple as removing other apps, but with the right steps, it’s absolutely possible. Whether you remove it completely via Command Prompt or just disable it and use a different default browser, you can take back control of your browsing experience.

Remember — if you ever change your mind, reinstalling Edge is as easy as downloading it from Microsoft’s official site.

FAQs

1. Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can download it again from Microsoft’s official website and reinstall it.

2. Will uninstalling Edge break Windows 11?
Not usually, but some features like Widgets or system links may stop working properly.

3. Does Windows Update reinstall Edge?
Yes, in some cases. Disabling Edge Update services helps prevent this.

4. Can I just hide Edge instead of uninstalling it?
Yes — you can remove shortcuts and set another browser as default without removing Edge completely.

5. Is using third-party uninstallers safe?
Some advanced uninstallers work, but use them carefully — they may remove more than necessary.

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