How to Get Rid of Microsoft Edge from Windows 10
Microsoft Edge is perhaps the best browser app ever shipped with Windows 10. However, not every user may fancy it. The new Chromium version of Microsoft Edge comes with many improvements on the legacy version featured on Windows 10 when it first launched. So whether you’ve settled on the new version of Microsoft Edge or installed a different browser such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to get rid of the old Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 operating system.
The straightforward answer is YES; you can remove this browser and set your favorite browser as the default browser on your device. Read on to learn how.
Why Remove Microsoft Edge?
The primary reason many users remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 is that it’s pushed really hard in the operating system. Even if you’ve selected a different default browser on your PC, Microsoft will keep reminding you that Edge is apparently much better. Under the brand new Settings app, you’ll keep seeing a warning flag under web browsing saying ‘Restore recommended.
Besides, it’s also not the easiest browser to get rid of since Microsoft really wants users to surf the internet through their Edge browser. As a result, they make it as hard as possible to remove the application. Fortunately, there are simpler ways to go about it.
How to Uninstall Chromium Microsoft Edge Using Setting App
Using the Settings app, you can remove the version of Edge browser you installed directly using the installer or the available builds through the DEV, Beta, and Canary Channels.
Simply take the following steps to uninstall Microsoft Edge:
- Open Settings and click on Apps.
- Tap on Apps & features.
- Select Microsoft Edge Application.
- Click the Uninstall button.
- Go to settings again and click the Uninstall button.
- (Optional) Select “Also clear your browsing data.”
- Click the Uninstall button.
After completing the steps, the version of your Edge browser you will be removed from your PC.
How to Remove Chromium Microsoft Edge Using Command Prompt
If you don’t find the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge under Settings, then the new browser might have come through Windows Update. If that’s the case, you’ll need to use Command Prompt to get rid of it.
To remove the Chromium Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button.
- Lookup for “Command Prompt” and right-click the result on top to select “Run as administrator.”
- Now key in the following path to open the Installer folder: “cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\8*\Installer.” When done, press ENTER.
- Next, type this command to get rid of Microsoft Edge: “setup –uninstall –force-uninstall –system-level.” Finally, press ENTER.
After you’ve completed the steps, your existing Microsoft Edge will be uninstalled from the device. However, the legacy version of the Microsoft Edge browser will be reinstated on your Windows 10.
Note that on Windows 10, the “Installer” folder exists inside another folder often named after the version number of the existing browser on your device. That means that the name may change whenever new updates roll out. Therefore, the number “8” features a wildcard “*” to enable you to access the folder regardless of the 8x.x.xxx. version installed in your device. Once the version 9x.x.xxx. of the browser rolls out, you’ll need to replace the 8 with a 9 in the command path.
How to Prevent Microsoft Edge from Reinstalling Automatically
After removing Microsoft Edge from your PC, consider it a battle half won. You must further configure your device to prevent automatic reinstallation whenever new updates roll out. Editing the registry is often the simplest way to stop that. However, touching the registry comes with a warning – t’s often a significant risk, and you must do it with caution.
Click the ‘Search’ icon on the desktop and search for ‘Registry Editor’. Once it’s opened, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft.
You can also copy and paste the thread into the address bar of the Registry Editor.
Next, right-click on the ‘Microsoft’ folder and select ‘New’ and then ‘Key’. Now, name the new key ‘EdgeUpdate’ and right-click on it. Tap ‘New’ followed by ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value’ and name it ‘DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium’.
After creating the new key, double-click to open it and modify its value to ‘1’. Now click ‘OK’ and close the Registry Editor. From now on, Microsoft Edge should not automatically come back to your PC.
Managing Update Failures
After more recent Windows updates, some users who removed Microsoft Edge reported issues with installations failing on their machines. If you ever encounter this issue, you can simply fix it through the PC’s program files.
Open the ‘Program Files (x86)’ folder in drive C and find the ‘Microsoft’ folder. Open the folder and delete any subfolders associated with Microsoft Edge. When done, you can install your Windows update once more without issues.
The downside to Uninstalling Microsoft Edge
If the Edge browser is not causing significant problems to your browsing experience, it’s not necessary to uninstall it from your PC. Microsoft has highly integrated Edge into the internal workings of the Windows 10 operating system. Sometimes, removing it could cause system instability. An alternative is to simply download your preferred browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, and set it up as your default browser.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft will undoubtedly keep pushing Microsoft Edge on users, and it can get annoying at times. Although removing the browser isn’t very straightforward, it’s entirely possible if you follow the above steps. At 4it, we work with top companies in South Florida, providing high-quality IT services and IT support. If you’re looking at IT support as a strategic enabler to help your business keep its sensitive data secure, protected, and IT systems running efficiently, 4it is your ultimate partner.
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