How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 (And Prevent Reinstallation)

Microsoft Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 11. While it is a capable browser, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox and wish to remove Edge entirely. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not provide a standard uninstall button for Edge in the Settings menu. Removing it requires specific administrative commands, and preventing it from returning requires registry modifications.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step workflow to completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 and ensure that Windows Update does not force-install it again.

A Warning Before Proceeding

Before you begin, you must have an alternative web browser installed. Once Microsoft Edge is removed, you will not have a built-in way to browse the internet or download another browser unless you use command-line tools. Additionally, certain native Windows 11 features, such as the Widgets board and some web-based search results, rely on Edge Webview2 and may behave unpredictably if all Edge components are removed.

Step 1: Locate the Microsoft Edge Version Number

To remove Edge, you must first identify the exact version currently installed on your system.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Navigate to Help and feedback and click on About Microsoft Edge.
4. Under the Microsoft Edge logo, note down the version number (for example, 114.0.1823.58). You will need this number for the command line.

Step 2: Uninstall Microsoft Edge via Command Prompt

You must use an elevated Command Prompt to forcefully remove the browser.

1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to navigate to the Edge installer directory. Replace [VERSION] with the version number you noted earlier:
   cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\[VERSION]\Installer
   Press Enter.
4. Now, execute the forced uninstallation command by typing:
   setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
   Press Enter.

Microsoft Edge will now silently uninstall. The browser icon will disappear from your desktop and taskbar. You can close the Command Prompt window once the process completes.

Step 3: Prevent Microsoft Edge from Reinstalling

If you stop at Step 2, the next major Windows Update will likely reinstall Microsoft Edge. To prevent this, you must edit the Windows Registry.

Warning: Modifying the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause system instability. Follow these instructions carefully.

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. Click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
3. In the Registry Editor address bar at the top, copy and paste the following path and press Enter:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft
4. Right-click on the Microsoft folder in the left pane, select New, and then click Key.
5. Name the new key EdgeUpdate and press Enter.
6. Click on the newly created EdgeUpdate key to select it.
7. Right-click in the empty space in the right pane, select New, and click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
8. Name the new value DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium and press Enter.
9. Double-click on the DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium value.
10. Change the Value data from 0 to 1 and click OK.

By creating this registry key, you instruct Windows Update to bypass the installation of Microsoft Edge during future system updates. If you ever decide you want Microsoft Edge back, simply delete the EdgeUpdate registry key and download the installer directly from Microsoft’s website.