How to Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10

How to Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10, but not everyone is a fan. If you prefer to use a different browser, you may want to remove Microsoft Edge from your system. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10.

Why Remove Microsoft Edge?

While Microsoft Edge offers some unique features and improvements over its predecessor, Internet Explorer, it may not be the browser of choice for everyone. Some users may have a strong preference for other browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox due to their personal preferences or specific needs.

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 can also help declutter your system, especially if you don't use it and prefer to free up some disk space. Whatever your reasons may be, let's explore how you can remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 PC.

Method 1: Using PowerShell

The first method we'll discuss involves using PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool for managing and automating Windows tasks.

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator: To do this, right-click on the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the context menu. If you don't see this option, you can search for "PowerShell" in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator."


2. Disable Microsoft Edge: In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Remove-AppxPackage


3. Remove Microsoft Edge from Start menu: Next, copy and paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$_.PackageName -like "*Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge*"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online

After following these steps, Microsoft Edge should be removed from your system. However, keep in mind that this method only removes the browser from the current user account. If you have multiple user accounts on your PC, you'll need to repeat these steps for each account.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Tool

If you're not comfortable using PowerShell or prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use a third-party tool to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10. One such tool is CCleaner, a popular system optimization and cleaning utility.

1. Download and install CCleaner: Visit the official CCleaner website and download the latest version of the software. Install it on your system by following the on-screen instructions.


2. Launch CCleaner: Once installed, launch CCleaner on your computer.


3. Go to the Tools section: In the left-hand panel, click on "Tools" to access the tools and utilities offered by CCleaner.


4. Select the Uninstall option: Under the Tools section, click on "Uninstall" to open the Uninstall tool.


5. Locate Microsoft Edge: In the list of installed programs, scroll down and find "Microsoft Edge." Click on it to select it.


6. Click on Uninstall: Once Microsoft Edge is selected, click on the "Uninstall" button to remove it from your system.


7. Follow the prompts: Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Using a third-party tool like CCleaner can make the process of removing Microsoft Edge simpler and more straightforward, especially for users who are less familiar with command-line tools.

Method 3: Reinstalling Windows 10

If you want to completely remove Microsoft Edge and start fresh, you can consider reinstalling Windows 10. This method is more drastic and should only be used if you're comfortable with reinstalling your operating system.

Reinstalling Windows 10 will remove all your files, programs, and settings. Therefore, it's crucial to back up your important files and create a system image before proceeding.

1. Create a backup: Back up all your important files to an external storage device or cloud storage service.


2. Create a system image: Use the built-in Windows Backup and Restore feature to create a system image. This will allow you to restore your system to its previous state if needed.


3. Reinstall Windows 10: Once you've backed up your files and created a system image, you can proceed with reinstalling Windows 10. You can do this by using the Windows 10 installation media or through the recovery options in Windows.


4. Follow the installation prompts: During the reinstallation process, follow the on-screen prompts to set up Windows 10 again.

After reinstalling Windows 10, Microsoft Edge should be completely removed from your system. You can then choose to install your preferred browser and customize your system to your liking.

Conclusion

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 is possible through various methods, including using PowerShell, third-party tools like CCleaner, or reinstalling the operating system. The method you choose will depend on your comfort level with command-line tools and your desired outcome.

Remember to always back up your files and create a system image before making any significant changes to your system. This ensures that you can revert back if something goes wrong.

Ultimately, the decision to remove Microsoft Edge is a personal one. Whether you prefer a different browser or simply want to declutter your system, these methods can help you achieve your goal.