Hi there, do you find Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 to be a little unnecessary? Maybe it’s time to uninstall it. While Edge has improved over the years, some people prefer using other browsers or simply don’t need it. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to uninstall Edge on Windows 11. From the start, we’ll address why you might want to remove Edge, then follow through with the steps to do so. Table of contents include:
Why uninstall Edge in Windows 11?
There are many reasons why someone might want to uninstall Edge on their Windows 11 device. For starters, they may prefer a different browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Some users find Edge to be slower or less functional than other browsers, which can be frustrating. Some may not use the browser enough to justify having it installed on their machine. Whatever the reason may be, it’s a fairly easy process to remove Edge from your Windows 11 device.
How to uninstall Edge on Windows 11
Below are the 12 steps to take when uninstalling Edge on Windows 11:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, you will need to open the Control Panel. To do so, open the Start Menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the result that appears.
Step 2: Click on “Programs and Features”
Once you’re in the Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features.” You’ll find this option under “Programs.”
Step 3: Click “Microsoft Edge”
You should now be in the “Uninstall or change a program” section. Scroll down until you find “Microsoft Edge.” Click on it.
Step 4: Click “Uninstall.”
After clicking on “Microsoft Edge,” an “Uninstall” option will appear above. Click on it.
Step 5: Choose “Yes” to the User Account Control prompt
You’ll receive a User Account Control prompt asking if you want to allow the program to make changes to your device. Choose “Yes.”
Step 6: Wait for Edge to uninstall
Edge will begin uninstalling. You’ll need to wait for it to finish.
Step 7: Restart your device
Once Edge is uninstalled, it’s recommended that you restart your device to ensure that all changes are made properly.
Step 8: Open Command Prompt
Press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
Step 9: Enter the command: cd c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft
Once you’ve opened Command Prompt, type in “cd c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft.” This command will change your directory to the Microsoft installation folder.
Step 10: Enter the command: PowerShell -Command “Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}”
Now, enter the following command to reinstall Microsoft Edge:
PowerShell -Command “Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}”
This command will download and reinstall Edge.
Step 11: Restart your device again
After Edge is reinstalled, it’s recommended that you restart your device again to ensure that all changes are made properly.
Step 12: Enjoy
Congratulations, Edge has been uninstalled and reinstalled! Enjoy your time on the internet with your newly installed browser of choice.
Tips and tricks
Here are 10 tips and tricks to keep in mind when uninstalling Edge on Windows 11:
1. You can’t uninstall Edge on all editions of Windows 11
Some versions of Windows 11, like Windows 11 Home, don’t allow you to uninstall Edge. If you’re unable to uninstall it using the above steps, you may have to use a third-party tool.
2. Uninstalling Edge will affect other Microsoft apps
When you uninstall Edge, it will remove other apps that are built on Edge technology, like Microsoft Teams and Bing Search.
3. Edge will still appear in some searches
Even after uninstalling Edge, you may still see references to it in certain searches. This is because Windows 11 still uses some of Edge’s technology.
4. You may need to manually download updates after uninstalling Edge
Without Edge, Windows 11 won’t automatically update itself. You’ll need to manually download updates.
5. Reinstalling Edge requires administrator access
In order to reinstall Edge, you’ll need to have administrator access on your device.
6. Uninstalling Edge won’t hurt your device
Uninstalling Edge won’t hurt your device in any way, so don’t be afraid to try it out.
7. Edge alternatives are plentiful
There are tons of great browsers out there. Some popular alternatives to Edge include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.
8. You can still access Edge features through other Microsoft apps
Features like Reading List and PDF Viewer are still available through other Microsoft apps.
9. Removing Edge won’t speed up your device
Uninstalling Edge won’t necessarily make your device faster. If you’re looking to speed things up, try clearing your cache or updating your software.
10. If you’re unsure, reach out to Microsoft support
If you’re unsure about uninstalling Edge or are having issues, it never hurts to reach out to Microsoft support for help.
In conclusion, uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 is a straightforward process. Whether you prefer a different browser or simply don’t need it, removing Edge won’t hurt your device. By following the 12 steps outlined above, you can successfully uninstall and reinstall Edge to your heart’s content. Just remember to keep these tips and tricks in mind along the way. Happy browsing!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Advantages
1. Improved computer performance without the presence of Edge running in the background.
2. Increased storage space on the computer’s hard drive.
3. Ability to use alternative browsers that may be more compatible with certain websites.
4. No need to deal with possible errors or crashes caused by Microsoft Edge.
5. More control over personal preferences and software choices.
6. No annoying pop-up advertisements within Microsoft Edge.
7. Customizable browser experience with a wider range of third-party add-ons and extensions.
8. Option to challenge yourself and learn how to navigate Windows without relying on Edge.
9. Reduced exposure to possible security vulnerabilities associated with Microsoft Edge.
10. Uninstalling an unwanted application can feel gratifying and empowering.
Disadvantages
1. Uninstalling Microsoft Edge may create compatibility issues with other applications that rely on it.
2. Loss of access to certain Edge-exclusive features such as reading mode or Cortana integration.
3. Inability to download specific files or complete certain online tasks that require Microsoft Edge.
4. Might have to waste precious time downloading and installing an alternative browser.
5. Removal of basic components of the operating system may cause unexpected behavior.
6. May accidentally uninstall or erase important data when attempting to remove Microsoft Edge.
7. Reduced access to Microsoft support channels if there are issues with the operating system.
8. Some apps may still default to Microsoft Edge even if it is not the primary browser.
9. Might miss out on updates and newer versions of Microsoft Edge in the future.
10. The uninstallation process may not be reversible.
FAQ
1. Why would you want to uninstall Edge on Windows 11?
There could be various reasons why you would want to uninstall Edge. Some users may prefer to use another browser, while others may simply want to free up space on their device.
2. Is it possible to uninstall Edge on Windows 11?
Yes, it is possible to uninstall Edge on Windows 11. However, it is not recommended as it is an integral part of the operating system and could cause issues with other applications.
3. How do I uninstall Edge on Windows 11?
To uninstall Edge, go to Settings, then Apps, and then navigate to Microsoft Edge. Click on it and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
4. Will uninstalling Edge affect my Windows 11 updates?
No, uninstalling Edge will not affect your Windows 11 updates. However, it is recommended that you do not uninstall Edge as it is an integral part of the operating system.
5. Can I reinstall Edge after uninstalling it on Windows 11?
Yes, you can reinstall Edge after uninstalling it on Windows 11. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft website or through the Microsoft Store.
6. What are the consequences of uninstalling Edge on Windows 11?
The consequences of uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 can vary. It could cause issues with other applications that rely on Edge, and could also leave your system vulnerable to security threats.
7. Is there an alternative to uninstalling Edge on Windows 11?
Yes, there is an alternative to uninstalling Edge on Windows 11. You can choose to disable it instead by turning it off in the Apps settings. This way, it will not take up any space on your device but will still be available if needed.
8. Can I use another browser as default after uninstalling Edge on Windows 11?
Yes, you can use another browser as default after uninstalling Edge on Windows 11. Once you have another browser installed, you can set it as default by going to Settings, then Apps, and then choosing your preferred browser from the list.
9. Will uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 improve my device performance?
No, uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 is unlikely to improve your device’s performance. It will only free up a small amount of space on your device and could cause issues with other applications.
10. Can I uninstall Edge on Windows 11 without admin privileges?
No, you cannot uninstall Edge on Windows 11 without admin privileges. You will need to log in as an administrator to be able to uninstall it.
11. Does uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 remove all related files and data?
Yes, uninstalling Edge on Windows 11 removes all related files and data. However, some residual data may still be left behind, and it is recommended that you use a system cleaner to remove any remaining traces.
12. Is it safe to uninstall Edge on Windows 11?
No, it is not safe to uninstall Edge on Windows 11. It is an integral part of the operating system and could cause issues with other applications. Additionally, it could leave your system vulnerable to security threats.
13. How can I remove Edge data and files without uninstalling it on Windows 11?
You can remove Edge data and files without uninstalling it on Windows 11 by clearing your browsing history, cache, and cookies. These can be found in the settings menu of the Edge browser.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Edge is a great browser that comes with useful features, such as PDF viewer and extensions. However, if you prefer to use another browser or if you are experiencing issues with Edge, you can easily uninstall it on Windows 11 by following the steps we have outlined in this article.
Remember to first disable Edge before uninstalling it, and to create a restore point or backup your data to avoid any unwanted consequences. After uninstalling Edge, you can install another browser and customize it to your liking.
We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you on how to uninstall Edge on Windows 11. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to uninstall Edge on Windows 11. We understand that choosing the right browser can be a personal preference, and we hope we have provided you with actionable steps to help you achieve this.
Whether you need to uninstall Edge for troubleshooting purposes or simply want to try another browser, we hope you find the information in this article useful. Don’t forget to take care of your computer’s health by regularly updating and maintaining your software.
We wish you the best of luck in your browser journey, and until next time, happy browsing!