How to Remove Microsoft Edge from Your Windows PC Completely

Is Microsoft Edge causing you frustration on your Windows 11 PC? While it's the default browser and part of the Windows 11 update, it is possible to un-install it by following a few steps. This article will guide you through the process of removing Microsoft Edge and preventing its automatic reinstallation.

Understanding Microsoft Edge Removal

Microsoft Edge is a utility software that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. However, if it is causing issues, removing it may be a viable solution. Microsoft made the switch to Chromium-based Edge due to the legacy version's shortcomings. The modern Edge browser is more stable and compatible with most internet content. If you still wish to remove it, here's how you can proceed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator

To remove Microsoft Edge, the first step is to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by right-clicking the Start Menu and selecting 'Command Prompt' (under 'Windows System'). Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose 'Run as administrator'. Note that this method doesn't work with PowerShell or PowerShell 7.

Step 2: Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10

The process to remove Microsoft Edge involves two steps. First, navigate to the correct folder using the following command:

cd PROGRAMFILESX86MicrosoftEdgeApplicationxxInstaller

Replace 'xx' with the current version number of Microsoft Edge installed on your PC. You can find this in Edge's 'About' section. Once you're in the correct folder, enter the following command:

setup --uninstall --force-uninstall --system-level

Microsoft Edge will now be removed from your system. You may still see it in the Start Menu, but it won't open anything and the 'Restore recommended' for web browsing in Settings will be gone.

Step 3: Prevent Microsoft Edge from Reinstalling Automatically

Removing Microsoft Edge is only half the battle. To ensure it doesn't reinstall automatically during future updates, you need to edit the Windows Registry. While editing the registry can be risky, following these steps should help prevent Edge from reinstalling:

Press the Win R keys to open the Run dialog box. Enter 'regedit' and click OK or press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoft

Right-click on the 'Microsoft' folder, select 'New', and then 'Key'. Name the new key 'EdgeUpdate'. Right-click on 'EdgeUpdate', select 'New', and then 'DWORD (32-bit) Value'. Name this new value 'DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium'. Double-click the 'DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium' key value, set the value to 1, and click OK. Close the Registry Editor.

With these steps, Microsoft Edge should no longer automatically reinstall on your PC.

Conclusion

While it may seem like a daunting task to remove Microsoft Edge, with these simple steps, you can successfully uninstall it and prevent its automatic reinstallation. Remember, if you encounter any issues or uncertainties, consulting Microsoft's support resources or reaching out to IT experts can be helpful.

Keywords: Microsoft Edge, Uninstall, Windows Core