How to Completely Remove or Disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

Microsoft Edge is built deeply into Windows 11, and Microsoft does not officially allow users to uninstall it entirely because it’s part of the operating system. However, there are several effective methods to remove, disable, or stop it from loading automatically. Below are step-by-step methods covering every approach you can use safely.

Method 1: Uninstall Microsoft Edge Using Command Prompt

This method works best if Edge was installed via a standalone update or manually updated.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Scroll down and look for Microsoft Edge.
3. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced Options to note the version number (you’ll need it).
4. Press Windows + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as Administrator.
5. Type the following command and press Enter (replace version_number with your Edge version): cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\version_number\Installer
6. Then run this command to uninstall Edge completely: setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall
7. Wait for the process to complete. Edge will now be removed from your system.

Method 2: Remove Microsoft Edge via PowerShell

If the Command Prompt method doesn’t work, PowerShell provides another option.

1. Press Start, search for PowerShell, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following command to list all Microsoft Edge packages: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage
3. Press Enter and wait for the command to execute. This will remove Edge for the current user.
4. To remove it for all users, run this command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage
5. Restart your computer to finalize the removal.

Method 3: Disable Microsoft Edge from Loading on Startup

Even if you can’t uninstall Edge completely, you can stop it from running at startup.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the Startup Apps tab.
3. Locate Microsoft Edge in the list.
4. Right-click it and select Disable.
5. This prevents Edge from automatically launching when Windows starts.

Method 4: Stop Microsoft Edge Background Processes

Edge often runs background services even if you never open it.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Go to System > Startup.
3. Turn off Microsoft Edge if it appears in the list.
4. Next, open Edge once, type edge://settings/system in the address bar, and press Enter.
5. Turn off the switch for Continue running background apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
6. Close Edge and restart your computer.

Method 5: Prevent Edge from Reinstalling Through Windows Update

Windows updates may reinstall Edge automatically. You can block it.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
3. Double-click Do not include drivers with Windows Updates and set it to Enabled.
4. Click Apply, then OK.
5. Alternatively, use a tool like Edge Blocker or O&O AppBuster to keep Edge from returning after updates.

Method 6: Rename or Delete the Edge Installation Folder (Force Disable)

If none of the above methods work, renaming the installation folder will stop Edge from launching.

1. Press Windows + R, type the following path, and press Enter: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge
2. Right-click the Edge folder and rename it to something like Edge_disabled.
3. If you get a permission error, right-click the folder, choose Properties > Security > Advanced, then change the owner to your user account and grant full control.
4. After renaming, Edge will no longer be able to launch.

Method 7: Disable Edge Auto-Startup Through Registry Editor

You can disable hidden startup triggers that open Edge after login.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
3. Right-click in the right pane, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name it AllowPrelaunch and set its value to 0.
5. Create another DWORD named AllowStartupBoost and set its value to 0.
6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Method 8: Use a Third-Party Tool to Manage Edge Removal

Several free tools simplify removing or blocking Microsoft Edge:

• Edge Remover Tool: Specialized for uninstalling Edge from Windows 11.
• O&O AppBuster: Lets you remove preinstalled Microsoft apps safely.
• Revo Uninstaller: Deeply scans for leftover files after removal.
  Download one of these tools, follow its uninstall steps, and reboot your PC afterward.

Following these steps, you can either completely uninstall Microsoft Edge or ensure it never launches or loads on startup again on Windows 11.