Forum Discussion
Windows doesn't let me uninstall edge completely. There is only an option to restore it.
I bought a new computer this week. And as everyone should, i first went to try to uninstall edge. It appears that now windows doesn't even provide an option to do that.
For now I have found and forcefully removed the internal files where edge was located but it is still shown in the app menu. Is there a way to completely eradicate it from my computer?
Some sites say that it can't be removed because it is necessary for the OS and integrated into it. Yet i see no reason why that would be relevant. I am not using any microsoft apps (and not planning on using any in the future ) so it shouldn't be required by any programs i use. Though i still have EdgeWebView installed seperately just in case.
So for short: I have uninstalled Edge's files and it does not cause me any problems but it is still visible on the App Menu and i want it to be completely gone.
13 Replies
use cmd TASKKILL /F /IM msedge.exe RD /S /Q "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge" RD /S /Q "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge" RD /S /Q "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge it should be uninstalled you need message The process "msedge.exe" not found The system cannot find the file specified and The system cannot find the path specified. To work
You can't completely remove edge browser from Windows 11. You can only disable it as it is a system app.
you can use a third party program like wise uninstall:
https://www.wisecleaner.com/wise-program-uninstaller.html
omg, thank you. This was what i was looking for. Im absolutely disgusted by microsoft for forcing their users into using such workarounds. If people don't want your product then don't shove it down their throat they won't use it either way
Before we go, let's talk about this rumor that Edge is somehow integrated into the OS and can't be removed. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's like saying, “I love pineapple on pizza, but it's also a required ingredient.” I mean, I can live without pineapple on pizza. (pauses) And I'm pretty sure Windows can live without Edge too.
That is a rumour or an excuse, because in EU you *can* uninstall Edge fully from your computer. I know, I've done that. No such legislation in the Land Of The Free which would prevent forceful application install like we do have.
Why uninstall it? I just added Firefox so I had the option but my new W11 machine is working very well with Edge - indeed, I'm now running Edge Beta and it's even better. I have found occasionally 'old' sites I've used in the past won't load, presumably due to security issues, but then I revert to Firefox. I have to confess, though, that I get very annoyed with Google as I can't uninstall Chrome. I disable it and add Edge instead :)
Edge is a system app now and you can't delete it. You can disable the app and set the browser you like as the default browser.
I agree with you.
Since you've already manually removed the Edge directory from your Program Files, you've made good progress.
First and foremost, removing Microsoft Edge is not a recommended practice, as it is deeply integrated into the system. However, if you still wish to remove it, using the command line is the most effective approach.
That is a rumour or an excuse, because in EU you *can* uninstall Edge fully from your computer. I know, I've done that. No such legislation in the Land Of The Free which would prevent forceful application install like we do have.
Can you tell me more about why and for what function of the system it is integrated? My assumption would be that some microsoft apps use it to run desktop web apps, howevet as i have mentioned i still have EdgeWebView installed seperately. Ofcourse seeing the app icon doesn't cause me any problems but i would like to learn more about this rumor that "Edge is deeply integrated"
