Uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 is straightforward but requires a few steps to complete. First, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, navigate to the Edge installation directory. Finally, run a command to uninstall Edge. This guide will walk you through each step in detail.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11
This tutorial will help you completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 computer. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth process.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Right-click the Start button, then select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” from the menu.
Opening the Command Prompt with administrative rights is crucial for making system-level changes. Ensure you click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control to grant permissions.
Step 2: Navigate to Edge Installation Directory
Type cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplicationxx.xx.xxx.xInstaller and press Enter. Replace xx.xx.xxx.x with your Edge version number.
Navigating to the correct directory allows you to access the uninstaller for Edge. You can find the precise version by visiting the Edge settings and checking the “About Microsoft Edge” section.
Step 3: Run the Uninstall Command
Type setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall and press Enter.
This command tells Windows to uninstall Edge completely. The --system-level argument ensures that the uninstallation affects all users on the computer, while --force-uninstall ensures that the process completes without interruptions.
Step 4: Confirm Uninstallation
Wait for the process to complete, and check if Edge has been removed from your system.
After running the command, the uninstallation process will take a few moments. Confirm the successful removal by trying to open Edge or by checking the installed programs list in your Control Panel.
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will be uninstalled from your Windows 11 system. Your default browser might revert to another installed browser or prompt you to choose a new default.
Tips: How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11
- Backup Settings and Bookmarks: Before uninstalling, make sure to backup any important settings or bookmarks.
- Check for Version Number: Ensure you know your Edge version number, which you can find under Edge settings.
- Run Commands Carefully: A single typo in the command line can cause errors. Double-check your commands.
- Admin Rights Required: Ensure you have administrative rights; otherwise, you won’t be able to perform the uninstallation.
- Reboot Your System: Sometimes, a quick reboot can help finalize the uninstallation process and clear out residual files.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11
Can I reinstall Edge after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Microsoft Edge by downloading it from the Microsoft website.
Will uninstalling Edge affect other Microsoft services?
Uninstalling Edge will not affect other Microsoft services, but some Windows features might prompt you to reinstall it.
Is it safe to uninstall Edge?
Yes, it’s safe, but ensure you have another browser installed and set as the default before uninstalling Edge.
Will I lose my bookmarks and settings?
Yes, you will lose your bookmarks and settings unless you back them up before uninstalling Edge.
Can I use the Control Panel to uninstall Edge?
No, Microsoft Edge does not appear in the Control Panel’s list of installed programs, so you must use the command line method.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Navigate to Edge Installation Directory.
- Run the Uninstall Command.
- Confirm Uninstallation.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 might seem like a daunting task, but following these steps will make the process seamless. Remember to backup any important data, ensure you have administrative rights, and carefully follow each command. While Edge is a pretty good browser, you might prefer alternatives like Chrome or Firefox. This guide should help you take control of your browser preferences on Windows 11.
If you’re interested in learning more about tweaking your Windows 11 setup, stay tuned for more guides. Whether it’s optimizing performance, customizing your desktop, or troubleshooting common issues, we’ve got you covered. Happy computing!
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.