Microsoft Edge: Unveiling the Mystery of Eliminating It from Internet Explorer
Microsoft Edge has become the default browser for many users, replacing Internet Explorer (IE) in most recent Windows updates. However, some users still prefer Internet Explorer due to its familiarity or compatibility with certain legacy systems. If you’re one of those individuals who want to eliminate Microsoft Edge and go back to Internet Explorer, you’re not alone. Many people are searching for ways to disable or remove Edge entirely to regain full control over their system’s default browser settings. In this guide, we’ll explore the secret techniques to eliminate Microsoft Edge and restore Internet Explorer, all while focusing on optimizing your browser experience.
Why Would You Want to Eliminate Microsoft Edge?
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of removing Microsoft Edge, it’s important to understand why you might want to eliminate it from your system entirely. While Microsoft Edge is generally praised for its speed and modern features, there are a few reasons some users prefer Internet Explorer (or even older browsers) over Edge:
- Legacy system compatibility: Some older websites and applications were designed specifically for Internet Explorer and may not work properly on newer browsers.
- Familiarity: Internet Explorer has been the default browser for many years, and some users simply prefer its layout and functionality.
- Performance issues: In certain cases, users may experience performance issues with Microsoft Edge due to hardware limitations or software conflicts.
- Privacy concerns: Some users are wary of Microsoft’s data collection practices in Edge and may want to revert to an older browser with less aggressive data tracking.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, it’s time to explore how to eliminate Microsoft Edge from your system and get back to Internet Explorer. While Microsoft does not officially provide a direct method to uninstall Edge in most versions of Windows, there are workarounds that can help you achieve your goal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Microsoft Edge
Removing Microsoft Edge from your system can be tricky because the browser is integrated deeply into the Windows operating system. However, with the right steps, you can either disable it or make Internet Explorer your default browser. Follow these steps to make the switch:
Step 1: Make Internet Explorer Your Default Browser
The simplest method to “eliminate” Microsoft Edge from your experience is to make Internet Explorer your default browser. This ensures that whenever you open a link or click on a URL, it will open in Internet Explorer instead of Edge.
- Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
- Navigate to Apps and then select Default apps from the left-hand sidebar.
- Scroll down to the Web browser section and click on the icon currently set to Microsoft Edge.
- Choose Internet Explorer from the list of available browsers.
Once you’ve completed these steps, Internet Explorer will become your default browser, and Microsoft Edge will no longer automatically open links.
Step 2: Disable Microsoft Edge Using Group Policy Editor
If you are using a version of Windows 10 or 11 Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor to prevent Microsoft Edge from launching altogether. This method disables the browser but doesn’t fully uninstall it.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge.
- Double-click on the Prevent Microsoft Edge from starting policy.
- Select Enabled and then click OK.
This will prevent Microsoft Edge from starting automatically on your system. While it won’t remove the browser entirely, it will stop it from launching as the default app for web-related tasks.
Step 3: Uninstall Microsoft Edge (Advanced Method)
If you’re determined to fully uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer, you’ll need to take more advanced steps. Note that this method is not officially supported by Microsoft and may not work on all versions of Windows. Proceed with caution and ensure that you back up important data before making any changes.
- First, open the File Explorer and go to the following directory:
C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication. - Find the folder with the version number of Microsoft Edge and open it.
- Locate the Installer file and right-click on it.
- Choose Open with Command Prompt (you may need to run it as an administrator).
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --force-uninstall
This will attempt to uninstall Microsoft Edge from your system. However, since Microsoft tightly integrates Edge into Windows, there is a chance that the browser may reinstall automatically during future Windows updates.
Step 4: Prevent Edge from Reinstalling
If you want to ensure that Microsoft Edge does not reinstall after you’ve uninstalled it, you will need to disable automatic updates. Keep in mind that this will stop other updates from being installed, which could potentially leave your system vulnerable to security risks.
- Open the Start menu and type Windows Update in the search bar.
- Select Windows Update Settings and click on Advanced options.
- Scroll down to the Pause Updates section and select a time frame to pause updates.
- You can also disable the update service permanently by typing services.msc in the Run dialog box and disabling the Windows Update service.
This should prevent Microsoft Edge from reinstalling during automatic updates, but keep in mind that turning off updates could expose your system to vulnerabilities.
Troubleshooting Tips for Microsoft Edge Removal
While the steps outlined above should work in most cases, there are a few troubleshooting tips to help if you’re having trouble eliminating Microsoft Edge:
- Check for system updates: Ensure that your system is up to date by checking for pending updates in the Windows Update settings. Sometimes, Microsoft Edge may reinstall itself due to Windows updates.
- Use third-party tools: If manual methods don’t work, you can try third-party tools designed to remove or disable Edge. However, use these tools with caution and research their reputation beforehand.
- Consider using another browser: If you’re still having issues with Edge, you can install and set another browser as your default. Popular options include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera.
Conclusion
While Microsoft Edge is designed to be a modern and fast browser, there are valid reasons why you might prefer to eliminate it in favor of Internet Explorer or another browser. Whether you’re trying to restore a legacy system’s compatibility or simply don’t like Edge’s features, there are a variety of methods to disable or remove it entirely from your system.
By following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can easily make Internet Explorer your default browser and take control over your web browsing experience. For more help on managing your Windows settings, visit Microsoft Support for additional resources and tips.
Remember, while these techniques can help you remove Microsoft Edge, it’s important to stay informed about the implications of disabling or uninstalling certain system components. Always back up your system before making significant changes to your operating system.
If you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to support communities like Stack Overflow for additional assistance. Good luck!
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by BrowserMaster Team