Microsoft Edge is the default web browser of Windows. While it has a fair share of fans around the world, not many PC users care about it.
Instead, they switch to other web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. We’re talking about those users who, as soon as they finish installing Windows on their computers, the first thing they do is launch Edge to download another web browser.
That won’t stop Microsoft from trying to set up Edge as the standard web browser, which can be incredibly humble. However, you may notice this problem if you uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer.
Before you proceed, you should be aware that removing Edge is not recommended. Microsoft has incorporated Edge into many parts of its operating system, making Edge a key component of Windows 10.
As a result, you may experience system compatibility issues after disabling your Microsoft-owned web browser. Caution is advised.
Also, it is a good idea to create a system restore point on Windows 10. It will allow you to restore the operating system to a safe checkpoint if you start to experience stability issues after removing Edge .
How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge
If you are wondering how to disable Microsoft Edge, you will know that it largely depends on how it was installed on your device.
Unfortunately, Microsoft is making it more challenging to get rid of Edge by updating the legacy version to Chromium-powered edition.
There are several ways to get rid of it, which we explain in the steps below.
1. Remove Microsoft Edge using the default Windows installer
Before you try a more detailed approach, start by trying out the integrated Windows installer to remove Microsoft Edge.
- Right-click the Windows 10 Start Menu and select Apps and Features
- Click on the Search this list box and type Margin
- Choose Microsoft Edge, click on the Uninstall button, and proceed with the move steps
If you can’t remove Edge because the Uninstall button locked out, it means you don’t have the Chromium version of Edge. This method will not work, so you can proceed to the next solution.
2. Use a software installer
You can choose from many free software installers to remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 PC. These are tools specifically designed to completely uninstall programs, including leftover files, folders, and registers.
Take Revo Uninstaller, for example. It has a feature called Force Uninstall, which allows you to remove applications that do not appear in the list of installed programs. You need to point it to a file that belongs to Edge.
3. Use Command Prompt
If you are wondering how to remove Microsoft Edge from your PC if it does not appear in the list of installed programs but you do not want to switch to third-party installers, you can use Command Prompt to disable Edge removed by force.
No special skills are required to use CMD to uninstall Edge, as long as you follow the exact steps below.
- Click Ctrl + R., sort of cmd, press and hold Alt + Shift, then press Enter to launch Command Prompt with admin rights (click there is if prompted by User Account Control)
- Enter
cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplication8*Installerto open the Edge installer folder
- Use this command to remove Edge from your device:
setup --uninstall --force-uninstall --system-level
Those who prefer can use PowerShell .setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall.
If you can still see Microsoft Edge on your operating system, it means you are not using the Chromium-based edition. Proceed to the following solution on our list.
4. Take ownership of the Edge folder
It seems impossible to delete the Microsoft Edge package due to lack of permissions. However, you can fix this by taking ownership of that directory.
There are several steps involved, so be patient with yourself:
- Make sure you are logged in to the administrator account
- Open your file browser and navigate to
C:WindowsSystemApps - Find and right click on the Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe folder to get to a real estate
- Go to Security tab and click Advanced
- Click Change next to Owner
- sort of Administrators in the blank box, click Look at names, and press all right
- Make it possible Replace owner on by-products and items, click Enter, and remove this window
- Once he returns to the Security tab, click Edit
- set out Names of organizations or users to Administrators, take a look Total control fo Allow, click Enter and there is to confirm, then exit this window
- Go to General tab of Edge folder properties, deselect Read only, click Enter, and leave
- Go back to
C:WindowsSystemAppsplace in your file browser, copy the Microsoft Edge folder, and save the folder somewhere as a backup
- Remove the Microsoft Edge folder from your PC
- Restart your computer
If you start to experience stability issues, use the backup to restore the Edge folder.
Conclusion
To summarize, it can be difficult to uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer, which largely depends on which version of Edge you have installed: Legacy or Chromium.
You can try the built-in Windows installer. However, if it doesn’t work, you can use a third-party program uninstaller or launch CMD to force-remove Edge.
If that doesn’t work either, then it’s time to get your hands dirty and take ownership of the Microsoft Edge directory so you can delete it like any other common folder.
Whatever you try, however, be sure to create a system update point before attempting to remove Edge. It will be a lifesaver if you need to restore Windows 10 later. Also, if you go with the ownership method, replace the Edge folder before deleting it.
Even if you have successfully uninstalled Edge from your operating system, keep in mind that Microsoft may try to deliver it to your device via Windows Update. However, you can disable Chromium Edge auto-installation.
Did the above solutions work for you? How did you manage to uninstall and remove Microsoft Edge? Let us know in the comments section below.
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