Completely Remove Microsoft Edge: A Comprehensive Guide
Microsoft Edge, while improving significantly over its predecessor Internet Explorer, still might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps you prefer Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, and want to completely remove Edge from your system. While Microsoft makes it intentionally difficult to uninstall Edge directly, it is possible. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to effectively remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows operating system.
**Disclaimer:** Removing Microsoft Edge, particularly using more advanced methods, can potentially impact system stability if not done correctly. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a recent system backup before making any significant changes. This is especially important when using command-line tools or modifying system files.
## Why Remove Microsoft Edge?
There are several reasons why you might want to remove Microsoft Edge:
* **Preference for Other Browsers:** You simply prefer using Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or another browser and don’t want Edge taking up space or resources.
* **Privacy Concerns:** Some users have privacy concerns about Microsoft’s data collection practices within Edge.
* **System Resource Usage:** While Edge has improved in resource management, it can still consume significant RAM and CPU, especially if multiple instances are running.
* **Avoiding Accidental Use:** You might accidentally open Edge instead of your preferred browser, leading to frustration.
* **Clean System Installation:** You want a completely clean system with only the software you need.
## Methods for Removing Microsoft Edge
There are several methods you can use to remove Microsoft Edge, ranging from the simplest to the more advanced. We will explore each of these in detail:
1. **Uninstalling Updates (Simplest Method – Often Insufficient):**
* This method might work if you have an older version of Edge that was installed as an update to the original Edge Legacy (Chromium-based Edge).
* It’s the easiest method but rarely completely removes the browser.
2. **Using the Command Prompt (Recommended for Most Users):**
* This method involves using command-line commands to uninstall Edge. It’s more effective than uninstalling updates but still relatively straightforward.
3. **Removing the Edge Installation Folder (Advanced Method):**
* This method involves manually deleting the Edge installation folder. It’s the most effective method for completely removing Edge but also carries the highest risk if done incorrectly.
4. **Using Third-Party Uninstaller Tools (Alternative Method):**
* Dedicated uninstaller programs like Revo Uninstaller can find and remove all traces of Edge. This method is more convenient, but requires installing additional software.
Let’s delve into each method with step-by-step instructions.
## 1. Uninstalling Updates (Often Insufficient)
This is the simplest method, but it often only reverts Edge to an earlier version rather than completely removing it.
**Steps:**
1. **Close Microsoft Edge:** Ensure that all instances of Microsoft Edge are closed. Check the system tray in the lower-right corner of your screen for the Edge icon. If you see it, right-click and select “Exit” or “Close.” Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and verify that no `msedge.exe` processes are running. If they are, select them and click “End Task.”
2. **Open Settings:** Click the Windows Start button, then click the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, press Windows key + I.
3. **Go to Apps:** In the Settings app, click on “Apps.”
4. **Find Microsoft Edge:** In the Apps & features section, scroll down the list of installed apps until you find “Microsoft Edge.”
5. **Click Modify (If Available):** Click on “Microsoft Edge.” If you see a “Modify” button, click it. A pop-up window might appear.
6. **Uninstall Updates (If Available):** In the pop-up window, look for an “Uninstall Updates” button or similar option. If you see it, click it. If you don’t see this option, this method won’t work for you, and you’ll need to try one of the other methods.
7. **Follow On-Screen Instructions:** If the “Uninstall Updates” button was available, follow any on-screen instructions to complete the process.
8. **Restart Your Computer:** After the uninstall process is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
**Limitations:**
* This method often only reverts Edge to an older version, typically the version that came pre-installed with Windows.
* It may not be available at all, depending on how Edge was installed on your system.
## 2. Using the Command Prompt (Recommended)
This method is more effective than uninstalling updates and is the recommended approach for most users. It involves using command-line commands to uninstall Edge.
**Prerequisites:**
* You will need administrator privileges to run the command prompt with the necessary permissions.
**Steps:**
1. **Close Microsoft Edge:** Ensure that all instances of Microsoft Edge are closed. Check the system tray and Task Manager as described in the previous method.
2. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:**
* Click the Windows Start button.
* Type “cmd” or “command prompt.”
* Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and select “Run as administrator.”
* Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control.
3. **Navigate to the Edge Installation Folder:** In the Command Prompt window, you need to navigate to the directory where the Microsoft Edge installer is located. The exact path may vary depending on your version of Windows, but it is usually located in one of the following locations. Try the first, and if it does not work, try the second:
* `cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application`
* `cd C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application`
* Type the command `cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application` or `cd C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application` and press Enter. If the prompt returns an error indicating the directory does not exist, try the other location. If neither works, Edge might be installed in a different location; you will need to locate it manually.
4. **Determine the Edge Version:** Once you’re in the `Application` directory, you need to navigate to the folder corresponding to the current version of Edge. To find the version number, type `dir` and press Enter. You’ll see a list of folders, one of which will be a folder named with the version number, such as `115.0.1901.183`. Make a note of this full version number.
5. **Navigate to the Installer Folder:** Now, navigate to the installer folder by using the `cd` command, replacing `
* `cd
* For example: `cd 115.0.1901.183\Installer` (replace with your actual version number)
* Type the command and press Enter.
6. **Run the Uninstall Command:** Finally, run the following command to uninstall Microsoft Edge:
* `setup.exe –uninstall –force-uninstall –system-level`
* Type the command and press Enter.
7. **Wait for the Uninstallation to Complete:** The uninstallation process may take a few minutes. You will not see any progress bar or confirmation message in the command prompt window. Wait patiently.
8. **Restart Your Computer:** After waiting a few minutes, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
**Important Considerations:**
* The `–force-uninstall` flag is used to force the uninstallation, even if Edge is currently running or has active processes. This flag should be used with caution, as it can potentially lead to data loss or system instability if Edge is actively being used. Ensure Edge is closed before running the command.
* The `–system-level` flag ensures that Edge is uninstalled for all users on the system.
* If you encounter errors, double-check that you have typed the commands correctly and that you are running the Command Prompt as an administrator.
## 3. Removing the Edge Installation Folder (Advanced)
This method is the most effective for completely removing Microsoft Edge, but it also carries the highest risk if not done correctly. It involves manually deleting the Edge installation folder.
**Warning:** This method should only be attempted by experienced users who are comfortable with navigating file systems and modifying system files. Deleting the wrong files or folders can cause system instability. Ensure you have a recent system backup before proceeding.
**Steps:**
1. **Close Microsoft Edge:** Ensure that all instances of Microsoft Edge are closed. Check the system tray and Task Manager as described in the previous methods. This is *crucial* for this method to work correctly.
2. **Take Ownership of the Edge Folder (Important):** Before you can delete the Edge folder, you need to take ownership of it. This is because the folder is typically owned by the SYSTEM account, and you will not have the necessary permissions to delete it.
* **Locate the Edge Installation Folder:** The Edge installation folder is typically located in one of the following locations:
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge`
* `C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge`
* **Right-Click and Select Properties:** Right-click on the `Edge` folder and select “Properties.”
* **Go to the Security Tab:** In the Properties window, click on the “Security” tab.
* **Click Advanced:** Click on the “Advanced” button.
* **Change Owner:** At the top of the Advanced Security Settings window, you will see an “Owner” section. Click on the “Change” link next to the current owner (which is likely “TrustedInstaller” or similar).
* **Enter Your User Account:** In the “Select User or Group” window, type your user account name in the “Enter the object name to select” box. If you’re unsure of your username, you can type `Administrators` instead.
* **Click Check Names:** Click the “Check Names” button. Windows will attempt to resolve the user or group name. If it’s successful, the name will be underlined.
* **Click OK:** Click “OK” to return to the Advanced Security Settings window.
* **Replace Owner on Subcontainers and Objects:** Make sure to check the box that says “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects”. This is *very important* to be able to delete all files and subfolders within the Edge folder.
* **Click Apply:** Click the “Apply” button. You may be prompted with a warning message. Click “OK” to continue.
* **Click OK:** Click “OK” to close the Advanced Security Settings window.
* **Click OK:** Click “OK” to close the Properties window.
3. **Grant Full Control Permissions (Important):** Now that you own the folder, you need to grant yourself full control permissions to be able to delete it.
* **Right-Click and Select Properties:** Right-click on the `Edge` folder again and select “Properties.”
* **Go to the Security Tab:** In the Properties window, click on the “Security” tab.
* **Select Your User Account (or Administrators):** In the “Group or user names” section, select your user account (or “Administrators” if you used that in the previous step).
* **Click Edit:** Click the “Edit” button.
* **Grant Full Control:** In the “Permissions for
* **Click Apply:** Click the “Apply” button.
* **Click OK:** Click “OK” to close the Permissions window.
* **Click OK:** Click “OK” to close the Properties window.
4. **Delete the Edge Folder:** Now you should be able to delete the `Edge` folder. Right-click on the `Edge` folder and select “Delete.”
5. **Empty the Recycle Bin:** Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the deleted files.
6. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
**Important Considerations:**
* **System Stability:** Deleting system files can potentially cause system instability. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a recent system backup.
* **Ownership and Permissions:** Taking ownership and granting permissions are crucial steps. If you skip these steps, you will not be able to delete the Edge folder.
* **Alternative Method:** If you are having trouble deleting the folder, you can try using a file shredder tool. These tools are designed to securely delete files and folders that are difficult to remove using standard methods.
## 4. Using Third-Party Uninstaller Tools (Alternative)
Another method to remove Microsoft Edge is to use a third-party uninstaller tool. These tools can often remove programs more completely than the built-in Windows uninstaller, including removing associated files and registry entries.
**Popular Uninstaller Tools:**
* **Revo Uninstaller:** Revo Uninstaller is a popular and powerful uninstaller tool that can remove programs completely, including leftover files and registry entries. It offers a free and a paid version.
* **IObit Uninstaller:** IObit Uninstaller is another popular uninstaller tool that offers similar features to Revo Uninstaller. It also has a free and a paid version.
* **Geek Uninstaller:** Geek Uninstaller is a lightweight and portable uninstaller tool that can remove programs quickly and easily.
**Steps (Using Revo Uninstaller as an Example):**
1. **Download and Install Revo Uninstaller:** Download Revo Uninstaller from the official website (revo uninstall .com) and install it on your computer. Ensure you download from the *official* website.
2. **Run Revo Uninstaller:** Launch Revo Uninstaller.
3. **Find Microsoft Edge:** In the Revo Uninstaller window, you will see a list of installed programs. Find “Microsoft Edge” in the list.
4. **Select Uninstall:** Click on “Microsoft Edge” and then click the “Uninstall” button.
5. **Choose Uninstall Mode:** Revo Uninstaller will offer different uninstall modes. It’s recommended to choose the “Advanced” mode for a thorough uninstall.
6. **Follow On-Screen Instructions:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process. Revo Uninstaller will scan for leftover files and registry entries.
7. **Select and Delete Leftover Files and Registry Entries:** Revo Uninstaller will display a list of leftover files and registry entries. Select all of them and click the “Delete” button to remove them.
8. **Restart Your Computer:** Restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
**Advantages:**
* **Thorough Removal:** Uninstaller tools can remove programs more completely than the built-in Windows uninstaller.
* **Easy to Use:** Uninstaller tools are typically easy to use, with a user-friendly interface.
* **Convenient:** Uninstaller tools can automate the process of removing programs, saving you time and effort.
**Disadvantages:**
* **Requires Installing Additional Software:** You need to install an uninstaller tool on your computer.
* **Potential for Unwanted Software:** Some uninstaller tools may bundle unwanted software. Be careful when installing and using these tools.
## Verifying Edge Removal
After you have used one of the methods above to remove Microsoft Edge, it’s a good idea to verify that it has been successfully removed.
**How to Verify:**
* **Check the Start Menu:** Look for Microsoft Edge in the Start Menu. If it’s no longer there, it’s a good sign that it has been removed.
* **Check the Program Files Folder:** Check the `C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft` and `C:\Program Files\Microsoft` folders to see if the `Edge` folder is still present. If it’s not there, it has been removed.
* **Search for `msedge.exe`:** Use Windows Search to search for the `msedge.exe` file. If it’s not found, Edge has likely been removed.
* **Try to Open Edge:** Try to open Microsoft Edge by typing `msedge` in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R). If Edge doesn’t open, it has been removed.
## Reinstalling Microsoft Edge (If Needed)
If you later decide that you want to reinstall Microsoft Edge, you can easily do so by downloading the installer from the official Microsoft website.
**Steps:**
1. **Go to the Microsoft Edge Download Page:** Open your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) and go to the Microsoft Edge download page (search “download microsoft edge”).
2. **Download the Installer:** Download the appropriate installer for your operating system.
3. **Run the Installer:** Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Edge.
## Conclusion
Removing Microsoft Edge can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to choose the right method and follow the instructions carefully. The command prompt method is generally recommended for most users, while the folder deletion method is best suited for experienced users. Remember to back up your system before making any significant changes, and proceed with caution.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows system and reclaim valuable resources. Remember to verify the removal and consider using a third-party uninstaller tool for a more thorough cleanup. Good luck!