Even though Microsoft Edge serves as the default browser in Windows, many users wish to remove it from their PCs. Uninstalling Edge from your PC is a pretty straightforward process. However, it must be performed with appropriate caution, as the browser is integrated into the operating system. If you’re also looking for direction on how to uninstall Microsoft Edge Windows 11 permanently, then follow this step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
How to Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 Permanently
In a recent blog post by Microsoft, it announced that from now on all apps in Windows can be uninstalled and reinstalled again from the Microsoft Store. The list of apps also includes:
- Microsoft Edge (in EEA)
- Camera
- Cortana
- Web Search from Microsoft Bing
- Photos
Note: This new feature hasn’t rolled out globally yet as it’s still in the preview stage.
Currently, the top preferred web browser in Windows is Chrome and that is why people want to get rid of other search engines including Edge. There are multiple methods through which this task can be accomplished. Now, let’s check out the steps below:
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge using the Command Prompt is an easy process. However, to complete this process without any issues, you must know the version number of Microsoft Edge on your computer. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Note: It is advised that you must create a backup of all your bookmarks and important data stored in Mircosoft Edge.
1. Now search for the command prompt in the Windows search bar.
2. Click on Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
3. Select Yes when the User Account Control prompt shows up.
4. Then, type: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge*. This will generate the list of Microsoft Edge folders on your device.
5. Now, remove the Edge Folders by typing: rmdir /s / q C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge and replace Edge in the command with each of the Edge folder names in turn to uninstall Edge permanently.
After running these commands, Microsoft Edge will be removed from your PC permanently.
Also Read: How to Remove Extension from Microsoft Edge
Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell
You can also uninstall Edge from Windows 11 by using PowerShell. Here’s how you can perform the uninstallation through Powershell:
1. Search PowerShell in the Windows search menu.
2. Select Run as administrator and click on Yes when the UAC prompt appears.
3. Paste the following command get-appxpackage *edge* and press Enter.
4. Highlight the text next to PackageFullName and press Ctrl + C to copy it.
5. Run the command Remove-appxpackage <PackageFullName> to uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11.
Note: Replace <PackageFullName> in the above command with the package name copied earlier.
This process will easily remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 Permanently.
Method 3: Through Settings
Using Windows Settings is a relatively easy method for Microsoft Edge to uninstall and the following are the steps to do so:
1. Open the Settings app on your PC
2. Select Apps and then click on Installed Apps.
3. Scroll down and click on the three dots next to Microsoft Edge.
4. Select Uninstall.
5. Confirm again by selecting Uninstall when the pop-up appears.
Your Edge will get uninstalled from your PC.
Also Read: How to Add Thumbnails to Microsoft Edge Homepage on Android Device
How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Automatically Reinstalling
Microsoft Edge tends to automatically reinstall itself after uninstalling as it is a core part of the Windows OS, and it’s manufactured to stay updated and functional. If you don’t want Edge to reinstall, then you’ll make a few changes in the Registry Editor. Follow these steps to prevent Microsoft Edge from reinstalling:
Note: Make a backup of registry keys to restore to previous settings in case of manual errors during modification.
1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys.
2. Type regedit and click on OK.
3. Select Yes when the User Account Control prompt appears.
4. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE, and click on Microsoft.
5. Right-click on the Microsoft key and choose New.
6. Then, select Key from the submenu.
7. Rename the key to EdgeUpdate.
8. Now, right-click on the EdgeUpdate key and select New.
9. Then select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
10. Rename the DWORD to DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium.
11. Double-click on the newly created DWORD and change its value data to 1. Then, click on OK.
This way you can stop Microsoft Edge from installing automatically on your PC.
Why can’t I uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11?
If you’re wondering why you are still not able to remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11, then take note that this feature has been introduced only in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Also Read: How to Update Microsoft Edge Browser
We hope our step-by-step guide on how to uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 has helped you get rid of this browser permanently. Stay tuned to Techcult for more such articles.
