How To Uninstall Microsoft Edge : Deleting Microsoft Edge Browser Permanently

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If you are wondering how to uninstall microsoft edge from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, the process is not as straightforward as removing other apps. Microsoft Edge uninstalls via Windows Settings, though system integration may require extra steps because it is deeply embedded into the operating system. This guide will walk you through every method, from the simple Settings approach to using command-line tools, ensuring you can remove Edge completely if you choose.

Many users find Edge pre-installed and prefer other browsers like Chrome or Firefox. While you cannot permanently delete Edge using the standard uninstaller in older Windows versions, newer updates have made it possible with a few tweaks. Below, we cover all the reliable ways to get rid of it, including precautions to avoid breaking system functions.

How To Uninstall Microsoft Edge

Before you start, understand that Edge is tied to Windows features like PDF viewing and web-based help. Removing it might affect these, but you can usually install alternatives. The methods below work for both Edge Legacy (the old version) and the new Chromium-based Edge.

Method 1: Uninstall Via Windows Settings

This is the most common method for standard applications. However, Edge might not appear in the list if it is the default browser.

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps (or Apps & features).
  3. Scroll down or search for “Microsoft Edge” in the list.
  4. Click on the three dots next to Edge and select Uninstall.
  5. Confirm the prompt. If the option is grayed out, proceed to Method 2.

If Edge does not show up, it might be hidden. Try the next method to access it via the Start menu.

Method 2: Uninstall From Start Menu

Sometimes the Settings app hides Edge. The Start menu offers a quicker route.

  • Click the Start button (Windows icon).
  • Type “Microsoft Edge” in the search bar.
  • Right-click on the Edge icon that appears.
  • Select Uninstall from the context menu.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

This method often works when Settings fails. If you still see an error, your system may have restrictions.

Method 3: Using PowerShell To Force Uninstall

For stubborn installations, PowerShell commands can remove Edge completely. This method requires admin rights.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type the following command to list installed packages:

    Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftEdge* | Select Name, PackageFullName
  3. Copy the full package name from the output.
  4. Run this command to remove Edge:

    Remove-AppxPackage -Package "PACKAGEFULLNAME"
  5. Replace “PACKAGEFULLNAME” with the actual name you copied.
  6. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.

This removes Edge for the current user. To remove it for all users, use the -AllUsers parameter. Note that this might not delete Edge completely if it is a system component.

Method 4: Uninstall Via Command Prompt

If PowerShell is blocked, Command Prompt can do the job with a different approach.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type: cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application
  • Find the version folder (e.g., 100.0.1185.50) and type: cd VERSIONNUMBER
  • Run: setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
  • Press Enter. This triggers the built-in uninstaller.

This method is more reliable for Chromium Edge. It bypasses the Windows Store restrictions.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Uninstallers

Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller can remove Edge and its leftovers. They scan for residual files and registry entries.

  1. Download and install a trusted uninstaller tool.
  2. Launch the program and find Microsoft Edge in the list.
  3. Select it and click Uninstall.
  4. Let the tool run the built-in uninstaller first.
  5. After that, it will scan for leftover files and registry keys.
  6. Delete all detected items to ensure a clean removal.

Be cautious with third-party tools. Only download from official sources to avoid malware.

Method 6: Uninstall Edge From Windows 11

Windows 11 has made Edge even more integrated. However, you can still remove it using the same principles.

  • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  • Search for “Edge”. If it appears, click the three dots and uninstall.
  • If not, use PowerShell or Command Prompt as described above.
  • For Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, Edge might be listed under “System components”.
  • You can also use the winget command: winget uninstall "Microsoft Edge"

The winget command is a built-in package manager that often works when other methods fail.

Method 7: Uninstall Edge Via Registry Edit

Editing the Windows Registry can remove Edge’s installation entries. This is advanced and risky.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
  3. Look for a key named “Microsoft Edge” or similar.
  4. Right-click it and select Delete.
  5. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This does not uninstall Edge itself but removes it from the Programs list. The files remain on your system. Use this only if other methods fail.

Method 8: Uninstall Edge Using The Installer

You can download the Edge installer from Microsoft’s website and use it to uninstall.

  • Go to the official Microsoft Edge download page.
  • Download the installer for your system.
  • Run the installer and look for an option like “Remove” or “Uninstall”.
  • If not visible, run the installer with the command: MicrosoftEdgeSetup.exe --uninstall

This method is useful if Edge is corrupted and won’t uninstall normally.

Method 9: Uninstall Edge Via Group Policy

For Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy to prevent Edge from reinstalling.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge
  3. Enable the policy “Allow uninstallation of Microsoft Edge”.
  4. Set it to Enabled.
  5. Apply changes and restart. Then try uninstalling via Settings.

This policy might not be available in all versions. If missing, use the registry equivalent.

Method 10: Uninstall Edge On MacOS

If you are on a Mac, the process is simpler. Edge is not a system component there.

  • Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
  • Find Microsoft Edge and drag it to the Trash.
  • Alternatively, right-click and select Move to Trash.
  • Empty the Trash to complete removal.

You can also use a third-party uninstaller like AppCleaner to remove leftover files.

Method 11: Uninstall Edge Using The Microsoft Edge Blocker Toolkit

Microsoft provides a toolkit for IT admins to block Edge updates or remove it. This is for enterprise environments.

  1. Download the Microsoft Edge Blocker Toolkit from the official site.
  2. Extract the files and run the script as administrator.
  3. Choose the option to block or remove Edge.
  4. Follow the prompts. This tool can also prevent Edge from reinstalling.

This method is overkill for home users but works well in corporate settings.

Method 12: Uninstall Edge Using The Windows Update Troubleshooter

Sometimes Edge is stuck due to update issues. Running the troubleshooter can fix it.

  • Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  • Let it scan and apply fixes.
  • After that, try uninstalling Edge again using Method 1 or 2.

This is a long shot but can resolve underlying problems.

Method 13: Uninstall Edge Using Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, which can bypass restrictions.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  4. After restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
  6. Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling Edge via Settings or PowerShell.

Safe Mode prevents Edge from running, making removal easier.

Method 14: Uninstall Edge Using A System Restore Point

If you want to go back to a time before Edge was installed, use System Restore.

  • Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu.
  • Click System Restore and choose a point before Edge was installed.
  • Follow the wizard to revert your system.

This removes Edge along with any other changes made after that date. Backup your files first.

Method 15: Uninstall Edge Using A Clean Windows Install

As a last resort, reinstalling Windows will remove Edge completely. This is drastic but effective.

  1. Backup all important data to an external drive.
  2. Create a Windows installation USB using the Media Creation Tool.
  3. Boot from the USB and choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
  4. Delete all partitions and install Windows fresh.

This gives you a clean system without Edge, but you lose all installed programs.

What Happens After Uninstalling Edge?

After removal, some features may stop working. Here is what to expect:

  • PDF files might open in a different app or prompt you to install a reader.
  • Web links from Windows apps (like Mail) may open in your default browser.
  • Edge-specific features like “Read Aloud” or “Collections” are gone.
  • Windows updates might reinstall Edge automatically in the future.

To prevent reinstallation, you can block Edge updates via Group Policy or registry edits. However, Microsoft may push Edge back with major updates.

How To Prevent Edge From Reinstalling

If you want to keep Edge off your system, take these steps:

  1. Disable Edge update services: Open Services (services.msc), find “Microsoft Edge Update Service” and set it to Disabled.
  2. Block Edge in the registry: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate and create a DWORD named DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium with value 1.
  3. Use a third-party tool to block Windows Update from reinstalling Edge.

Note that these methods might not work indefinitely. Microsoft regularly updates Windows to reinstall Edge.

Common Issues When Uninstalling Edge

Users often encounter these problems:

  • “This app is part of Windows and cannot be uninstalled” – This means Edge is a system component. Use PowerShell or the installer method.
  • Uninstall button is grayed out – Run the uninstaller from the Start menu or use command-line tools.
  • Edge reappears after update – Block the update service or use Group Policy.
  • Error code 0x80070005 – This indicates permission issues. Run the uninstaller as administrator.

Most problems are solved by using the PowerShell method with admin rights.

Alternatives To Uninstalling Edge

If you cannot remove Edge, consider these options:

  • Set another browser as default and ignore Edge.
  • Hide Edge from the taskbar and Start menu.
  • Disable Edge from running in the background via Settings.
  • Use a script to block Edge from opening links.

These workarounds let you keep Edge without using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge completely?

Yes, but it requires advanced methods like PowerShell or third-party tools. Standard uninstall may not work due to system integration.

Will uninstalling Edge break Windows?

No, but some features like PDF viewing and web-based help may stop working. You can install alternative apps for these functions.

How do I uninstall Edge if the option is grayed out?

Use the Command Prompt method with the --force-uninstall flag or PowerShell commands. These bypass the grayed-out button.

Does uninstalling Edge remove my bookmarks and passwords?

Yes, uninstalling Edge deletes local data. Backup your bookmarks by exporting them to HTML before removal.

Can I reinstall Edge after uninstalling it?

Yes, you can download it from the Microsoft website or reinstall via Windows Update. It may reappear automatically with updates.

Now you have all the tools to remove Edge from your system. Choose the method that fits your skill level and needs. Remember to backup important data before making system changes. If you encounter errors, try the PowerShell method first—it works for most users. Good luck with your uninstallation.