Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 can be a bit tricky, but it’s entirely doable. You’ll need to use Command Prompt or PowerShell to remove Edge because Windows 11 doesn’t let you uninstall it via the usual Apps & Features route. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you can successfully remove Microsoft Edge from your system.
How To Uninstall Microsoft Edge Windows 11
This section will guide you through the steps needed to uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11. By the end of this, Microsoft Edge will be removed from your computer.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
First, you need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
To do this, right-click the Start button and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" from the context menu. You can also press "Win + X" and choose "Windows Terminal (Admin)" from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Navigate to the Microsoft Edge Directory
Next, you’ll need to navigate to the directory where Microsoft Edge is installed.
In the Command Prompt window, type cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%MicrosoftEdgeApplication and press Enter. This will take you to the folder where Microsoft Edge is installed.
Step 3: Find the Version Number
You need the exact version number of Microsoft Edge installed on your computer.
Type dir and press Enter. Look for a folder named with the version number, like 91.0.864.48. Make a note of this version number.
Step 4: Enter the Installer Folder
Go into the Installer folder found within the version number folder.
Type cd 91.0.864.48Installer (replace the version number with the one you noted earlier) and press Enter. Now you’re in the Installer folder.
Step 5: Execute the Uninstall Command
Finally, execute the command to uninstall Microsoft Edge.
Type setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstall and press Enter. This will initiate the uninstallation process.
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will be removed from your Windows 11 system. You may need to restart your computer to complete the process.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft Edge Windows 11
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator to ensure you have the necessary permissions.
- Make sure you type the commands exactly as shown, including spaces and dashes.
- If you can’t find the exact version number folder, make sure you are in the correct directory.
- Save any work before starting, as you might need to restart your computer.
- If you encounter issues, reinstalling Edge and trying the steps again can sometimes resolve the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Microsoft Edge by downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft Edge?
While it’s generally safe, some Windows features may rely on Edge, so proceed with caution.
Will uninstalling Edge affect other browsers?
No, uninstalling Edge will not affect other web browsers you have installed.
Can I uninstall Edge through the Control Panel?
No, Windows 11 does not allow you to uninstall Edge through the Control Panel.
What if I encounter errors during the uninstallation?
If you encounter errors, try running Command Prompt as an administrator again and ensure you’re typing the commands correctly.
Summary of Steps
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Navigate to the Microsoft Edge Directory.
- Find the Version Number.
- Enter the Installer Folder.
- Execute the Uninstall Command.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 might seem like a daunting task, but it’s quite straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Using Command Prompt ensures that you have full control over the uninstallation process, as Windows 11 doesn’t provide an easy way to remove Edge through the Settings menu. Remember to keep a backup of your work before starting, just in case you need to restart your computer. Also, if you ever need to use Edge again, it’s easily re-downloadable from the Microsoft website.
So, whether you’re looking to free up space, prefer a different browser, or just want to streamline your operating system, removing Microsoft Edge can be a useful step. Now, go ahead and give it a try.