How to Downgrade Edge Version
Microsoft Edge receives regular updates that improve security, performance, and compatibility with modern websites. While these updates are generally beneficial, there are times when a newer version introduces unexpected problems. You might notice websites no longer loading correctly, browser extensions becoming incompatible, higher memory usage, slower performance, or issues with business applications that worked perfectly on an earlier release.
In situations like these, downgrading Microsoft Edge can be a practical temporary solution until Microsoft releases a fix. However, because Edge is deeply integrated into Windows, rolling back to an older version requires more than simply uninstalling the browser.
You need to follow the correct steps to avoid installation errors and prevent Windows from immediately updating Edge again.
This guide explains how to downgrade the Edge version safely on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
How to Downgrade Edge Version
Before you begin, keep in mind that using an older browser version may expose your computer to security vulnerabilities.
Downgrade Edge only if you have a specific reason, and upgrade again once the issue has been resolved.
Step 1: Check Your Current Microsoft Edge Version
The first step is identifying the version currently installed on your computer.
Open Microsoft Edge and click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. Select Help and feedback, then choose About Microsoft Edge.
The page displays the complete version number, such as 140.0.x.x. Write this number down because it helps you determine which version you want to install.
While you’re on this page, Edge may automatically search for updates. If you are preparing to downgrade, simply close the browser after confirming the version.
Step 2: Decide Which Version You Want to Install
Before removing the current version, determine which older release you actually need.
Many users choose the previous stable version because it often resolves compatibility problems without going too far back. Others may need a specific release required by business software or enterprise applications.
If you are unsure which version worked correctly, think back to when the issue first appeared. Installing the last version that worked properly is usually the safest option.
Avoid downloading extremely old versions unless absolutely necessary, as they may contain known security flaws.
Step 3: Close Microsoft Edge Completely
Before uninstalling or replacing Edge, make sure it is no longer running.
Close every Edge window.
Next, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look for any Microsoft Edge processes that are still active. If you find any, right-click them and select End task.
This ensures that no browser files remain locked during the downgrade process.
Step 4: Back Up Important Browser Data
Although your Microsoft account usually syncs bookmarks and settings, creating a backup provides extra protection.
Export your Favorites, save important passwords if they are not synchronized, and verify that your browsing data is safely stored.
If you rely on locally stored data, taking a few minutes to create a backup can prevent unnecessary frustration later.
Step 5: Prevent Automatic Updates Temporarily
One of the biggest challenges when downgrading Edge is that the browser may immediately update itself again.
To avoid this, temporarily disable the Microsoft Edge Update services.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Locate the Edge update services in the list.
Double-click each service, click Stop, and change the Startup type to Disabled.
You can enable these services again after Microsoft releases a stable update that fixes your issue.
Step 6: Remove the Current Edge Version
Unlike many applications, Microsoft Edge cannot always be removed through the standard Apps settings because it is considered a system component.
Instead, use the appropriate Command Prompt command from the Edge installation folder.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Navigate to the installed Edge version folder inside the Application directory.
Run the uninstall command using the setup executable with the required uninstall parameters.
After the process finishes, restart your computer.
If the uninstall command fails, verify that all Edge processes are closed and the update services remain disabled.
Step 7: Download the Older Edge Version
Now download the version you want to install.
Whenever possible, obtain the installer from an official Microsoft source or your organization’s approved software repository.
Using trusted sources reduces the risk of downloading modified or malicious installation files.
Confirm that the downloaded installer matches the version number you selected earlier.
Step 8: Install the Older Version
Locate the downloaded installer and run it with administrator permissions.
Follow the installation wizard until it finishes.
The installation typically takes only a few minutes.
Once complete, launch Microsoft Edge.
Do not enable automatic updates immediately if you want to remain on the older version while troubleshooting.
Step 9: Verify the Installed Version
After installation, confirm that the downgrade succeeded.
Open Microsoft Edge.
Go to Help and feedback and then About Microsoft Edge.
Verify that the displayed version matches the one you intended to install.
If the browser still shows the latest version, Windows or the Edge update service may have automatically updated it during installation.
Step 11: Re-enable Automatic Updates Later
Downgrading should usually be considered a temporary solution.
Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve security and fix bugs.
Once Microsoft announces a newer stable release that addresses your issue, re-enable the Edge update services and allow the browser to install the latest version.
Keeping your browser updated remains the best long-term practice for security and compatibility.
Common Problems During an Edge Downgrade
Some users encounter errors while attempting to install an older version.
If the installer reports that a newer version already exists, verify that the current installation has been completely removed.
If installation repeatedly fails, restart Windows and try again before opening any browser.
When Edge automatically upgrades immediately after installation, confirm that the update services remain disabled and no scheduled update tasks are running.
If bookmarks or settings appear missing, sign in with your Microsoft account to restore synchronized data.
Should You Downgrade Microsoft Edge?
Downgrading is helpful in certain situations but should not become a permanent solution.
It makes sense when a recent update introduces bugs, breaks browser extensions, causes application compatibility issues, or affects workplace software.
However, staying on an older version for an extended period increases security risks because older releases no longer receive the latest protections.
If the issue affects many users, Microsoft often releases a corrected update quickly. In most cases, upgrading again after the fix becomes available is the safest approach.
FAQs
Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge like a normal application?
Not always. Because Microsoft Edge is integrated into Windows, newer versions often require administrator commands instead of the standard uninstall option.
Will I lose my bookmarks after downgrading Edge?
Usually no. If your browser data is synchronized with your Microsoft account, your bookmarks, passwords, and settings can be restored after signing in. Creating a backup beforehand is still recommended.
Can Windows automatically reinstall the latest Edge version?
Yes. Windows Update or the Microsoft Edge Update service may automatically install the newest version unless updates are temporarily disabled.
Is it safe to use an older Edge version?
Older versions may contain security vulnerabilities that have already been fixed in newer releases. A downgrade should only be temporary while troubleshooting a specific issue.
Can I stop Edge from updating forever?
It is technically possible to delay updates, but it is not recommended. Keeping your browser updated provides important security improvements and bug fixes.
Does downgrading Edge affect other browsers?
No. Rolling back Microsoft Edge does not change the behavior of browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera.