How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11

In Windows 11, Microsoft Edge is the default web browser and has a number of enhancements and features. Although Edge tries its best, it does not make up more than 4% of the browser market share, with users tending to use more popular browsers like Safari or Chrome instead. With Windows 11, changing your default browser is not only hard but Edge will never be removed from your computer’s default settings. Don’t worry! We will make it possible to uninstall Edge, but users should be aware of the potential consequences and carefully follow the provided instructions to avoid any issues. So, let’s check out other important details about how you can uninstall Edge on a Windows 11 PC.

How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11

Why Uninstall Microsoft Edge?

Do you plan to uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11? There are several reasons why users might consider this:

  • Preference for alternative browsers: Due to personal preference or specific features not available in Edge, certain users prefer alternative browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera.
  • Performance or compatibility issues: Some users may find Microsoft Edge incompatibility or performance issues even though it has improved compared to its previous versions.
  • Corporate policies: Many companies and organizations have policies that require the use of a specific browser, requiring Edge’s removal.
  • Privacy concerns: Edge’s data collection practices may raise privacy concerns, which may encourage users to switch to a more private browser.
  • Simplifying the system: When you prefer a minimalist OS without preinstalled software, then when you uninstall Edge on Windows 11 is simply your work.

Preparing for Uninstallation

  1. Backup Important Data: To prevent data loss during uninstallation, you should back up important data before making any significant changes to your system.
  2. Identify Alternative Browsers: Change your web browser from Microsoft Edge to an alternative browser on your computer. There are several popular alternatives to Chrome, such as Mozilla Firefox and Opera.
  3. Close Edge and Save Work: Make sure all instances of Microsoft Edge are closed, and work sessions or browsing sessions are saved before attempting uninstallation.

How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11

Aside from serving as a web browser, Edge also contains web-based components associated with the Settings app, Cortana, and other system functionalities. This means that removing Edge may adversely affect other aspects of your system as well. If you’re OK with that, then you can follow these instructions to uninstall Edge on Windows 11:

Method 1: Using Windows PowerShell

You can also uninstall Edge on your Windows 11 PC by using Windows PowerShell. With this method, you do not need to know the version number of Microsoft Edge. Let me show you how it works.

  1. Firstly, to open the search menu, press Win + S. Search for Windows PowerShell and choose Run as administrator.
  2. If User Account Control (UAC) prompts you, select Yes.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: get-appxpackage Edge
  4. Afterward, select the text next to PackageFullName and copy it with Ctrl + C.
  5. To uninstall Microsoft Edge, run the following command: Remove-appxpackage <PackageFullName>
  6. Thereafter, replace <PackageFullName> in the above command with the package name copied earlier.
    Using Windows PowerShell

It will take a few moments for you to uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 after executing the command above.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Using the command prompt, you can uninstall Microsoft Edge from your PC. It is necessary for you to know the version number of Microsoft Edge on your computer in order to complete this process. With that in mind, you can remove the browser. Follow these steps to complete the process.

  1. On your PC, open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Afterward, click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
  3. Then, select Help and Feedback> About Microsoft Edge.
  4. From the About section, copy Microsoft Edge’s version number.
  5. Then press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin).
  6. If prompted, select Yes.
  7. To navigate to the Microsoft Edge installation directory, run the following commands in the console: cd/ cd %Program Files (x86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\EdgeVersion\Installer
  8. Change EdgeVersion in the above command to the actual version number noted earlier.
  9. To uninstall Microsoft Edge, paste the following command and press Enter. setup –uninstall –force-uninstall –system-level
    Using Command Prompt

You will be able to remove Microsoft Edge from your PC once you run the above commands. Moreover, you can download the browser from the Microsoft Store if you want to use it in the future.

How to Stop Microsoft Edge From Reinstalling on Windows 11

Despite user efforts to delete Microsoft Edge from their Windows 11 system, the browser may be reinstalled after updates or system upgrades. Although Edge is often uninstalled, it usually returns, making it seem like an unavoidable presence. The good news is that there are methods to prevent Edge from reinstalling on Windows 11.

Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor (For Windows Pro and Enterprise Editions)

  1. First, to open the Run dialog box, press the Windows key + R.
  2. Thereafter, enter gpedit.msc to open the Group Policy Editor.
  3. In the Computer Configuration menu, select Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.
  4. Afterward, double-click on the Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup when the system is idle, and each time Microsoft Edge is closed policy.
  5. To prevent Edge from pre-launching, select Disabled and click OK.
  6. At the beginning of Windows startup, double-click on the policy titled Allow Microsoft Edge to load the Start and New Tab page when Windows starts.
  7. To disable Edge from starting with Windows, select Disabled and click OK.
  8. It is now time to close the Group Policy Editor.

Method 2: Using a Registry Editor

  1. First, to open the Run dialog box, press Windows key + R.
  2. Thereafter, to open the Registry Editor, type regedit and press Enter.
  3. You will need to navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
  4. When the Edge key doesn’t already exist, right-click the Microsoft key and choose New > Key.
  5. By right-clicking the Edge key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Allowsxs.
  6. During system repairs or updates, double-click Allowsxs and set its value to 0.
  7. Make sure the Registry Editor is closed.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools

On Windows 11, several third-party tools can help prevent Microsoft Edge from reinstalling. It is possible to manage installed applications and prevent unwanted software installations, including Microsoft Edge, by using tools like O&O AppBuster and WPD (Windows Privacy Dashboard).

Method 4: Disable Automatic

In addition to potentially preventing Edge from reinstalling, disabling automatic updates might also affect access to critical Windows 11 updates and patches. It is your responsibility to periodically check for and install updates manually on your system if you disable automatic updates.

Also Read: 

  1. How Do I Install Openssl Windows 10/ 11
  2. Hidusb.sys BSoD: What is it & How to Fix it
  3. Windows Error Code 0x5 (ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED) | How to Fix
  4. What is ACPI.sys Error And How to Fix It on Windows 10 & 11
  5. How to Fix the ‘Your PC Did Not Start Correctly’ Error on Windows 10/11

So, that’s all we have for you on how to uninstall Edge on Windows 11 PC. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. Let us know if you would like more information in the comments below.

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Subrato
Subrato

Subrato Chatterjee is the Chief Editor at HowtoGeeki. Subrato began his writing journey in 2020 while pursuing his engineering degree. He graduated in 2021 with a Civil Engineering degree from Punjab University. Initially driven by curiosity about how the web works, he quickly recognized the immense potential in blogging as his site traffic grew, leading him to dedicate himself fully to this passion. Subrato has authored over 2,000 articles for various websites such as Getdroidtips, iTechHacks, DigitBin, Techdator, Tech-Latest, and more, covering topics on Windows, Android, iOS, gaming, and technology in general. In addition to managing HowtoGeeki, he also oversees his YouTube channel, Investiverse.

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