Forum Discussion
How do I completely uninstall microsoft edge in windows 11?
Hi,
The Microsoft Edge browser has been consuming a lot of CPU and RAM on my Windows 11 computer lately, even when only a few tabs are open. It's starting to slow things down, especially during multitasking, and the built-in browser keeps running in the background.
Tried removing it through windows 11 settings and control panel, but the uninstall option is greyed out for system app like edge. Is there a reliable way to completely uninstall microsoft edge browser from Windows 11, or at least stop it from running and using resources?
8 Replies
- ZacharyRobinsonIron Contributor
Yeah, Edge browser eats up too much RAM and CPU when opening multiple tabs. This is why a lot of people looking for a way to completely uninstall Edge browser on Windows 11.
- MustafoanBrass Contributor
After uninstalling Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11, performing a post-uninstall cleanup can help remove residual files and settings to free up space and ensure your system remains tidy. Here's what you can do:
1. Delete Remaining Edge Files:
Navigate to the folders where Microsoft Edge stores user data and residual files. Common locations include:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\EdgeDelete these folders if they still exist after uninstallation.
2. Remove Edge Registry Entries (Optional and Advanced):
Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing regedit, and hitting Enter. Carefully search for and delete any leftover entries related to Microsoft Edge. Be cautious with registry edits to avoid accidentally affecting system stability.
3. Clear Temporary Files:
Use the Disk Cleanup tool or go to Settings > Storage > Temporary Files to remove any cached files or temporary data related to Edge.
4. Check Default Browser Settings:
If you had set Microsoft Edge as your default browser, consider changing the default to another browser. You can do this via Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
5. Restart Your Computer:
Finally, restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and residual files are cleared from memory.
Note: To uninstall Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11. Since Microsoft Edge is a core component of Windows 11, some residual files may automatically reinstall or regenerate after updates or system processes. If you want to prevent Edge from reinstalling, you might need to use special tools or policies, but these are more advanced procedures.
- IraionCopper Contributor
To uninstall the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11 using the Settings app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon, or press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps: In the Settings window, click on "Apps" from the sidebar to access the list of installed applications.
Step 3: Find Microsoft Edge: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate "Microsoft Edge" in the list of installed apps.
Step 4: Select Microsoft Edge: Click on Microsoft Edge to reveal the options for this application.
Step 5: Click Uninstall: Press the "Uninstall" button. A prompt may appear asking for confirmation.
Step 6: Confirm Uninstallation: Follow any additional prompts to confirm that you want to uninstall Microsoft Edge.
Please note: If you want to uninstall Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11, Microsoft Edge is a core component of the operating system, and in some cases, the system might prevent its uninstallation via the Settings app. If you are unable to uninstall it this way, you may need to use more advanced methods, such as PowerShell commands or third-party tools.
- NixonmonCopper Contributor
If you are going to uninstall Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11? EdgeRemover is a free, open-source PowerShell script designed specifically to safely remove Microsoft Edge without breaking your system.
How to Use uninstall Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11:
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin))
Step 2: Run this command:
powershell
iex(irm https: cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/he3als/EdgeRemover @ main/get.ps1)
Step 3: Select the option you want from the menu:
1 - Uninstall Microsoft Edge
2 - Reinstall Edge
3 - Clear update policies (prevents automatic reinstallation)
4 - Advanced options
- YhooumIron Contributor
I don’t know if you’ve ever considered this approach: set another browser as your default browser and change the default program for web links. While this won’t completely uninstall Edge from Windows 11, it’s certainly an important step.
It allows you to redirect all web links to your preferred browser at once, but this change must be made through the Windows Settings menu.
First, open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I or searching for it in the Start Menu. Go to Apps → Default apps. Search for Web browser in the list of default apps, then select your preferred browser from the options. Click Set as default to confirm the choice.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup, and Windows will automatically use your chosen browser for all web links and downloads from now on.
Once the setup is complete, any time you click a link or open a web page, it will launch in your new default browser instead of Edge.
Although you cannot completely uninstall the Edge browser or remove it from your computer in Windows 11, you can use this method to further block the Edge browser on your machine.
- EorkuIron Contributor
This method will completely prevent Edge from launching, but it may cause certain Windows features to stop working properly.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, locate all Microsoft Edge processes, and end them one by one.
Step 2: Open File Explorer and navigate to the following path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\
Step 3: Right-click the Application folder → Properties → Security → Advanced.
Step 4: Click Change next to Owner, enter your current Windows username, check the box for Replace owner on subcontainers and objects, then click Apply and OK.
Step 5: Locate msedge.exe in the folder, right-click it, and rename it to msedge.exe.bak.
Step 6: Close the window—Edge will now be unable to launch.
To restore Edge, simply rename the file back to msedge.exe.
Now all you have to do is use another program to uninstall Edge.
If you want a more thorough solution, you can use a dedicated tool or system command to completely uninstall edge browser in windows 11 after disabling the executable. This way, you not only block Edge from running but also truly completely uninstall edge browser in windows 11 from your system.
- ArkansasQuapawIron Contributor
Preventing Edge from running in the background helps reduce resource usage, but it does not completely uninstall edge browser in windows 11; it merely disables background running and startup functions.
How to completely uninstall edge browser in windows 11
Step 1: Disable background processes
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner → Settings
- System and performance
- Turn off:
- Keep background extensions and apps running when Microsoft Edge is closed
- Startup boost
Step 2: Disable Edge startup items
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Go to the Startup tab
- Find Microsoft Edge → Right-click → Disable
Step 3: Remove Edge from the taskbar and Start menu
- Right-click the Edge icon on the taskbar → Unpin from the taskbar
- Right-click Edge in the Start menu → Unpin from the Start menu
Once you've completed these steps and disabled Edge, you can look for third-party cleanup software to remove it. Good luck!
- Nobel_BaynesSteel Contributor
Microsoft Edge is designed as a core component of Windows 11, so you can't remove it from the Settings app. However, it is possible to uninstall an Edge browser using a specific command in the Command Prompt.
How to completely uninstall edge browser in windows 11
1. Click the Start button, type cmd into the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter. This command uses a wildcard (*) to automatically find the correct folder, so you don't need to know your Edge version number.
cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\*\Installer4. Now, type or paste the following command and press Enter.
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThe command will run silently, and Microsoft Edge should be removed. It is recommended to restart your computer to ensure all changes are fully applied.