You can't fully uninstall Edge, but you can stop it from running and opening automatically

Microsoft Edge comes built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and the operating system won't let you remove it completely through the normal uninstall process. However, you can prevent it from launching on startup, disable it as your default browser, and stop it from opening links automatically. The steps differ slightly depending on your Windows version and what you're trying to stop Edge from doing.

If you want Edge gone from your screen entirely, the most practical approach is to switch to a different default browser, hide Edge from your taskbar and Start menu, and turn off its startup processes. For most people, this makes Edge invisible and inactive in daily use.

Key Takeaways

  • You can prevent Edge from opening automatically by changing your default browser in Windows Settings and disabling Edge startup tasks in Task Manager.
  • Removing Edge from your taskbar and Start menu hides it visually, but the application files remain on your computer.
  • If you want to uninstall Edge entirely, you can use PowerShell commands on Windows 11, though this may reverse after Windows updates.
  • Switching to Chrome, Firefox, or another browser as your default prevents Windows from forcing Edge to open when you click links.

Stop Edge from opening automatically at startup

Edge often launches when you start your computer. To stop this, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Click the Startup tab at the top. Look for any entries labeled "Microsoft Edge" or "msedge". Right-click each one and select Disable.

Next, go to Settings > Apps > Startup (on Windows 11) or Settings > Apps > Startup apps (on Windows 10). Scroll down until you find Edge-related entries and toggle them off. This prevents Edge from launching in the background when you log in.

Change your default browser away from Edge

Open Settings and go to Apps > Default apps. Scroll down to find Web browser and click it. Select the browser you want to use instead — Chrome, Firefox, or another option. Windows will now open links in that browser instead of Edge.

You may also want to change the default for other protocols. Look for HTTP and HTTPS in the same Default apps section and set them to your chosen browser. This prevents Edge from intercepting links in emails, documents, or other applications.

Remove Edge from your taskbar and Start menu

Right-click the Edge icon on your taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar. To remove it from the Start menu, open the Start menu, find Microsoft Edge, right-click it, and choose Uninstall. This removes the shortcut but not the application itself.

If you want to hide Edge completely, you can also disable it in Settings > Apps > Apps and features. Find Microsoft Edge in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options. Scroll down and toggle Show in app switcher to off. Edge will no longer appear when you press Alt+Tab.

Disable Edge background processes and services

Edge runs background tasks even when you're not using it. Open Task Manager and look for processes with names like "msedge.exe", "Microsoft Edge Update", or "edge update service". Select each one and click End task at the bottom right. This stops them immediately, though they may restart after a reboot.

For a more permanent solution on Windows 11, open Services by pressing Windows key + R, typing "services.msc", and pressing Enter. Look for services with "Edge" or "edgeupdate" in the name. Right-click each one, select Properties, change the Startup type to Disabled, and click Apply. This prevents them from running automatically.

Uninstall Edge using PowerShell (Windows 11 only)

If you want to remove Edge's files entirely, you can use PowerShell on Windows 11. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). Paste this command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Remove-AppxPackage

This removes Edge from your system. Be aware that Windows updates may reinstall it later, and some Windows features may depend on Edge components. This approach is more aggressive than the other methods and should only be used if you're comfortable with command-line tools.

What happens if you disable Edge

Disabling Edge won't break Windows or cause system errors. Some built-in Windows features like Cortana search results or certain help pages may open in your default browser instead of Edge, which is usually fine. If a website or application specifically requires Edge, you can always re-enable it later by reversing these steps.

Windows updates occasionally re-enable Edge or restore its startup tasks, so you may need to repeat these steps after major updates. If you find Edge keeps coming back, check Task Manager and Settings again after each update and disable it once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Edge slow down my computer?

Stopping Edge from running in the background may free up a small amount of memory and CPU, but the difference is usually not noticeable on modern computers. The main benefit is removing Edge from your screen and preventing it from opening unexpectedly.

Can I completely remove Edge from Windows?

On Windows 11, you can use PowerShell to uninstall Edge's files. On Windows 10, you cannot fully remove it through normal methods. Even on Windows 11, updates may reinstall it. Disabling it through Settings and Task Manager is the most reliable way to keep it off.

What if Edge keeps coming back after I disable it?

Windows updates sometimes restore Edge's startup tasks and services. After a major update, check Task Manager and Settings again and repeat the disabling steps. If you want a permanent solution, use the PowerShell uninstall method on Windows 11.

Will websites work if I disable Edge?

Yes. Disabling Edge doesn't affect your internet connection or other browsers. Websites will open normally in whatever browser you set as your default. Edge's files remain on your computer, so you can re-enable it anytime if needed.

Can I disable Edge without using PowerShell?

Yes. Changing your default browser, disabling startup tasks in Task Manager, and removing Edge from your taskbar accomplishes most of what you need without using PowerShell. The PowerShell method is only necessary if you want to remove Edge's files entirely.