You can uninstall Microsoft Edge through Windows Settings, but the process depends on your Windows version and whether Edge came pre-installed

Microsoft Edge is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, which means the uninstall process is different from removing a regular program. On Windows 10, you can remove Edge through Settings. On Windows 11, Edge is more tightly integrated into the operating system, and Microsoft does not provide an official uninstall option — though workarounds exist. If you installed Edge separately on an older Windows version, you can remove it like any other program.

The method you use depends on which Windows version you have and whether you want a complete removal or just to stop using it as your default browser. This guide covers all three scenarios.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 users can uninstall Edge through Settings > Apps > Apps and Features, then search for Microsoft Edge and select Uninstall.
  • Windows 11 does not offer an official uninstall option because Edge is integrated into the system, but you can disable it or use third-party removal tools.
  • If you only want to stop using Edge, you can change your default browser in Settings without removing the program entirely.
  • Removing Edge does not affect Windows updates or system stability on Windows 10, but Microsoft recommends against removal on Windows 11.

Uninstalling Edge on Windows 10

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Apps, then select Apps and Features from the left menu. Scroll down or search for "Microsoft Edge" in the search box at the top. Click on Microsoft Edge when you find it, then click the Uninstall button that appears.

A confirmation window will pop up asking if you want to remove Microsoft Edge and its data. Click Uninstall again to confirm. Windows will remove the program, which usually takes less than a minute. After uninstall, you may be prompted to restart your computer, though this is not always necessary.

If the Uninstall button is grayed out or does not appear, your version of Windows may not allow removal through Settings. In that case, you can try using the Control Panel instead: go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find Microsoft Edge, and select Uninstall.

Why Windows 11 does not let you uninstall Edge

Microsoft integrated Edge directly into Windows 11's core system files, so the standard uninstall method does not work. The company treats Edge as a system component rather than an optional program, similar to how Internet Explorer was handled in earlier Windows versions. This means Edge cannot be removed through Settings or Control Panel on Windows 11.

If you do not want to use Edge, the simplest approach is to change your default browser instead. You can set Chrome, Firefox, or another browser as your default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps, and then ignore Edge entirely. The program will remain on your system but will not open unless you specifically click it.

Removing Edge on Windows 11 using third-party tools

If you want to remove Edge completely from Windows 11, you can use third-party uninstall utilities like Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner, which can force removal of system-integrated programs. These tools work by deleting Edge files and registry entries that Windows Settings cannot touch. Download one of these programs from its official website, install it, then search for Microsoft Edge within the tool and select remove.

Be aware that using third-party tools to remove system components carries a small risk: if something goes wrong, you may need to reinstall Windows or restore from a backup. Most users find it safer to simply set a different default browser and leave Edge on the system. If you do use a third-party tool, create a system restore point first by going to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > System Protection, then clicking Create.

Changing your default browser instead of uninstalling

If you want to stop using Edge without removing it, you can make another browser your default. Open Settings and go to Apps, then Default Apps. Scroll down to find Web browser and click on it. Select the browser you want to use instead — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or another option. From that point on, links in emails, documents, and other programs will open in your chosen browser, not Edge.

You can also change which browser opens when you search from the Windows taskbar. In the same Default Apps menu, look for Web search and select your preferred search engine and browser combination. This approach keeps Edge on your system but removes it from your daily workflow.

What happens to your data when you uninstall Edge

When you uninstall Microsoft Edge, Windows asks whether you want to delete your browsing data — bookmarks, passwords, history, and saved form information. If you click the checkbox during uninstall, all of this data is removed. If you uncheck it, your data stays on your computer but becomes inaccessible because Edge is no longer installed.

If you think you might reinstall Edge later and want to keep your data, uncheck the deletion option. If you are certain you will not use Edge again and want to remove all traces of your browsing activity, check the box to delete everything. You can also export your bookmarks to another browser before uninstalling if you want to keep them — most browsers have an import/export feature in their settings.

Reinstalling Edge if you change your mind

If you uninstall Edge and later want it back, you can download it from Microsoft's website at microsoft.com/edge. The download is free and takes a few minutes to install. On Windows 11, you can also reinstall Edge through the Microsoft Store app by searching for "Microsoft Edge" and selecting Install.

Reinstalling Edge does not restore your old bookmarks or passwords unless you signed in with a Microsoft account before uninstalling. If you did sign in, your data syncs back automatically once you log in again after reinstalling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling Edge break Windows or cause problems?

On Windows 10, uninstalling Edge is safe and does not affect Windows updates or system stability. On Windows 11, Microsoft does not recommend removal because Edge is part of the system, but using a third-party tool to remove it typically does not cause problems either — though there is a small risk if something goes wrong during the process.

Can I uninstall Edge if it is my default browser?

Yes. You can uninstall Edge even if it is set as your default browser. Windows will simply stop opening links in Edge. If you have not set another default browser, Windows may prompt you to choose one the next time you click a link.

Does uninstalling Edge remove Bing search from Windows?

No. Bing search in the Windows taskbar is separate from Edge and remains even after you uninstall the browser. You can change your search engine in Settings > Privacy and Security > General, or by changing your default browser to one that uses a different search engine.

What is the difference between uninstalling and disabling Edge?

Uninstalling removes the program from your computer entirely. Disabling means the program stays installed but does not run or appear in your menus. On Windows 11, where uninstall is not possible, disabling through third-party tools or Group Policy is an alternative, though it is more technical than simply changing your default browser.

Can I uninstall Edge from a work or school computer?

It depends on your organization's policies. If your computer is managed by your workplace or school, they may have locked down Edge so you cannot uninstall it. Contact your IT department to ask whether removal is permitted on your device.