Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 – A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft has dubbed Microsoft Edge as its best browser yet. It is an improved chrome-based version of the former internet browser, which was a source of much ridicule. However, it still doesn’t appeal to many users, and many are actively looking for ways to uninstall this browser.

Microsoft Edge comes as a part-and-parcel of Windows 10. It is built into the operating system, making it a crucial component of many operations. To this end, Microsoft claims that it is not possible to uninstall this browser — at least not without causing other complications.

However, this is not true — there are several ways to uninstall or disable Microsoft Edge from Windows 10. Here is an overview of four easy ways of going about it.

Using the Standard Uninstall Menu 

First, it is important to note that this option only works for a manually installed Microsoft Edge program. Consequently, this method will not work if the browser came with the Windows 10 operating system– this is why Microsoft claims that it is impossible to remove the browser.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall Microsoft Edge using Windows’ standard uninstall menu:

• Right-click on the Start menu icon.
• Click on Settings and navigate to Apps > Apps & Features. 
• Scroll down the list and find Microsoft Edge — you can also search for the browser in the search bar.
• Click on Microsoft Edge and then click on the Uninstall option in the pop-up command box.

Please note that you may have to click the uninstall option several times before the process can begin. It is also advisable to close any open pages on Windows Edge for the program to uninstall. Finally, don’t forget to clear past browser data that may remain after uninstallation – you will get a prompt to do so when the uninstallation process ends.

The uninstallation process will take a minute or two to finalize. It is advisable to reboot your computer after uninstallation.

Using Command Prompt 

The Windows command prompt offers access to virtually every file and program on your computer. This option is recommendable when trying to uninstall a built-in version of Microsoft Edge (the one that came with your Windows 10 OS) because the standard uninstall menu doesn’t work.

Using the command prompt may seem complicated at first, especially if you don’t have basic programming skills. However, it will be quick and easy when you follow this step-by-step guide:

• Click on the Start icon and locate the command prompt (you can do this by searching in the search bar).
• Right-click on the Command Prompt and select the option that says Run as Administrator from the drop-down menu.
• Find the folder housing Microsoft Edge files by entering this command: cd. %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%Microsoft\Edge\Application\xx\Installer (substitute the ‘xx’ with the version of the Microsoft Edge browser currently installed on your computer). 
• Wait for the folder to open and enter the following command to uninstall the Microsoft Edge browser: setup –uninstall –force-uninstall –system-level.

It is important to get every character correct, or else this process will not work. Remember to include your browser’s version number – you can check this number in the About section of Microsoft Edge settings.

This process takes several minutes to finalize, depending on your typing speed and the computer’s processing power. Additionally, you don’t have to restart your computer afterwards.

Disabling Microsoft Edge 

Disabling Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 is an easier, quicker, and safer alternative to uninstalling it. Disabling the browser will limit its activities both in the foreground and background. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:

• Open the file explorer and navigate to Local Disk C.
• Navigate to C:\Windows\SystemApps.
• Scroll down and find the folder labeled Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge…
• Right-click on this folder and click on the Rename option from the drop-down menu.
• Give this folder a new name and click Continue on the pop-up command prompt.

Changing the folder’s name will block the system from accessing the files therein, including the browser. However, your browser and files will still be available, and you can unlock them by renaming the Microsoft Edge file to its original name. This process takes less than a minute to finalize.

It is advisable to rename the file by adding a generic extension to the original name, as it will make it easier to remember the original name. For example, you can add the letters ABC to the original name and delete them the next time you want to access Microsoft Edge.

Replacing Microsoft Edge with another Default Browser 

Many Windows users prefer third-party web browsers instead of Microsoft Edge. You can choose from dozens of web browsers, including popular options such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Setting a third-party browser as your default browser will essentially render Microsoft Edge inactive.

Here is a step-by-step process on how to go about setting up another default web browser:

• Download and install your preferred third-party browser.
• Click the Start icon and search for (and click) Default Apps from the search bar.
• Scroll down the menu until you get to the web browsers category.
• Click on the tab and then click on your preferred web browser.

Some third-party browsers also have an automatic default option. As such, open the browser immediately after downloading it and wait for a prompt asking whether to set it as the default browser. Click Ok and wait a minute as your settings are reconfigured. Your new default web browser will automatically launch whenever you need to access the internet.

Potential Complications & How to Solve Them

Removing Microsoft Edge may cause complications when updating your Windows 10 OS. Some important updates may fail to install until you reinstall the browser. However, you can circumvent this complication by making a few adjustments. All you have to do is delete any folders related to Microsoft Edge from the Microsoft folder under Local Disk C: Program Files (X86).

Final Thoughts 

Are you having trouble with Microsoft Edge (or any other program on your Windows OS)? Acom Networks has an effective solution to your problem. Get in touch for professional Microsoft support in Georgia and Alabama.