How To Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Reddit: The Definitive Guide

Ah, Microsoft Edge. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it affair, isn’t it? While Microsoft has been steadily improving its browser, some users still prefer other options and might be looking to remove Edge entirely. The question often pops up on Reddit: “How do I uninstall Microsoft Edge?” Let’s dive into a comprehensive guide, clearing the fog and providing the clearest path to removing Edge, while also addressing common concerns and questions you’ll find floating around the Redditverse.

The Short Answer: It’s Complicated (But Doable)

Directly uninstalling Edge through the standard “Programs and Features” control panel is typically not possible on modern versions of Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft considers Edge an integral part of the operating system. However, fear not! There are workarounds. The most effective method involves using the command line and a little bit of persistence.

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge: The Detailed Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to effectively remove Microsoft Edge from your system. This method leverages the command prompt to bypass the usual restrictions.

Step 1: Locate the Edge Installation Directory

First, you need to find the exact location where Edge is installed.

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Find Microsoft Edge: Look for “Microsoft Edge” in the Processes tab.
3. Open File Location: Right-click on “Microsoft Edge” and select “Open file location.” This will typically take you to a location within the msedge.exe folder. This isn’t quite where we need to be.
4. Go Up a Level: In the File Explorer address bar, click the “MicrosoftEdge” folder name to go one level up.
5. Copy the Path: Note the full path to this “MicrosoftEdge” folder. It will look something like C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication.

Step 2: Identify the Edge Version Number

Next, we need the specific version number of your Edge installation.

1. Navigate to the Version Folder: Inside the “Application” folder, you’ll find a folder named with the Edge version number. It will look something like 123.0.2420.81.
2. Copy the Full Path: Copy the full path to this versioned folder. For example: C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication123.0.2420.81.

Step 3: Prepare the Command Prompt

Now it’s time to unleash the command prompt.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.” This is crucial!

Step 4: Execute the Uninstall Command

This is the moment of truth. We’ll use the command line to force the uninstall.

1. Navigate to the Installer Directory: In the Command Prompt, type cd followed by a space, then paste the path to the versioned folder you copied earlier. For example: cd C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplication123.0.2420.81. Press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Installer Folder: Now, type cd Installer and press Enter.
3. Execute the Uninstall Command: Finally, type the following command and press Enter: setup.exe --uninstall --force-uninstall --system-level

Step 5: Verify the Uninstall

After the command executes, Edge should be uninstalled.

1. Check Programs and Features: Go to the “Programs and Features” control panel (search for “uninstall a program” in the Start Menu) and see if Microsoft Edge is still listed. It shouldn’t be.
2. Restart Your Computer: It’s always a good idea to restart your computer after uninstalling software.

Important Considerations:

• Administrator Privileges: Running the Command Prompt as an administrator is absolutely essential. Without it, the command will fail.
• Accurate Paths: Double-check the file paths. Even a small typo can prevent the uninstall from working.
• “Force-Uninstall” Flag: The --force-uninstall flag is crucial for bypassing normal uninstall protections.
• “System-Level” Flag: This ensures the removal of system-wide components.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Access Denied Errors: If you encounter “Access Denied” errors, double-check that you are running the Command Prompt as an administrator and that you have correctly navigated to the installation directory.
• Command Not Recognized: Ensure you have typed the uninstall command correctly, including all the hyphens and spaces.
• Edge Reinstalls Automatically: Windows Update might try to reinstall Edge. See the FAQ section below on how to prevent this.

FAQs: Your Reddit-Sourced Edge Uninstall Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about uninstalling Microsoft Edge, inspired by real questions found on Reddit, along with comprehensive answers.

FAQ 1: Will uninstalling Edge break my computer?

Generally, no. Uninstalling Edge should not break your computer. However, it’s always wise to back up your system before making significant changes. While unlikely, unexpected issues can sometimes arise. Most issues revolve around broken links associated with the Edge browser.

FAQ 2: Can I reinstall Edge if I change my mind?

Yes, you can. You can download the latest version of Microsoft Edge from the official Microsoft website and reinstall it at any time.

FAQ 3: How do I prevent Windows Update from automatically reinstalling Edge?

This is a common concern! Microsoft often pushes Edge updates. Here’s how to (attempt to) prevent automatic reinstallation. This may not be foolproof, as Microsoft often changes its policies.

1. Registry Editor: Open the Registry Editor (search for “regedit” in the Start Menu and run as administrator).
2. Navigate to the Key: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoft.
3. Create a New Key: If a “EdgeUpdate” key doesn’t exist under “Microsoft,” right-click on “Microsoft,” select “New,” then “Key,” and name it “EdgeUpdate.”
4. Create a New DWORD Value: Select the “EdgeUpdate” key, right-click in the right pane, select “New,” then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
5. Name the Value: Name the new value “DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium.”
6. Set the Value Data: Double-click on “DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium” and set the “Value data” to 1.

This tells Windows not to automatically update to the Chromium-based Edge (which is now the standard).

FAQ 4: I get an error saying “setup.exe” is not recognized. What do I do?

This usually means you haven’t correctly navigated to the Installer directory within the Edge version folder using the cd command in the Command Prompt. Double-check your paths and try again.

FAQ 5: Will uninstalling Edge remove my saved passwords?

Yes, it might. Before uninstalling, export your passwords from Edge’s settings if you want to keep them. You can then import them into your preferred browser.

FAQ 6: Is there an easier way to uninstall Edge without using the command line?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a reliably easier way to completely remove Edge from Windows. Some third-party uninstallers might claim to do it, but they can be unreliable and potentially introduce other problems. Using the command line is the most direct and controlled method.

FAQ 7: After uninstalling Edge, my default browser keeps reverting back to Edge. How do I fix this?

After uninstalling, manually set your preferred browser as the default. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and choose your desired browser under “Web browser.”

FAQ 8: What if I just want to disable Edge instead of uninstalling it?

Disabling Edge is easier than uninstalling. You can do this via the Registry Editor, however, it may not prevent Edge from still being present in certain system processes.

1. Registry Editor: Open the Registry Editor (search for “regedit” in the Start Menu and run as administrator).
2. Navigate to the Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdge (create the Edge key if it doesn’t exist).
3. Create a New DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane, select “New,” then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
4. Name the Value: Name the new value “RendererCodeIntegrityEnabled.”
5. Set the Value Data: Set the “Value data” to 0.

FAQ 9: I’m using an older version of Windows. Does this method still work?

The specific steps might vary slightly depending on your Windows version. However, the general principle of using the command line to force the uninstall should apply.

FAQ 10: Does uninstalling Edge affect other Microsoft apps or services?

Uninstalling Edge should not directly affect other Microsoft apps or services. However, some apps might rely on a web browser component, and removing Edge could potentially cause minor issues.

FAQ 11: What are the potential risks of uninstalling Edge?

The main risk is the possibility of minor system instability or broken links. This is relatively uncommon but worth being aware of. As mentioned before, backing up your system is always a good precaution.

FAQ 12: I uninstalled Edge, but it still shows up in the Start Menu. How do I remove it from there?

Sometimes, remnants of Edge might linger in the Start Menu. Right-click on the Edge icon in the Start Menu and select “Unpin from Start.” If that doesn’t work, you might need to manually delete the shortcut file from the Start Menu folder. This folder is typically located at: %AppData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuPrograms.

Conclusion: Edge No More!

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge requires a bit of technical know-how, but with this guide, you should be well-equipped to remove it from your system. Remember to follow the steps carefully, pay attention to the error messages, and consult the FAQs if you encounter any problems. Happy browsing!