Alright, let’s talk about getting Microsoft Edge out of your way in Windows 11. It’s a bit like trying to remove a sticker that’s been baked onto a new car, tough but not impossible. The quickest way to tackle this is by using the Command Prompt, a powerful tool built right into Windows. You’ll navigate to Edge’s installation folder, find the setup file, and then run a special command to uninstall it. While it might not vanish entirely from your system’s deepest corners, it will certainly stop bothering you and free up your default browser choice. Remember, taking things one careful step at a time is key here.
Tutorial – How To Disable Microsoft Edge Windows 11
Getting rid of Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as uninstalling a regular app, because it’s so deeply tied into the system. But don’t worry, we can definitely make it less of a presence on your computer. The steps below will walk you through a method that uses a command-line tool to remove Edge’s main components, essentially disabling it for everyday use.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator
The very first thing you need to do is open the Command Prompt with special administrator privileges. To do this, hit the Windows key on your keyboard, then type “cmd.” You’ll see “Command Prompt” pop up in the search results. Don’t just click it, though. Instead, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator” from the menu that appears. This gives you the necessary power to make changes to system files.
When the Command Prompt window opens, it might look a little intimidating with its black screen and white text. Don’t let it scare you. Just make sure the window title says “Administrator: Command Prompt” at the top, which confirms you’re running it with the right permissions to perform our task.
Step 2: Navigate to the Microsoft Edge Application folder
Next, we need to find where Microsoft Edge is actually hiding on your computer. This can be a bit tricky because the folder name changes with updates. In the Command Prompt window, type this exact command and press Enter: cd “C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication”
After you hit Enter, you might see an error if the path isn’t quite right, or the Command Prompt will simply move you to that folder, showing something like C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication> . If you get an error, you’ll need to manually check the C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication folder in File Explorer to find the correct, specific version number folder, which usually looks like a series of numbers, for example, 118.0.2088.0 . Once you find that numbered folder, you’ll need to adjust the command to include it, like cd “C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication118.0.2088.0” .
Step 3: Run the uninstall command for Microsoft Edge
Now that you’re in the right place, it’s time for the magic command. Type the following into the Command Prompt and press Enter: setup.exe –uninstall –system-level –verbose-logging –disable-logging-by-default
This command tells the Edge setup program to uninstall itself from your system. The extra bits like –system-level and –verbose-logging just ensure the uninstall process is thorough and logs any issues, but you don’t really need to worry about what each part means. Just type it exactly as you see it.
Once you press Enter, you won’t see a fancy progress bar or a confirmation pop-up. The Command Prompt might just seem to sit there for a moment, or it might immediately return to the prompt. Don’t panic, this is normal. Microsoft Edge should now begin to uninstall in the background.
Step 4: Restart your computer
After running the uninstall command, it’s always a good idea to give your computer a fresh start. Simply click on the Start button, then the power icon, and choose “Restart.”
Restarting helps clear out any lingering files or processes and ensures that the changes you’ve made are fully applied across your system. Think of it like giving your computer a chance to properly acknowledge that Edge is no longer part of its daily routine.
After you complete these steps, Microsoft Edge should be gone from your system. It won’t appear in your Start menu, and clicking on web links should prompt you to choose a new default browser if you haven’t already. While some small residual files might remain, for all practical purposes, Edge will be disabled and out of your way.
Tips For Disabling Microsoft Edge Windows 11
- Always back up your important files before making major system changes. You can never be too careful.
- Consider why you want to disable Edge. If it’s just about setting a different default browser, you can do that in Windows Settings without uninstalling Edge.
- Remember that Edge is built into Windows 11. Even after uninstalling, some parts of Windows might still rely on its underlying components, like WebView2, for certain features.
- Major Windows updates might sometimes reinstall Edge. If this happens, you might need to repeat the uninstall process.
- Make sure you have another web browser installed and set as your default before you disable Edge. This ensures you can still browse the internet without any hiccups.
- Avoid manually deleting files from the Edge installation folder, as this can lead to system instability. Always use the official uninstall command.
Can I completely remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?
It’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, to completely scrub every last trace of Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 without potentially causing system instability. Microsoft has integrated Edge deeply into the operating system, meaning some Windows features and apps might rely on its components to function correctly. The method we discussed essentially disables its main application, making it unusable for browsing, but some core files might remain.
Is it safe to disable Microsoft Edge?
Yes, generally it’s safe to disable the user-facing application of Microsoft Edge using the method described. You won’t break your Windows operating system or stop it from booting up. However, as mentioned, some apps use Edge’s underlying technology, so you might notice minor changes in how certain elements display within other programs, though this is rare for most users.
Will disabling Edge affect Windows updates or security?
Disabling the Edge browser itself should not negatively impact your Windows updates or the overall security of your operating system. Windows will continue to update normally, and your system’s security features will remain active. Microsoft still provides security updates for the underlying Edge components, even if the browser isn’t actively used.
What if I change my mind and want Edge back?
If you decide you want Microsoft Edge back, it’s quite simple to get it. You can usually download the installer directly from the official Microsoft Edge website. Running that installer will put Edge back on your system, and you can then choose to make it your default browser again if you wish.
Why does Microsoft make it so hard to remove Edge?
Microsoft makes it challenging to remove Edge because it’s more than just a web browser; it’s an integral part of the Windows 11 ecosystem. Many system functions and applications, including some parts of the user interface and specific web-based experiences, rely on Edge’s components, especially the WebView2 runtime. This integration helps ensure consistent performance and security across the operating system.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Navigate to Edge’s application folder.
- Run the uninstall command.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Taking control of your Windows 11 experience, right down to which web browser you use, feels pretty good, doesn’t it? While Microsoft Edge is designed to be a fundamental part of Windows 11, we’ve shown that it’s absolutely possible to disable its primary functionality and remove it from your daily view. It’s a bit more of a dance than simply clicking an “uninstall” button, mainly because of how deeply integrated Edge is with the operating system, but with the right steps, you can achieve your goal.
Remember, this process focuses on disabling the user-facing browser, making sure it doesn’t pop up unexpectedly or become your default. You’re not necessarily scrubbing every single file from existence, but for all practical purposes, Edge will be out of your way. This gives you the freedom to use your preferred browser without constant nudges or accidental launches. It’s a powerful feeling to customize your computer exactly how you like it.
We walked through using the Command Prompt, a tool that might seem a little old-school, but it’s incredibly effective for tasks like this. By carefully following the instructions, you’ve essentially told your system, “Hey, I’ve got this, and I prefer a different browser.” This kind of customization is a hallmark of truly owning your digital space. So, pat yourself on the back for navigating these waters and reclaiming your browser choice. Keep in mind that system updates can sometimes be a bit cheeky and might try to reinstall Edge, so you might need to revisit these steps down the line. But now you know exactly how to disable Microsoft Edge Windows 11, giving you the power to manage your digital environment efficiently and effectively.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
Featured guides and deals
