How to Get Rid of Microsoft Edge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tired of Microsoft Edge popping up when you least expect it? While Microsoft really wants you to use its browser, you have the final say on what software lives on your computer. Getting rid of Edge isn’t as simple as clicking an “uninstall” button in your settings, but it’s totally doable. You’ll need to use a built-in tool called Command Prompt to tell your computer to forcefully remove the browser. It sounds a little technical, but it’s just a matter of copying and pasting a few lines of text.

Tutorial – How to Get Rid of Microsoft Edge

The following steps will walk you through the process of using the Command Prompt, a powerful tool in Windows, to locate the hidden uninstaller file for Microsoft Edge and run it. This method bypasses the standard settings menu, which normally prevents you from removing the browser.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

First, you need to open the Command Prompt with special permissions.

To do this, click on your Start Menu and type “cmd”. You will see “Command Prompt” appear in the search results. Instead of just clicking on it, right-click it and choose “Run as administrator”. A window will ask for your permission. Click “Yes”.

Step 2: Find the Microsoft Edge folder location.

Next, you need to tell the Command Prompt where to look for the Edge files.

Copy and paste the following command into the black Command Prompt window and press Enter: cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplication

This command is a shortcut. It tells your computer to change its current directory, or “cd”, to the folder where Microsoft Edge’s application files are stored.

Step 3: Locate the specific Edge version folder.

Microsoft Edge keeps its main files in a folder named after its version number.

Type dir into the Command Prompt and press Enter. This command will list all the files and folders in the current location. You should see a folder with a name made of numbers and periods, like “125.0.2535.85”. This is the folder you need.

Step 4: Navigate into the version folder.

Now, you’ll move into that specific version folder.

Type cd followed by a space and the version number you found in the last step. For example, it might look like this: cd 125.0.2535.85. Then, press Enter. Make sure you type the number exactly as you see it.

Step 5: Navigate into the Installer folder.

The uninstaller is hiding one level deeper, inside a folder called “Installer”.

Simply type cd Installer and press Enter. You are now in the correct location to remove the browser.

Step 6: Run the uninstall command.

This is the final step where you tell the computer to remove Edge.

Carefully copy and paste this last command into the Command Prompt and press Enter: setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall

This command runs the setup file with instructions to forcefully uninstall the browser from your entire system. The window might flicker for a moment, and then Microsoft Edge will be gone.

Once you run the final command, Microsoft Edge will be removed from your computer. The icon will disappear from your taskbar and Start Menu. The next time you click a web link, Windows will likely ask you to choose a new default browser from the ones you have installed.

Tips for Dealing with Microsoft Edge

• Before you do anything, make sure you have another web browser installed, like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera. If you remove Edge without a backup, you won’t have an easy way to get back online.
• Set your preferred browser as the default before you try to remove Edge. You can do this in Windows Settings under “Apps” and then “Default apps”.
• Be aware that major Windows updates can sometimes reinstall Microsoft Edge. If it reappears after an update, you may need to repeat the uninstallation process.
• If you’re not comfortable with the Command Prompt, you can simply unpin Edge from your taskbar and Start Menu. This won’t remove it, but it will keep it out of sight.
• Always consider creating a system restore point before making major changes to your computer. This gives you a safety net to go back to if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft Edge?

For most people, yes, it is perfectly safe. Your computer will continue to work just fine without it. Some very specific Windows features might use the Edge engine in the background, but for everyday browsing and computer use, you will not notice any problems.

Will Windows Update reinstall Microsoft Edge?

It is very possible. Microsoft often bundles Edge with its major feature updates for Windows. If you notice Edge has returned after a big update, you can simply follow the same removal steps again.

Can I just delete the Microsoft Edge folder?

You should never do this. Manually deleting program folders can leave behind broken files and registry entries, which can cause errors and make your system unstable. Using the proper uninstall command is the clean and safe way to remove software.

What happens if I don’t have another browser installed?

If you uninstall Edge as your only browser, you will have a very difficult time downloading a new one. You would have to use the Microsoft Store or another method, which is much more complicated. Always install your replacement browser first.

Why can’t I uninstall Edge from the “Apps & features” settings?

Microsoft considers Edge to be a core part of the Windows operating system. Because it is so deeply integrated, they disable the normal uninstall button to discourage users from removing it. This is why we have to use the Command Prompt method to get around that restriction.

Summary of Steps

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the Edge application folder using the cd command.
3. Use the dir command to find the current version number folder.
4. Navigate into the specific version folder.
5. Navigate into the “Installer” folder.
6. Run the force uninstall command.

Final Thoughts on Removing Microsoft Edge

Ultimately, the computer you own should work for you, not the other way around. Having the freedom to choose your own software, especially something as personal as a web browser, is a fundamental part of a good user experience. While Microsoft pushes its products hard, and for good reason from their perspective, that doesn’t mean you have to accept the default settings. The process we’ve walked through might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s a powerful lesson in taking control of your digital environment. You are telling your operating system what you want, rather than letting it tell you what you need.

This desire for control is what leads many people to ask how to get rid of microsoft edge in the first place. It’s not always about Edge being a bad browser. In fact, it has become quite fast and capable. It’s about the principle. Bundled software that can’t be easily removed can feel intrusive. By following these steps, you are exercising your right to customize your machine. Remember to keep another browser on hand and be mindful that Windows updates might try to sneak Edge back onto your system. Don’t be discouraged if it reappears. You now have the knowledge and the tools to handle it again. You’ve learned a valuable skill that goes beyond just removing one program. You’ve learned how to interact with your computer on a deeper level, and that’s a skill that will always be useful.