Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 can be a bit tricky but it’s definitely doable. The process involves using the Command Prompt to force the uninstallation. Afterward, you may also want to remove remaining files and folders to free up space completely.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge Windows 11
Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 primarily involves using the Command Prompt for the uninstallation. Follow these steps carefully to ensure you uninstall Microsoft Edge completely.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press Windows + S, type “cmd”, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator”.
Opening the Command Prompt as an administrator is crucial for making system-level changes like uninstalling built-in applications.
Step 2: Navigate to the Edge Installation Directory
Type cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplication\Installer and press Enter.
Make sure to replace “ with the actual version of Microsoft Edge installed on your system. This step ensures you’re in the correct directory to execute the uninstallation command.
Step 3: Execute the Uninstallation Command
Type setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall and press Enter.
This command forces the uninstallation of Microsoft Edge from your system. Be patient, as it may take a few moments to complete.
Step 4: Delete Remaining Microsoft Edge Folders
Navigate to C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft and delete the “Edge” folder.
Removing leftover files and folders ensures that no remnants of Microsoft Edge remain on your system, freeing up space and resources.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Press Windows + X, select “Shut down or sign out”, and click “Restart”.
Restarting your computer applies the changes and ensures that the uninstallation process is completed properly.
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will be uninstalled from your Windows 11 system. You may need to use an alternative browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft Edge Windows 11
- Make sure to back up important data before starting the uninstallation process.
- If the uninstallation command doesn’t work, double-check the version number and retry.
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator for system-level changes.
- Consider using third-party uninstaller tools if the manual method is too complex.
- Remember to set a new default browser after uninstalling Microsoft Edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft Edge?
Yes, it is generally safe to uninstall Microsoft Edge, especially if you have another web browser installed. However, some Windows features might still rely on Edge.
Will uninstalling Microsoft Edge affect other applications?
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge shouldn’t affect most applications. However, some Windows features or apps that rely on Edge might experience issues.
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge later?
Yes, you can easily reinstall Microsoft Edge by downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
Do I need administrator rights to uninstall Microsoft Edge?
Yes, you need administrator rights to uninstall Microsoft Edge using the Command Prompt.
What should I do if the uninstallation command fails?
Double-check the command syntax and ensure you’re in the correct directory. If it still fails, consider restarting your computer and trying again.
Summary
- Press
Windows + S, type “cmd”, right-click and select “Run as administrator”. - Navigate to the Edge installation directory.
- Execute the uninstallation command.
- Delete remaining Microsoft Edge folders.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with using the Command Prompt. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can successfully remove the browser from your system. Remember, the key to a smooth uninstallation is careful attention to detail at each step of the process. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to consult additional resources or seek help from more tech-savvy friends or support forums.
While Microsoft Edge is a robust and reliable browser, it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re switching to another browser for better performance, privacy, or simply personal preference, having the ability to uninstall it gives you more control over your computing environment. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other tutorials on managing your Windows 11 system. Happy browsing!
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.