Microsoft Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 11, acting as the default browser for everything from web links to system search results. While Edge is a capable browser built on Chromium, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Brave. However, Microsoft actively prevents users from uninstalling Edge through standard Windows settings.
If you try to remove Edge via the Apps menu, you will find the “Uninstall” button is greyed out. To completely remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11, you must use the Command Prompt or third-party utilities. This guide explains how to forcefully remove it using built-in command-line tools.
Warning: Side Effects of Removing Edge
Before proceeding, you must understand the consequences of completely removing Microsoft Edge. Windows 11 relies on Edge for certain native functions:
- Web Search in Start Menu: Windows Search results that rely on the web will stop working or throw errors because they are hardcoded to use Edge.
- Widgets Panel: The Windows 11 Widgets board heavily relies on Edge WebView2. While WebView2 is technically a separate component, removing Edge can sometimes disrupt widget functionality.
- Help Links: Native Windows “Get Help” links may fail to open.
If you accept these limitations, proceed with the removal process.
How to Remove Microsoft Edge Using Command Prompt
The most reliable method to remove Edge without third-party software is using the hidden installer executable inside the Edge application folder.
- Find your Edge version number: Open Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu in the top right, go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. Make a note of the version number (e.g.,
114.0.1823.58). - Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Navigate to the Edge Installer directory: Type the following command, replacing
[VERSION]with the exact version number you noted earlier, and press Enter:cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\[VERSION]\Installer
- Execute the removal command: Once inside the Installer directory, run the following command to force the uninstallation:
setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
You will not see a confirmation dialogue. The Edge shortcut will disappear from your desktop and taskbar, and the browser will be removed from your system.
How to Prevent Edge from Reinstalling via Windows Update
Even after you remove Edge, Microsoft often forces it back onto your system during the next major Windows Update. To prevent this, you must modify the Windows Registry.
- Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. - Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft - Right-click the Microsoft folder, select New > Key, and name it
EdgeUpdate. - Right-click the newly created EdgeUpdate key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new DWORD
DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium. - Double-click the new DWORD and change its Value Data to
1. - Click OK and restart your computer.
This registry key explicitly instructs Windows Update to block the installation of Microsoft Edge during future system updates.