Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed with Windows 11 as the default web browser. While it’s fast and feature-rich, many users prefer alternatives like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not make uninstalling Edge straightforward, especially since it’s integrated into the system.
This guide will walk you through safe and effective ways to uninstall or disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.
Can You Uninstall Microsoft Edge Normally?
Not exactly. Edge is considered a core part of Windows 11, so it doesn’t appear in the traditional “Uninstall a program” list for easy removal. However, you can:
-
Remove or roll back Edge manually
-
Disable it and use another browser
-
Change your default browser
Why Remove Microsoft Edge?
-
Free up space (minor)
-
Prefer a different browser
-
Avoid duplicate apps
-
Reduce background processes
Method 1 – Change Default Browser Instead of Uninstalling
Before fully uninstalling, you might just want to stop using Edge.
-
Press Win + I to open Settings.
-
Go to Apps > Default apps.
-
Select your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
-
Set it as default for .htm, .html, HTTP, and HTTPS.
Method 2 – Uninstall Edge Using Command Prompt (Works for Legacy Versions)
For some builds, you can remove Edge manually.
-
Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
-
Type:
(Replace
<version>with the folder number you find there, e.g., 115.0.1901.200) -
Then type:
-
Press Enter and restart your PC.
Method 3 – Use PowerShell to Remove Edge
-
Open PowerShell as Administrator.
-
Run the following command:
-
Wait for the process to complete.
Method 4 – Disable Edge Instead of Uninstalling
If you can’t uninstall it fully:
-
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
-
Search Microsoft Edge.
-
Select Modify or Advanced options.
-
Turn off background permissions.
Method 5 – Use Third-Party Tools (Caution)
Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller may help remove stubborn apps, but use them carefully as they can affect system stability.
How to Stop Edge from Opening Automatically
-
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
-
Go to Startup apps.
-
Disable Microsoft Edge.
What Happens If You Uninstall Microsoft Edge?
-
Windows may revert to using Edge for system-level tasks.
-
Some apps may still open links via Edge unless you change the default browser.
-
Windows updates may reinstall it.
Is It Safe to Uninstall Edge?
Generally, yes — but removing it completely may cause minor system quirks. Disabling or replacing it as your default browser is safer.
How to Reinstall Microsoft Edge (If Needed)
-
Visit the official Microsoft Edge download page.
-
Download and reinstall the latest version.
Troubleshooting: Edge Keeps Coming Back After Updates?
-
Windows updates may reinstall Edge automatically.
-
You can use Group Policy Editor (Pro version only) to block its reinstallation.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as removing other apps because Microsoft has integrated it deeply into the system. However, you can either uninstall it using Command Prompt or PowerShell, or simply disable it and set your preferred browser as default for a hassle-free experience.
FAQs
1. Can I fully remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?
Yes, using Command Prompt or PowerShell, but it may reinstall after major updates.
2. Will uninstalling Edge break my system?
No, but some system features may still rely on it.
3. Is disabling Edge better than uninstalling?
Yes, it’s safer and avoids potential system issues.
4. Can I block Edge from reinstalling?
Partially, using Group Policy or disabling automatic updates (not recommended for most users).
5. Does removing Edge free up a lot of space?
Not much — around a few hundred MBs at most.