Frustrated with Microsoft Edge hogging your Windows 11 browser space? As the default browser, it's stubborn to removeβbut don't worry! This complete guide to uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 walks you through proven, safe steps to wipe it out entirely. No more forced updates or sneaky reinstalls. You'll reclaim your PC's performance and switch to your favorite browser hassle-free. Let's dive in! β
Why Is Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 So Tricky?
Microsoft Edge is baked into Windows 11 as a system app, protected by Microsoft to ensure "stability." Standard uninstall via Settings? Nopeβit won't budge. Updates can even reinstall it automatically. But with PowerShell commands and registry tweaks, you can completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 for good.
Quick Benefits:
- Free up ~500MB+ storage
- Boost startup speed β‘
- End telemetry nagging
- Full control over your browser choice
β οΈ
Warning: Back up your system first (use System Restore or OneDrive). These steps are for advanced usersβproceed at your own risk.
Method 1: PowerShell β The Fastest Way to Remove Microsoft Edge (Recommended)
PowerShell is your best friend for uninstalling Microsoft Edge from Windows 11. It targets all user accounts. Here's the exact process:
- Run PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click Start β Terminal (Admin) β Select PowerShell.
- Check Edge Packages: Copy-paste this command and hit Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *edge*
This lists all Edge versions (e.g., Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable).
- Remove for All Users: Run:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers
Repeat for variants like Microsoft.MicrosoftEdgeDev if listed.
- Remove WebView2 (Edge Runtime):
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers MicrosoftEdgeWebView* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers
Restart your PC. Edge should vanish from Apps & Features! π
Method 2: Manual File Cleanup for Total Wipeout
PowerShell removes the app, but leftovers linger. Hunt them down:
| Folder/Path |
Action |
| C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView |
Delete entire folder |
| C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_* |
Rename to .old |
| %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge |
Delete contents |
| Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate |
Export & delete key (backup first!) |
Pro Tip: Use Everything search tool (free) for "Edge" files. Delete safely. π§Ή
Method 3: Prevent Edge Reinstalls β The Permanent Fix
Windows Updates love bringing Edge back. Lock it out:
- Disable Edge Updates: Run as Admin CMD:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate" /v DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
- Block via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise):
gpedit.msc β Computer Configuration β Administrative Templates β Windows Components β Microsoft Edge β "Prevent installing Microsoft Edge" β Enabled.
- Hide from Start Menu: Settings β Apps β Advanced app settings β Edge β Advanced options β Repair/Reset (failsafe).
For Home edition, download Policy Plus tool from GitHub (PolicyPlus).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Edge won't die? Here's your fix-it table:
| Problem |
Solution |
| "Access Denied" in PowerShell |
Run as true Admin; disable UAC temporarily |
| Reinstalls after Update |
Apply registry block + pause updates (Settings β Windows Update) |
| Breaks other apps |
Reinstall Edge runtime only: winget install Microsoft.EdgeWebView |
| Safe Mode needed? |
Boot Safe Mode β Repeat PowerShell |
Still stuck? Check Microsoft's official docs on app management: Windows App Packages.
Best Alternatives After Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11
Congratsβyou're Edge-free! β Switch to:
- Google Chrome: Speed demon
- Firefox: Privacy king
- Brave: Ad-block built-in
Set your new default: Settings β Apps β Default apps β Web browser.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Liberated Windows 11!
Following this guide, you've mastered how to completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11. Your PC feels lighter, faster, and truly yours. Questions? Drop a comment belowβwe're here to help! Next up: Optimize Windows 11 for gaming or privacy tweaks. Stay tuned! π