How To Disable Microsoft Edge From Windows 10

Are you tired of Microsoft Edge constantly popping up on your Windows 10 device? Well, you're not alone. Many users find this default browser to be intrusive and prefer to use alternatives like Chrome or Firefox. Fortunately, there is a way to disable Microsoft Edge and reclaim control over your browsing experience.

Microsoft Edge, introduced in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer, was designed to provide a faster and more secure browsing experience. However, it has been met with mixed reviews and many users prefer other browsers. To disable Microsoft Edge, you can use the Group Policy Editor or modify the registry settings. By following these steps, you can eliminate the annoyance of Microsoft Edge and choose the browser that suits your needs.

Why Disable Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10, offering improved performance and security features. However, there may be instances where you want to disable Microsoft Edge or prevent it from running on your system. Perhaps you prefer to use a different web browser or have specific privacy concerns. Whatever the reason may be, disabling Microsoft Edge is possible, and this article will guide you through the process.

Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor

One way to disable Microsoft Edge is by using the Group Policy Editor. However, please note that this method is only available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. If you're using a different version of Windows 10, you may need to explore other methods.

Here's how to disable Microsoft Edge using the Group Policy Editor:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.
• Double-click on the Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup, when the system is idle, and each time Microsoft Edge is closed policy.
• Select the Disabled option and click OK.

After following these steps, Microsoft Edge will be disabled on your Windows 10 system.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

If you're using a version of Windows 10 that doesn't have the Group Policy Editor, you can disable Microsoft Edge using the Registry Editor.

Here's how to disable Microsoft Edge using the Registry Editor:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft. If the Microsoft key is not present, you'll need to create it.
• Right-click on the Microsoft key and select New > Key.
• Name the new key MicrosoftEdge.
• Right-click on the MicrosoftEdge key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Name the new value PreventAccessToEdgeFeatures.
• Double-click on the PreventAccessToEdgeFeatures value and set its data to 1.

After following these steps, Microsoft Edge will be disabled on your Windows 10 system.

Method 3: Using AppLocker

Another way to disable Microsoft Edge is by using AppLocker, a Microsoft Windows feature that allows administrators to control which apps can run on a system.

Here's how to disable Microsoft Edge using AppLocker:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker.
• Right-click on the Executable Rules folder and select Create New Rule.
• In the Permissions section, select Deny.
• In the Conditions section, set the Path to %WinDir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge.exe.
• Complete the wizard and apply the changes.

After following these steps, Microsoft Edge will be disabled on your Windows 10 system.

Method 4: Renaming Microsoft Edge Executable File

If you prefer a simpler method to disable Microsoft Edge, you can rename its executable file.

Here's how to rename the Microsoft Edge executable file:

• Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
• Locate the MicrosoftEdge.exe file.
• Right-click on the file and select Rename.
• Change the file name to something like MicrosoftEdge_disabled.exe.

After renaming the executable file, Microsoft Edge will no longer be able to run on your Windows 10 system.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Tools

If you're not comfortable modifying system settings or using the command line, there are third-party tools available that can disable Microsoft Edge for you.

These tools often come with user-friendly interfaces and provide options to disable Microsoft Edge with a single click. However, it's important to note that using third-party tools may pose security risks, so you should only download and use tools from trusted sources.

Make sure to research and read reviews before installing any third-party tool to ensure its credibility and reliability.

Conclusion

Disabling Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 is possible through various methods such as using the Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, AppLocker, renaming the executable file, or utilizing third-party tools. The method you choose will depend on your Windows 10 edition and personal preference. Just remember to proceed with caution and make sure to back up your system before making any changes. With these instructions, you can now disable Microsoft Edge and use an alternative web browser on your Windows 10 system.

Steps to Disable Microsoft Edge From Windows 10

1. Open the "Registry Editor" by pressing the "Windows" key and "R" at the same time. In the "Run" dialog box, type "regedit" and hit "Enter".
2. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge.
3. If the "Microsoft Edge" key does not exist, right-click on the "Microsoft" key, choose "New", and then click on "Key". Rename the new key as "MicrosoftEdge".
4. Right-click on the "MicrosoftEdge" key, choose "New", and then click on "DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name the new value as "AllowPrelaunch".
5. Double-click on the "AllowPrelaunch" value and set the "Value data" to "0" to disable the prelaunch feature of Microsoft Edge.
6. Close the "Registry Editor" and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

To re-enable Microsoft Edge, simply delete the "AllowPrelaunch" value from the registry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our frequently asked questions section where we address common queries regarding how to disable Microsoft Edge from Windows 10.

1. Can I completely remove Microsoft Edge from my Windows 10?

Removing Microsoft Edge completely from Windows 10 is not recommended as it is an integral part of the operating system. However, you can disable it and use an alternate browser as your default choice. This will prevent Microsoft Edge from opening automatically and remove it from the taskbar.

To disable Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu, then select "Settings" from the menu.

2. In the Settings window, click on "Apps." Then, click on "Default apps" in the left-hand sidebar.

3. Scroll down and click on "Microsoft Edge." A list of available browsers will appear.

4. Choose your alternate browser from the list and it will become your default browser, disabling Microsoft Edge.

2. Can I temporarily disable Microsoft Edge without changing my default browser?

Yes, you can temporarily disable Microsoft Edge without changing your default browser. This can be helpful if you don't want Edge to open certain types of files or links. Here's how:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the menu (three dots) in the top-right corner of the window.

2. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

3. In the Settings menu, click on "Cookies and site permissions" in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Scroll down and click on "Manage permissions" under the "Sites" section.

5. Find "Microsoft Edge" in the list of websites and click on it to expand the settings.

6. Toggle the switch next to "Allow" to disable Microsoft Edge temporarily for that specific website.

3. Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge and reinstall it later?

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge completely from your Windows 10 is not recommended as it is deeply integrated into the system. However, if you encounter issues with Edge, you can reset the browser or repair it instead of uninstalling it.

To reset or repair Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu, then select "Apps and Features" from the menu.

2. In the Apps & Features window, scroll down and click on "Microsoft Edge".

3. Click on the "Advanced options" link under Microsoft Edge.

4. In the Advanced options window, click on the "Repair" or "Reset" button.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

4. Is it possible to disable Microsoft Edge updates?

While you cannot disable Microsoft Edge updates entirely, you can control their installation by modifying the Windows 10 update settings.

To change the update settings for Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click on "Update & Security" in the Settings window.

3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on "Windows Update".

4. Click on "Advanced options" in the Windows Update settings.

5. Under the "Choose how updates are installed" section, select "Notify to schedule restart" or "Notify to download" options to have more control over the Microsoft Edge updates.

5. Can I install an older version of Microsoft Edge?

Installing an older version of Microsoft Edge is not recommended as updates often include critical security fixes and improvements. It is best to keep your browser up to date to ensure the highest level of security and performance. However, you can use compatibility mode

In summary, disabling Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 can be done by following a few simple steps. First, you can use the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor to disable the browser. Alternatively, you can use the AppLocker feature to block the application from running. Whichever method you choose, it is important to exercise caution and make sure you have the necessary permissions and backups in place.

Remember, disabling Microsoft Edge might have implications for your system, so it's a good idea to consider the potential consequences before making any changes. If you decide to disable Microsoft Edge, make sure you have an alternative web browser installed and set as your default to ensure a seamless browsing experience on your Windows 10 device.