How to Uninstall or Disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft Edge is deeply integrated into Windows, but many users prefer alternative browsers. While Microsoft officially allows Edge uninstallation only in the European Economic Area (EEA), there are methods to uninstall or disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Before You Begin

Consider these factors before removing Microsoft Edge:

• Windows Widgets may not function properly
• Windows Search and Copilot integration may be affected
• PDF files will need another default application
• Some Windows Settings links may not open correctly
• Windows Updates may reinstall Edge

If you want Edge to remain available but not run, consider disabling it instead of uninstalling.

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Method 1: Registry Edit (Recommended)

This method enables the Uninstall button in Windows Settings by modifying a registry value.

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator
   • Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)
2. Run the registry command:

   reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Microsoft Edge" /v "NoRemove" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

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3. Restart your computer
4. Uninstall Edge:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
   • Find Microsoft Edge
   • Click the three dots ... and select Uninstall

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Method 2: PowerShell Force Uninstall

This method uses Edge's own setup utility to force uninstallation.

1. Navigate to the Edge Installer folder:
   • Open File Explorer
   • Go to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\
   • Open the folder with the highest version number (e.g., 131.0.2903.86)
   • Open the Installer folder
2. Open PowerShell in this location:
   • Right-click an empty space
   • Select Open in Terminal or Open PowerShell window here
3. Run the uninstall command:

   .\setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall

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Edge will close immediately and be removed from your system.

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Method 3: Official Uninstall (EEA Users Only)

If your Windows region is set to an EEA country (Germany, France, Italy, etc.), you can uninstall Edge officially:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
2. Find Microsoft Edge
3. Click Uninstall

This option is available due to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

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Method 4: Disable Edge (Without Uninstalling)

If you prefer to keep Edge available but prevent it from running, disable it instead:

Disable Startup and Background Processes

1. Open Edge Settings:
   • Open Edge and go to edge://settings/system
2. Disable these options:
   • Turn off Startup boost
   • Turn off Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed
3. Disable Edge in Task Manager:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
   • Go to the Startup apps tab
   • Find Microsoft Edge and click Disable

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Preventing Edge from Reinstalling

Windows Updates may reinstall Edge. To reduce this:

1. Keep the registry modification from Method 1 in place
2. After updates, check if Edge has returned and repeat the uninstall process if needed
3. Consider using Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise editions) to prevent Edge installation

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Reinstalling Microsoft Edge

If you need Edge back after uninstalling:

• Microsoft Store: Search for "Microsoft Edge" and install
• Direct download: Visit microsoft.com/edge
• Windows Update: Major updates often restore Edge automatically

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