Don’t like or want to use the Edge browser? This article shows how to uninstall the Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 11.
As most of you already know, Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11. Compared to older browsers like Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge is miles ahead in terms of features, compatibility with new web technologies, ease of use, and more. Most of all, the Edge browser is better at
One of the main reasons for this is that the new Microsoft Edge is built on the open-source Chromium project, the same tech used in Google Chrome.
As good as the new Microsoft Edge browser is, you might not like it or don’t want to use it.
If you no longer wish to use the Microsoft Edge browser on your Windows 11 computer, you can easily uninstall it. Uninstalling the browser will remove it from your computer and free up space on your hard drive. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on uninstalling the Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 11. Follow these steps to easily remove the browser from your system and choose a different one to use instead.
Table of contents:
- Install an alternate browser
- How to uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Install an alternate browser
Before uninstalling the Edge browser in Windows 11, it is recommended that you install an alternate web browser like Chrome or Firefox. That way, you can continue to browse the web without any interruptions. Otherwise, you will have no software to browse the internet.
Important note: This method of uninstalling the Microsoft Edge browser may not work for all versions of Windows 11. Additionally, uninstalling the Microsoft Edge browser may cause issues with other applications or system functions that depend on it. It is recommended that you proceed with caution and consider ignoring the browser instead.
How to uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 11. This means that it cannot be uninstalled through the “Apps -> Installed Apps” page like other programs. However, it can still be uninstalled using the terminal.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Edge browser.
- Click the “Menu” (…) on the address bar.
- Choose the “Help and feedback” option.
- Choose the “About Microsoft Edge” option.
- Copy the version number at the top.
- Close the Edge browser.
- Press “Win + R.”
- Type the below path while replacing the “VersionNumber” with the one you noted earlier.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\VersionNumber\Installer - Hold shift and right-click in the folder.
- Choose the “Open in Terminal” option.
- Run the below command.
./setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall - Click “Yes” in the UAC prompt.
- With that, you’ve uninstalled Microsoft Edge in Windows 11.
- Close the Terminal window.
- Reboot Windows 11.
Steps with more details:
First, we need to find the currently install Microsoft Edge version. This is because Edge uses folders with version numbers. To get the installed Edge version, click the “Menu” icon on the top right corner and select the “Help and feedback -> About Microsoft Edge” option.
You will see the version number under the “Microsoft Edge” heading. Copy it to the clipboard or note it down.
Now, press the “Win + R” shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Type the below path in the blank field and press the “Ok” button. Remember to replace “VersionNumber” with the actual Edge version number you got from the above step.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\VersionNumber\InstallerHold the “Shift” key and right-click in this folder. Choose “Open in Terminal” from the context menu.
In the terminal window, run the below command. It will force uninstall the Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 11.
./setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
As soon as you run the command, Windows 11 might show the UAC (User Access Control) prompt. Press the “Yes” button to continue.
Windows 11 will now uninstall the Edge browser.
You can safely close the Terminal window. Reboot Windows 11, and you are done.
With that, you’ve successfully removed the Microsoft Edge browser from the Windows 11 operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Uninstalling or removing a built-in browser like Microsoft Edge is bound to have a few questions. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Yes, you can uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 using the Terminal. I’ve provided step-by-step instructions above on how to do that. Follow them.
Yes, it is safe to remove Edge from Windows 11. However, since it is a built-in browser, it is recommended that you install another web browser before uninstalling Edge.
In most cases, removing Edge doesn’t cause any issues. However, if there is a specific function that requires Microsoft Edge, it might cause compatibility problems. That being said, those kinds of issues are pretty rare.
It does work in all the current (v22H1/v22H2) and older versions of Windows 11. However, there is no guarantee that it will work in future versions. This is because Microsoft might change or remove the uninstall capability.
If the Edge browser is running in the background or there are pending Windows Updates, the Edge browser might not be uninstalled. So, ensure the system is up to date, end Edge processes in the Task Manager, and try the command again.
You might see a few Microsoft Edge processes running in the background even after uninstalling Edge. Don’t worry; these processes are related to “WebView2 runtime,” and it is used by Windows and other installed applications to display web content. You cannot uninstall WebView2 in Windows 11.
—
That is all. It is that simple to remove Microsoft Edge in Windows 11.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
