On standard Windows 11 installations, Microsoft Edge is a core Windows component and Microsoft says it cannot be uninstalled like a normal application. You can install another browser, make it your default, remove Edge shortcuts you do not use, and uninstall website apps that were installed through Edge.
Why Microsoft Edge Usually Cannot Be Uninstalled
Microsoft says Windows uses Edge as part of the operating system’s web platform and that some Windows applications depend on it. Edge also continues to receive updates through its own updater or Windows Update.
Windows behavior can vary in some regions, managed environments, and specialized editions, so if Windows itself presents a supported Uninstall option for Edge, use that supported control. Do not use command-line bypasses designed to defeat Windows’ component protections.
Use Another Browser Instead
- Install the browser you prefer from its official publisher.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Select Default apps.
- Select your preferred browser.
- Use the available controls to make it the default for the web-related file and link types you want that browser to handle.
Remove Edge from the Taskbar
- Right-click the Microsoft Edge icon on the taskbar.
- Select Unpin from taskbar.
You can also remove an Edge shortcut from the desktop or Start area without uninstalling the browser itself.
Uninstall a Website App Installed Through Edge
A website that you installed as an app through Edge is different from the Edge browser. Microsoft provides a supported way to remove those web apps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Enter edge://apps in the address bar.
- Open the details for the web app you want to remove.
- Select Uninstall.
- Confirm the removal.
Avoid Old Command-Prompt and PowerShell Removal Guides
Older tutorials often use Edge installer commands, PowerShell, or folder deletion to force the browser out of Windows. These methods can stop working after updates, can be automatically reversed, and can interfere with Windows features that depend on Edge components. They are not a good general-purpose solution.
Summary
If Windows does not offer a supported Edge uninstall option, leave the Windows component installed and make another browser your default instead. You can unpin Edge and remove Edge-installed web apps without using unsupported removal commands.