Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as just hitting delete — because of course Windows has to complicate things. But if Edge is becoming a bother or you just want to reclaim some space, there’s a way to do it via PowerShell. It’s a bit delicate, though, so make sure to follow each step carefully. Usually, this process is used when Edge is acting up, or the default browser setup is just not your thing anymore. Once done, you’ll notice Edge disappearing from the start menu and your system a little leaner. Just a heads-up: it might be worth having whichever browser you prefer installed beforehand, or at least know how to grab it later.
Uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click on the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin). If you prefer, you can search for PowerShell directly, right-click and choose Run as administrator. Opening it with admin rights is key because removing Edge involves system-level changes. On some setups, you might need to confirm User Account Control prompts or enter admin credentials first.
Find the Installed Version of Edge
Type cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application" and press Enter. Then, type dir to see the folder contents. This is where the version number lives, like “112.0.1722.34” or whatever is current. Knowing the version isn’t always necessary, but some methods require it, especially if you’re scripting or using certain uninstall commands. Sometimes, on some builds, this folder can be hidden or in a slightly different spot — so don’t get stuck if the command doesn’t work immediately. You might have to browse through %LOCALAPPDATA% if things look different.
Uninstall Edge Using the Setup File
In the same PowerShell window, type the command below:
.\setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis kicks off the removal process. The flags tell the uninstaller to completely wipe out Edge without leaving leftovers. Now, you’ll probably see some progress logs flying through the terminal. Sometimes, you get errors or it stalls — no biggie, just try running the same command again after a quick reboot. This method works most of the time, but in some cases, especially if your Windows Managed Updates are intact, it might not uninstall fully. That’s when you might need to use more advanced methods, like forcibly removing files or editing registry entries, but be careful.
Reboot Your System
Pick a time to restart your PC — not just a quick sign-out, but a full reboot. This step is critical because Windows tends to cache a lot of app components. After restarting, any leftover processes tied to Edge should be gone, and the space you gain might be noticeable. On some machines, Edge stubbornly sticks around even after uninstalling. If that happens, just try the commands again or check whether Windows Defender or other security tools are blocking parts of the process.
Check for Edge’s Absence
Open your Start menu or use your search bar and type Edge. If it no longer shows up or is inaccessible, congrats — it’s gone. If you see residual icons or links, you might have to manually delete shortcuts or clear some leftover registry entries, but most times, the built-in uninstaller does the trick. Just be aware that some Windows updates or system features may reinstall or repair Edge later, especially if you didn’t fully disable it.
Tips for Removing Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
- Always create a system restore point before messing with system apps; better safe than sorry.
- Have a backup browser installed or ready to download — things can go sideways.
- Careful with commands — unintended typos can cause issues or remove the wrong files.
- Check for Windows updates afterward — they sometimes reinstall or repair Edge during patches.
- If things aren’t working, sometimes reinstalling Edge then removing again can fix stubborn bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge later if I need to?
Absolutely. Just head over to the official Microsoft Edge download page and grab the installer whenever you want to bring it back.
Will removing Edge cause other system problems?
Generally, no — as long as another browser is available. Removing Edge might change default apps, but it won’t break Windows itself or core functionality.
Is it really safe to uninstall Edge?
It’s safe if you follow the steps correctly. Just be aware that some updates or Windows features might reinstall it if they think it’s necessary.
Do I need to uninstall Edge if I don’t use it?
Not strictly, but doing so can free up some space and tidy up your system if you dislike seeing it cluttering your start menu or taskbar.
What if the uninstallation fails or Edge refuses to disappear?
That’s happened on a few setups. Sometimes, you need to disable certain Windows services or use third-party tools — but beware, they can be risky. Best bet is to check online for specific error messages or seek more advanced help.
Summary
- Open PowerShell as admin
- Navigate to the Edge directory and note the version
- Run the uninstall command with setup.exe
- Reboot and verify Edge is gone
- Consider creating a restore point first
Wrap-up
Doing this kind of thing isn’t exactly a walk in the park — Windows doesn’t want you to easily remove its built-in browser. But if Edge’s presence annoys or slows down your workflow, this method can help clear things out. Just keep in mind, some Windows updates may reinstall it later, so don’t be surprised if it comes back after big patches. Still, for those wanting a clutter-free experience or to stick with their favorite browser, it’s a decent way to regain some control. Worked for some setups, and hopefully it works for yours too — fingers crossed this helps.