Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the steps. By using a few simple commands in the Command Prompt, you can permanently remove Edge from your system. This involves navigating to the Edge file directory and executing a specific uninstall command. Be sure to follow the steps carefully to avoid any mishaps.
How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11
In this section, we will walk you through the process of uninstalling Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 computer. Following these steps will help you effectively remove the browser from your system.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
First, you need to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
Locate the Command Prompt in the Start menu by typing “cmd,” then right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.” This ensures you have the necessary permissions to execute the commands required for uninstalling Edge.
Step 2: Navigate to the Edge Installation Directory
Next, navigate to the directory where Edge is installed.
In the Command Prompt window, type cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplication and press Enter. This command directs you to the folder where the Edge application files are stored.
Step 3: Find the Installed Version Number
You need to know the current version of Edge installed on your system.
Type dir in the Command Prompt to list the contents of the directory. Among the list, you will see a folder named with a version number (e.g., 91.0.864.67). Make a note of this number as you’ll need it in the next step.
Step 4: Navigate to the Installer Directory
With the version number, navigate to the appropriate installer directory.
Type cd Installer and press Enter, replacing “ with the specific version number you noted earlier. This step ensures you’re in the correct folder to run the uninstall command.
Step 5: Execute the Uninstall Command
Finally, execute the command to uninstall Microsoft Edge.
Type setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall and press Enter. This command will begin the uninstallation process, removing Edge from your system. Ensure you type the command precisely to avoid errors.
Once you complete these steps, Microsoft Edge will be removed from your Windows 11 computer. You won’t see it in your list of installed programs, and it won’t show up when opening web links, leaving you free to use your preferred browser.
Tips for Uninstalling Edge on Windows 11
- Always back up your data before making changes to your system.
- Ensure you have another browser installed before uninstalling Edge, so you can still access the internet.
- Close all Edge browser windows before starting the uninstallation process.
- If you encounter errors, double-check the commands you entered for any typos.
- Keep your system updated to avoid conflicts with uninstall processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Edge after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Edge by downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
Will uninstalling Edge affect my Windows 11 updates?
No, uninstalling Edge will not affect the ability of your system to receive Windows updates.
Is it safe to uninstall Edge from Windows 11?
Yes, it is safe, but ensure you have another browser installed for web access.
Does uninstalling Edge free up a lot of space?
Uninstalling Edge will free up some space, but it might not be significant unless you have a lot of data associated with the browser.
Can I uninstall Edge without using Command Prompt?
As of now, using Command Prompt is the most reliable method for uninstalling Edge on Windows 11.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- Navigate to the Edge Installation Directory.
- Find the Installed Version Number.
- Navigate to the Installer Directory.
- Execute the Uninstall Command.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 can be a simple process when you know the right steps. While Edge is integrated into Windows 11 as the default browser, you have the freedom to remove it if you prefer other options. Following these steps will ensure the uninstallation process goes smoothly.
Remember, technology is all about personal preference. If Edge doesn’t suit your needs, exploring other browsers can enhance your internet browsing experience. Always ensure you have another browser installed before you uninstall Edge, so your internet access remains smooth and uninterrupted.
For most users, the built-in functionalities of Edge can be very useful, but if you find them redundant or prefer a different browsing experience, removing it could be the right choice. Just follow the guide, and you’ll be well on your way to customizing your Windows 11 experience exactly how you like it.
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.