If you’re fed up with Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and want to disable it, don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think. Disabling Edge involves some straightforward steps you can accomplish quickly. By following this guide, you’ll learn how to disable or hide Microsoft Edge without uninstalling it, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with your daily browsing habits.
How to Disable Edge in Windows 10
These steps will guide you through disabling Microsoft Edge on your Windows 10 machine. Although Edge is a built-in browser and can’t be entirely uninstalled, these steps will ensure it doesn’t bother you again.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Navigate to your File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing Win + E
.
Opening File Explorer is your gateway to accessing the system files that will enable you to disable Edge effectively.
Step 2: Navigate to the Edge Folder
Go to C:WindowsSystemApps
and find the folder named Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
.
This folder contains all the essential files for Microsoft Edge. By changing its name, we can effectively disable Edge.
Step 3: Rename the Edge Folder
Right-click on the Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
folder and select “Rename.” Add .bak
to the end of the folder name.
Renaming the folder changes its extension, making it unrecognizable to the system and thus disabling it.
Step 4: Confirm Changes
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” to allow the changes.
This step ensures that your system acknowledges and accepts the changes you’re making.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Rebooting will implement the changes you’ve made, ensuring that Edge is disabled next time you start your PC.
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will no longer open. If you try to launch it, you’ll get an error message or nothing will happen at all.
Tips for Disabling Edge in Windows 10
- Backup Important Data: Always make sure to back up your important files before making system changes.
- Use Another Browser: Have another web browser like Chrome or Firefox installed before you disable Edge.
- System Restore Point: Create a system restore point before making any changes, just in case.
- Check for Updates: After disabling Edge, ensure your Windows updates are functioning correctly as Edge can sometimes be part of these updates.
- Consult Forums: If you encounter issues, tech forums can be a great resource for troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to disable Microsoft Edge?
Yes, it is safe to disable Edge; however, it’s essential to have another browser installed to avoid any inconvenience.
Will disabling Edge affect my Windows updates?
Generally, it shouldn’t, but always verify that your updates are functioning properly afterward.
Can I reinstall Edge if I need it again?
Yes, you can rename the folder back to its original name or download it from the Microsoft website.
Are there any alternatives to disabling Edge?
You can set another browser as your default so that Edge no longer automatically opens.
Does disabling Edge free up space?
Not significantly, as the files remain on your system; they are just not active.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the Edge Folder.
- Rename the Edge Folder.
- Confirm Changes.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Disabling Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 can help streamline your browsing experience by ensuring it no longer pops up unexpectedly. These steps are straightforward and reversible, giving you control over your system. Remember to have another browser installed and always back up your important data before making system changes. For further reading, consider looking into how to set defaults for other applications or how to manage Windows updates. Your digital life just got a bit easier, didn’t it? Give it a try and see how smoothly your system operates without Edge.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.