How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge: A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft Edge, while intended to be an integral part of the Windows experience, isn’t always everyone’s browser of choice. Whether you prefer alternatives like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, or simply want to declutter your system, uninstalling Edge can be a priority. However, Microsoft has made it notoriously difficult to remove Edge permanently. This guide provides updated methods for 2023 to uninstall Microsoft Edge and prevent it from automatically reinstalling, ensuring you have control over your browser environment.

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge Using Command Prompt

This method leverages the command prompt to bypass standard uninstall limitations. It’s crucial to boot Windows into Safe Mode before proceeding, as this ensures exclusive access to system files and prevents conflicts during the removal process.

Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC and repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift + F8, or consult your motherboard manual for the specific key) as it boots up. This will take you to the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt”.
Navigate to Edge Directories: Once in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, use the cd command to navigate to the Microsoft Edge installation directories. The exact paths may vary slightly depending on your Windows version, but common locations include:
- cd C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication
- cd C:Program FilesMicrosoftEdgeApplication
Execute Uninstall Commands: Within the Edge application directory, you’ll find a versioned folder (e.g., 117.0.2045.47). Navigate into this folder:
- cd <version_number> (replace <version_number> with the actual folder name)
  Then, run the uninstall command:
- setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --force-uninstall
Delete Remaining Folders: After the uninstall command completes, go back to the parent directories (e.g., C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdge and C:Program FilesMicrosoftEdge) and delete any remaining “Edge” folders to ensure complete removal.

This method directly removes the Edge application files, effectively uninstalling the browser from your system.

Preventing Microsoft Edge Reinstallation

Even after uninstalling Edge, Windows might attempt to reinstall it during updates. To prevent this, you need to modify the Windows Registry. Caution: Incorrectly editing the registry can cause system instability. Follow these steps carefully.

Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the Edge Registry Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoft
Create or Modify the EdgeUpdate Key: Check if a key named EdgeUpdate exists under Microsoft.
- If it exists, right-click on EdgeUpdate, go to New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DoNotUpdateToEdgeChromium. Double-click DoNotUpdateToEdgeChromium and set its Value data to 1.
- If EdgeUpdate doesn’t exist, right-click on Microsoft, go to New -> Key, and name it EdgeUpdate. Then, right-click on EdgeUpdate, go to New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it DoNotUpdateToEdgeChromium, and set its Value data to 1.

This registry modification instructs Windows Update not to reinstall Microsoft Edge, providing a more permanent solution. To revert this, simply change the Value data of DoNotUpdateToEdgeChromium back to 0 or delete the DoNotUpdateToEdgeChromium value.

Uninstalling Beta, Canary, and Dev Versions of Edge

Removing beta, canary, or dev versions of Microsoft Edge is simpler than uninstalling the stable version. These versions are treated as separate applications and can be uninstalled through the traditional “Apps & features” settings in Windows.

Open Apps & Features: Press Win + I to open Settings, and go to Apps -> Apps & features.
Locate Edge Beta/Canary/Dev: Search for “Microsoft Edge Beta”, “Microsoft Edge Canary”, or “Microsoft Edge Dev” in the app list.
Uninstall: Click on the specific beta/canary/dev version you want to uninstall and select “Uninstall”. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Uninstalling these preview versions will not automatically remove the stable version of Edge if it’s installed.

Uninstalling Edge on Older Windows Versions and Other Operating Systems

On older Windows versions like Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, uninstalling Edge is generally more straightforward and can often be done through “Programs and Features” in the Control Panel, similar to uninstalling other applications.

For macOS, Android, and iOS:

macOS: Locate the Microsoft Edge application in the Applications folder in Finder. Drag the application to the Trash and empty the Trash.
Android and iOS: Long-press the Microsoft Edge app icon on your home screen or app library. Select “Uninstall” (Android) or “Remove App” -> “Delete App” (iOS) to uninstall.

Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Browser Choices

While Microsoft has made it challenging to remove Edge from Windows, the methods outlined in this guide offer effective solutions for uninstalling the browser and preventing its unwanted return. By using the command prompt in Safe Mode and modifying the registry, you can regain control over your browser environment and choose the browser that best suits your needs. Consider exploring alternative browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Opera after successfully uninstalling Edge.

FAQ: Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows

Q: Is it really difficult to uninstall Microsoft Edge?

A: Yes, Microsoft has intentionally made it harder to uninstall the stable version of Microsoft Edge on modern Windows versions. However, the methods in this guide are designed to overcome these limitations.

Q: What is the easiest way to remove Edge Browser from my computer?

A: The most effective method is using the command prompt in Windows Safe Mode to delete the Edge application folders after running the uninstall command.

Q: Can I just disable Microsoft Edge instead of uninstalling it?

A: Disabling Edge might not fully remove it from your system and prevent it from running in the background. Uninstalling provides a more complete removal.

Q: Will renaming the Edge folder uninstall it?

A: No, simply renaming the Edge folder is not an effective way to uninstall it and may cause system instability. The recommended method involves using the command prompt and potentially registry modifications for preventing reinstallation.