Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 might seem like an uphill battle, but it’s actually quite doable with the right steps. While Edge is embedded deeply within the Windows ecosystem, you can still remove it using a series of commands in the Command Prompt. By carefully following these steps, you can say goodbye to Microsoft Edge in no time, freeing up space for your preferred web browser.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
Removing Microsoft Edge involves using the Command Prompt—a tool that lets you perform administrative tasks using text commands. This method will completely remove the browser, so make sure this is what you want to do!
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To begin, you’ll need to access the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Right-click on the Start button, usually found at the bottom-left corner of your screen, and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” from the menu. This will grant the necessary permissions to uninstall system apps.
Step 2: Find the Microsoft Edge Version Number
Next, you need to know which version of Edge is installed on your computer.
Open File Explorer and navigate to this path: C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication. Here, you’ll find a folder named with a series of numbers—this is the version number.
Step 3: Execute the Uninstall Command
Back in Command Prompt, type the following command and replace “version_number” with the version number you found: C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplicationversion_numberInstallersetup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall.
Press “Enter” to run the command. This will initiate the uninstall process, removing Microsoft Edge from your system.
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will be uninstalled from your Windows 11 computer. This will leave you with more control over your installed software and potentially improve your system’s performance.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
- Always double-check the version number of Edge you have, as using the wrong number can lead to errors.
- Ensure you have administrative privileges, or else the uninstall process won’t work.
- If you face any errors, restarting your computer and trying again often solves the issue.
- Consider backing up your bookmarks and settings before uninstalling, as you may lose this data.
- Be aware that some Windows updates may reinstall Microsoft Edge, so keep an eye out for such cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Edge if I change my mind?
Yes, you can reinstall Microsoft Edge by downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft Edge?
Uninstalling Edge is generally safe, but remember that it’s part of the Windows ecosystem, so some features may rely on it.
Will uninstalling Edge affect other browsers?
No, removing Edge won’t impact other web browsers on your system.
Can I remove Edge using the Control Panel?
No, Edge cannot be removed using the Control Panel. You must use the Command Prompt method.
What if the uninstall command doesn’t work?
Double-check the command for typos and ensure you have the correct version number. If problems persist, restart your computer and try again.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Find the Microsoft Edge version number.
- Execute the uninstall command.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 isn’t as daunting as it first appears. With the right steps, you can easily remove the browser and make room for your preferred option. While Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed with Windows, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some might find it straightforward, but others prefer to stick with what they know best or try something new. Either way, it’s your computer, your rules. Just be cautious as you go along, double-check everything, and feel free to reinstall Edge if you decide to give it another shot in the future. Remember, technology is all about making your life easier, not harder. So, don’t hesitate to take the plunge, and enjoy a browsing experience tailored just for you.
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.