How To Uninstall Microsoft Edge [All Methods]

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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You might want to uninstall Microsoft Edge from your system if you use other browsers and it takes up unnecessary disk space. Unfortunately, the option to uninstall the Edge browser completely no longer exists. However, worry not because you can still disable the browser using different ways.

Method Difficulty Rating

From System Settings

Windows 11 lets you configure apps to restart when you sign in to the PC if they were running before the shutdown. For example, if I have enabled the feature for Edge and was using the browser before signing out of the computer, it will automatically restart when I log back into the computer to pick up where I left off.

Therefore, if this setting is bothersome and you do not want to see Edge on your screen, disable the feature using this technique, as also prompted on Microsoft Support.

1. Access Apps: Head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options.
2. Uninstall Edge: Disable the toggle Automatically Save My Restartable Apps When I Sign Out And Restart Them When I Sign In.

   

Uninstall From Its Folder

Again, this method will prevent apps from using Microsoft Edge rather than wiping off the browser from the computer. All I did was navigate to the C drive and remove the Microsoft Edge files.

The only drawback I found for this method is that rollback from this point is pretty impossible unless you install a fresh copy of Windows. Here is what you need to do.

1. Open Disk: Head over to the drive where Windows is installed. In most cases, it is Local Disk C.
2. Launch Edge Properties: Open the Windows folder > SystemApps > Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_. > Right-click on it > Properties
   

   

3. Change Attributes: Go to General > Select Read Only in Attributes. 
   

   

4. Delete Folder: Open the folder > Delete all the files ending with .exe. This will prevent Windows 11 and other applications from accessing Edge, shutting it down forever. 

Stopping Microsoft Edge From Reinstalling

Microsoft wants you to use Edge as your default browser, so there is a pretty good chance that Microsoft Edge might reappear the next time you update Windows, even if you somehow manage to delete it on your PC. If it is already present, the next Windows updates may also contain updates for Edge.

So, to avoid its reinstallation, resort to modifying the particular Key and DWORD value in the Windows Registry. It is a database consisting of information, settings, and services critical to the functioning of the operating system. Proceed with the following technique.

1. Go To Registry: Launch Run box with Windows + R > Type regedit > OK > Yes.
2. Enter Address: In Registry Editor, paste the following key into the Address Bar:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft

3. Create New Key: Head to the Microsoft folder > Right-click it > New > Key.

   

4. Create DWORD Value: Name it EdgeUpdate > Right-click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

   

5. Alter Value: Name it DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium > Double-click on it > Change Value Data to 1 > OK. 

   

It has worked for users across Windows 11 Forum to stop unnecessary Edge reinstallation.

Wrap Up

Removing the choice to uninstall Microsoft Edge has upset numerous Windows users. They are concerned that the browser consumes too much unnecessary background space, ultimately slowing down the computer.

https://twitter.com/SarahTheWoodDuk/status/1732273951160578416

After several complaints directly addressing the Microsoft Edge X handle and to meet the EU’s Digital Markets Act, the company has considered restoring the changes, as posted in Windows Insider Blogs, and allowing users to uninstall Edge. Note that only those living in regions within the European Union will get this option, while others will still be left out of the decision. The changes however are not put into effect as of February 2024.

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Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com