Uninstall Microsoft Edge from a Windows Computer Easily
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser that comes preinstalled with modern versions of Windows. It is built on the Chromium platform and offers features such as improved performance, synchronization across devices, enhanced security, and support for browser extensions. While many users find Edge useful, others prefer alternative browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, or Opera.
In some situations, you may want to completely remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows computer. This can help reduce clutter, prevent accidental use of the browser, or simplify browser management if you only use another web browser. However, uninstalling Edge is not as straightforward as removing a regular application because Microsoft integrates it deeply into Windows.
This guide explains how to completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from a Windows computer.
Completely Uninstall Microsoft Edge from a Windows Computer
To completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from a Windows computer, first close all Edge processes, then open Command Prompt as an administrator and navigate to the Edge installation folder. Run the uninstall command using the Edge installer with the force uninstall parameter. After removing the browser, delete leftover Edge data and folders from your user profile to ensure a complete removal. Keep in mind that future Windows updates may reinstall Microsoft Edge automatically.
Step 1: Create a System Restore Point
Before making any major system changes, it is a good idea to create a System Restore Point. This allows you to revert your computer to an earlier state if something unexpected happens.
Click the Start Menu and type Create a Restore Point. Open the matching result. Inside the System Protection tab, click Create.
Enter a name such as “Before Edge Removal” and select Create again. Windows will generate a restore point that can be used later if necessary.
This step is important because Microsoft Edge is considered a system component in many Windows installations. Having a restore point provides an additional layer of protection.
Step 2: Close Microsoft Edge Completely
Before uninstalling Edge, you must ensure the browser is not running in the background.
Open Microsoft Edge and save any important work. Close all browser tabs and windows.
Next, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look for any entries related to Microsoft Edge under the Processes tab.
If you find Edge processes still running, select each one and click End Task.
Many users skip this step and encounter uninstall errors because Windows detects that the browser is still active. Ensuring all Edge processes are closed helps the uninstall command run successfully.
Step 3: Find the Installed Edge Version Folder
To uninstall Edge manually, you must locate the browser’s installation directory.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application
Inside this folder, you will usually see a folder containing the current Edge version number. The version folder might look something like:
127.0.2651.98
The exact version number on your computer may be different.
Open the version folder and then open the Installer folder located inside it.
Keep this folder open because you will need its path in the next step.
Step 4: Copy the Installer Folder Path
The uninstall process requires you to run a command from the Edge installer location.
Click the address bar at the top of File Explorer while inside the Installer folder. The full folder path will become highlighted.
Copy the path using Ctrl + C.
The copied path will look similar to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\127.0.2651.98\Installer
Having the correct path is important because the uninstall command must be executed from the exact folder where the Edge installer is located.
Step 5: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
The uninstall operation requires elevated permissions.
Click the Start Menu and type Command Prompt.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
If a User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
You should now see a Command Prompt window labeled Administrator.
Administrative access allows Windows to modify protected application files and uninstall software that regular user accounts cannot remove.
Step 6: Navigate to the Edge Installer Folder
Inside the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command:
cd /d “Copied Folder Path”
Replace “Copied Folder Path” with the path you copied earlier.
For example:
cd /d “C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\127.0.2651.98\Installer”
Press Enter.
The Command Prompt should now display the Installer folder path. This confirms you are working in the correct location.
If you receive an error message, double-check the path and ensure you copied it correctly.
Step 7: Run the Microsoft Edge Uninstall Command
Now you are ready to remove the browser.
Type the following command exactly as shown:
setup.exe –uninstall –system-level –verbose-logging –force-uninstall
Press Enter.
The Edge uninstaller will begin processing. Depending on your system, the operation may take a few moments.
The –force-uninstall parameter instructs the installer to remove Edge even if it is integrated into Windows.
Wait until the process completes. Avoid closing the Command Prompt window during this stage.
Once finished, Microsoft Edge should be removed from the computer.
Step 8: Restart Your Computer
After uninstalling Edge, restart your Windows computer.
Click the Start Menu, select Power, and then choose Restart.
A restart helps Windows finalize the removal process and clears any temporary files that may still be loaded into memory.
When the computer starts again, the system will refresh its application database and remove references to the browser.
This step is often overlooked, but it helps ensure a cleaner uninstall experience.
Step 9: Delete Remaining User Data
Even after uninstalling Microsoft Edge, some personal data and configuration files may remain.
Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft
Locate the Edge folder.
Delete the folder if it still exists.
Next, check:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\LocalLow\Microsoft
and
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming
Remove any Edge-related folders you find.
Deleting these folders removes cached files, saved settings, browsing history, temporary data, and other leftover information.
Step 10: Verify Microsoft Edge Has Been Removed
To confirm the uninstall was successful, open the Start Menu and search for Microsoft Edge.
If Edge does not appear in search results, the browser has likely been removed successfully.
You can also check:
Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
Search for Edge within the installed applications list.
If it no longer appears, the uninstall process was completed correctly.
Additionally, try opening a web link to verify that your preferred browser has been set as the default browser.
What If Microsoft Edge Gets Reinstalled?
One common issue is that Microsoft Edge may reappear after major Windows updates.
This happens because Microsoft sometimes includes Edge as part of Windows feature updates and security updates.
If Edge returns after an update, you can repeat the removal process described in this guide.
Another option is to change your default browser and simply ignore Edge if complete removal is not essential.
For most users, setting a preferred browser as the default is often enough to avoid using Edge.
Is It Safe to Remove Microsoft Edge?
In most cases, removing Edge does not damage Windows. However, some Windows features and applications may occasionally depend on Edge components.
Features such as web-based help pages, certain widgets, and some Microsoft services may use Edge technologies behind the scenes.
Because of this, completely uninstalling Edge is generally recommended only for users who understand the potential impact and have an alternative browser installed.
Always make sure another browser is available before removing Edge.
FAQs
Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows Settings?
In many Windows installations, Edge does not provide a standard uninstall option in Settings because it is treated as a system application. Using the Command Prompt is often necessary.
Will uninstalling Edge delete my browsing data?
Most browsing data remains stored in user folders until those folders are manually removed. Deleting the remaining Edge folders ensures complete cleanup.
Can Windows Update reinstall Edge?
Yes. Major Windows updates may reinstall Microsoft Edge automatically, even after it has been removed.
Do I need administrator rights to uninstall Edge?
Yes. Administrative privileges are typically required because Edge is installed at the system level.
What browser should I install before removing Edge?
You should install another browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, or Opera, before removing Edge so you can continue browsing the web.
Will uninstalling Edge improve computer performance?
The performance improvement is usually minimal. Most users uninstall Edge for personal preference rather than performance gains.
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge later?
Yes. You can download and install Microsoft Edge again from Microsoft’s official website whenever needed.