Unleashing the Hidden Potential: Uninstalling Edge Browser in Windows 10

By: webadmin

Uninstall Edge Browser in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 10, one of the most widely used operating systems, comes pre-installed with Microsoft Edge as its default web browser. While Edge offers several features, some users prefer other browsers or simply want to reclaim system space by removing it. However, unlike other browsers, uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 is not as straightforward as it might seem. In this article, we will explore the steps to uninstall Edge Browser and provide useful troubleshooting tips to make the process easier.

Why Uninstall Edge Browser?

Before we dive into the specifics of uninstalling Microsoft Edge, it’s important to understand why you might want to remove it. There are several reasons why users may opt to uninstall Edge on Windows 10:

  • Preference for Other Browsers: Many users prefer browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera and wish to free up resources used by Edge.
  • Minimalist Approach: If you’re looking to reduce the number of pre-installed programs on your system, removing Edge can contribute to a cleaner, more minimalist setup.
  • Performance Improvement: Some users report that uninstalling Edge can improve the overall performance of their system, especially if Edge has a lot of unnecessary processes running in the background.
  • Security Concerns: If you feel more comfortable using other browsers due to security reasons, removing Edge may help you feel more in control of your browsing environment.

Preliminary Considerations Before Uninstalling Edge

Before proceeding with the uninstallation process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Edge Is Built Into Windows 10: Unlike third-party applications, Microsoft Edge is integrated into Windows 10, making its removal slightly more complicated.
  • Microsoft Updates: Sometimes, Windows updates can reinstall Edge. Make sure you have configured your system’s update settings to avoid this issue.
  • Data Backup: If you have saved passwords, browsing history, or other data in Edge, ensure you back it up first.

Now that we’ve outlined the reasons and considerations, let’s explore how to actually uninstall Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 computer.

How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge Browser in Windows 10

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 requires a slightly different approach than removing other software. Follow these step-by-step instructions to uninstall Edge from your device:

Step 1: Check if Edge Is Installed as a Standalone App

Microsoft Edge, in recent Windows 10 versions, is treated as a core app rather than a regular program. To check if it’s installed as a standalone app, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start menu and type “Apps & Features” in the search bar.
  2. In the Apps & Features section, scroll down and look for Microsoft Edge in the list of installed apps.
  3. If you find Edge listed, try clicking it and selecting Uninstall. However, this option may not always be available.

If this option is unavailable, don’t worry—there’s still hope! Continue with the next steps.

Step 2: Use PowerShell to Remove Edge

If the uninstall option isn’t visible through the traditional method, you can use Windows PowerShell to remove Edge. Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) to launch PowerShell with administrative privileges.
  2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: 
    Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Edge* | Remove-AppxPackage
  3. This command will remove the Microsoft Edge browser from your system. If you see an error message, make sure you’re running PowerShell as an administrator.

Step 3: Use the Command Prompt (For Older Versions of Edge)

Older versions of Microsoft Edge can sometimes be uninstalled using the command prompt. If you’re dealing with a legacy version, follow these instructions:

  1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative rights. To do this, press Windows Key + X, and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter: 
    cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplicationxxInstaller

    (Replace “xx” with the version number of Microsoft Edge on your system.)

  3. Now, type the command: 
    setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
  4. This should remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 device.

Step 4: Clean Up Leftover Files

Even after uninstalling Edge, some residual files and folders may remain on your system. To ensure a complete removal, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the following directory: C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdge and delete any remaining files and folders associated with the browser.
  2. Also, check the C:UsersAppDataLocalMicrosoftEdge folder for leftover files and delete them as well.

Troubleshooting Tips: What to Do if Edge Won’t Uninstall

In some cases, users may face challenges while trying to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

1. Check Windows Updates

Microsoft Edge is sometimes reinstalled during Windows updates. To avoid this, make sure your system settings are configured to prevent automatic installation of new updates that may reinstall the browser.

2. Reboot Your PC

After trying the uninstallation steps, reboot your system to ensure all processes are terminated. Sometimes, the system needs a restart to fully remove the software.

3. Use Third-Party Uninstallers

If PowerShell or Command Prompt methods don’t work, consider using third-party uninstaller software. Tools like CCleaner can help remove persistent apps and clean up any remaining files from uninstalled programs.

4. Check for Corrupted System Files

If you’re still having trouble, there could be corrupted system files that are preventing the removal process. Use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool by typing sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to check for and repair these issues.

5. Disable Microsoft Edge Features Temporarily

Another workaround is to temporarily disable Edge by changing its settings in the Registry Editor. However, this is a more advanced method, so proceed with caution and ensure you back up your registry before making any changes.

Conclusion: Is Uninstalling Edge Right for You?

While it’s not always easy to uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 due to its integration into the operating system, the methods outlined in this guide can help you remove the browser if desired. Whether you prefer a different browser or want to free up system resources, following the appropriate steps can ensure a smooth uninstallation process.

Remember that while uninstalling Edge may free up some space and resources, it’s also important to consider the impact on your overall user experience. Edge is a modern, secure browser that integrates well with Windows 10, so weigh your options carefully before making the final decision.

If you continue to experience issues or would like further guidance, feel free to visit the official Microsoft Support page for additional troubleshooting assistance.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by BrowserMaster Team

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