How To Remove Microsoft Edge Windows 11

As technology advances, it's not uncommon for users to want to customize their devices to suit their preferences. One such customization is removing the default browser, Microsoft Edge, from Windows 11. Whether you prefer an alternative browser or simply want to free up some space, knowing how to remove Microsoft Edge can be useful. So, let's explore how to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11.

Microsoft Edge has come a long way since its initial release, but not everyone finds it to be their preferred browser. With the rise of popular alternatives like Chrome and Firefox, many users seek to remove Microsoft Edge to make way for their favorite browser. Fortunately, removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 is a straightforward process. By using a combination of built-in tools and optional third-party software, you can remove Microsoft Edge and replace it with a browser of your choice, achieving a more tailored browsing experience.

The Benefits of Removing Microsoft Edge in Windows 11

While Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 11, there may be several reasons why you would want to remove it from your system. Whether you prefer using a different browser or find that Microsoft Edge is not meeting your needs, removing it can provide various benefits. By uninstalling Microsoft Edge, you can reclaim system resources, improve system performance, enhance privacy, and customize your browsing experience according to your preferences. This article will guide you through the steps to remove Microsoft Edge in Windows 11, allowing you to optimize your system and choose a browser that better suits your needs.

Step 1: Uninstalling Microsoft Edge through PowerShell

One of the methods to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 is by using PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool. Follow the steps below to uninstall Microsoft Edge through PowerShell:

• Launch PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
• Once PowerShell opens, type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Edge | Remove-AppxPackage
• Wait for the command to complete its execution. This may take a few moments.
• After the command finishes, Microsoft Edge should be uninstalled from your system.

By following these steps, you can remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 system using PowerShell. However, keep in mind that this method only removes the browser from your user account and not from the entire system.

Alternative Method: Using Windows Terminal

If you prefer using the Windows Terminal instead of PowerShell, you can follow these steps to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11:

• Open the Windows Terminal application by searching for it in the Windows Start menu.
• Once the Windows Terminal is open, select the command-line shell of your choice (PowerShell or Command Prompt).
• Execute the following command to remove Microsoft Edge: winget uninstall Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge
• Wait for the command to complete its execution. This may take a few moments.
• After the command finishes, Microsoft Edge will be uninstalled from your Windows 11 system.

Note that using the Windows Terminal method also removes Microsoft Edge only from your user account, not the entire system.

Reinstalling Microsoft Edge (Optional)

If you ever decide to restore Microsoft Edge in Windows 11, you can reinstall it easily. Below are the steps to reinstall Microsoft Edge:

• Open any web browser on your Windows 11 system.
• Search for "Microsoft Edge download" in the search engine of your choice.
• Click on the official Microsoft Edge website result.
• On the Microsoft Edge website, click on the "Download" button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Microsoft Edge.

By following these steps, you can easily reinstall Microsoft Edge if you find the need to use it again in the future.

Step 2: Setting a Different Default Web Browser

After removing Microsoft Edge, you may want to set a different default web browser for your Windows 11 system. Setting a different default browser ensures that all web links open in your preferred browser instead of Microsoft Edge. Here's how you can set a different default web browser:

• Click on the Windows Start menu and select "Settings" (gear icon).
• In the Settings window, click on "Apps" and then click on "Default apps" in the left sidebar.
• Scroll down and click on "Web browser".
• Select the browser you want to set as the default.

Once you've set a different default web browser, all web links and URLs will open in your selected browser instead of Microsoft Edge.

Step 3: Clearing Associated Data and Settings

While uninstalling Microsoft Edge removes the browser from your system, it doesn't necessarily remove all associated data and settings. If you want to completely remove any traces of Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

• Click on the Windows Start menu and select "Settings" (gear icon).
• In the Settings window, click on "Apps" and then click on "Apps & features" in the left sidebar.
• Scroll down and find "Microsoft Edge" in the list of installed apps.
• Click on Microsoft Edge and then click on "Advanced options".
• In the Advanced options window, click on "Reset".
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Microsoft Edge and clear all associated data and settings.

By resetting Microsoft Edge, you ensure that all residual data and settings are removed from your system.

Step 4: Updating Your Preferred Browser

After removing Microsoft Edge and setting a new default browser, it's essential to keep your preferred browser up to date. Regularly updating your browser ensures that you have the latest security patches, bug fixes, and new features. To update your preferred browser, follow these general steps:

• Open your preferred web browser.
• Click on the menu button (usually three dots or lines) in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
• Select "Settings" or "Preferences".
• Look for the "About" or "Update" section within the settings.
• Click on "Check for updates" or a similar option.
• Follow the instructions to update your browser to the latest version.

By keeping your browser updated, you ensure that you have the best browsing experience with the latest security measures in place.

Importing Bookmarks and Settings (Optional)

If you were using Microsoft Edge and have bookmarks or specific settings that you want to import into your new default browser, most popular browsers provide an option to import data from other browsers. Look for the "Import" or "Import bookmarks and settings" option within your browser's settings and follow the on-screen instructions to import your bookmarks and settings from Microsoft Edge.

Exploring Alternative Browsers for Windows 11

If you removed Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 system, you might be looking for alternative browsers to meet your browsing needs. Here are some popular browsers you can consider:

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers worldwide. It offers a fast and intuitive browsing experience, extensive customization options, and a vast library of extensions and apps. To install Google Chrome, follow these steps:

• Open any web browser on your Windows 11 system.
• Search for "Google Chrome download" in the search engine of your choice.
• Click on the official Google Chrome website result.
• On the Google Chrome website, click on the "Download" button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Google Chrome.

Once installed, you can set Google Chrome as your default browser and import any bookmarks or settings from your previous browser.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a popular open-source browser known for its emphasis on privacy and customization. It offers a wide range of add-ons and provides a smooth and secure browsing experience. To install Mozilla Firefox, follow these steps:

• Open any web browser on your Windows 11 system.
• Search for "Mozilla Firefox download" in the search engine of your choice.
• Click on the official Mozilla Firefox website result.
• On the Mozilla Firefox website, click on the "Download" button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Mozilla Firefox.

After installation, you can set Mozilla Firefox as your default browser and transfer any bookmarks or settings from your previous browser.

Opera

Opera is a feature-rich browser that offers a range of built-in tools, a clean interface, and excellent performance. It also includes a free VPN, ad blocker, and integrated messenger services. Here's how you can install Opera:

• Open any web browser on your Windows 11 system.
• Search for "Opera download" in the search engine of your choice.
• Click on the official Opera website result.
• On the Opera website, click on the "Download now" button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Opera.

Once installed, you can set Opera as your default browser and import any bookmarks or settings from your previous browser.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)

If you removed the default Microsoft Edge browser but still prefer using Microsoft's browser, you can opt for the Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge. This version offers enhanced compatibility, performance, and customization options. Follow these steps to install the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge:

• Open any web browser on your Windows 11 system.
• Search for "Microsoft Edge Chromium download" in the search engine of your choice.
• Click on the official Microsoft Edge website result.
• On the Microsoft Edge website, click on the "Download" button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Microsoft Edge Chromium.

Once installed, you can set Microsoft Edge Chromium as your default browser and import any bookmarks or settings from your previous browser.

Conclusion

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 can provide various benefits, including reclaiming system resources, improving performance, enhancing privacy, and customizing your browsing experience according to your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove Microsoft Edge, set a different default browser, clear associated data and settings, update your preferred browser, and explore alternative browsers that better suit your needs. Remember to regularly update your browser and import any bookmarks or settings if needed. With the flexibility to choose your preferred browser, you can optimize your browsing experience on Windows 11.

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11

If you are looking to remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 device, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app by clicking on the "Start" button and selecting the gear icon.
• In the settings menu, click on "Apps" and then on "Apps & features".
• Scroll down and find "Microsoft Edge" in the list of installed apps.
• Click on "Microsoft Edge" and then select "Uninstall".
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.

Once the removal process is complete, Microsoft Edge will no longer be installed on your Windows 11 device. However, please note that removing Microsoft Edge may cause some websites and applications to not work correctly, as it is a default browser on Windows 11. It is recommended to have an alternative browser installed to browse the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about removing Microsoft Edge on Windows 11:

1. Can I remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?

Yes, it is possible to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11, but it requires some advanced steps.

Note: Removing Microsoft Edge will also remove its associated data, including bookmarks, history, and saved passwords, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding.

2. How can I uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?

To uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and search for "PowerShell."
2. Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" and select "Run as administrator."
3. In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Remove-AppxPackage
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. Wait for the process to complete.
6. After the command execution finishes, Microsoft Edge should be uninstalled from your system.

3. Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge after removing it?

Yes, you can reinstall Microsoft Edge after removing it from Windows 11. To reinstall, you can visit the official Microsoft Edge website and download the latest version of the browser.

Alternatively, you can also use the Microsoft Store to reinstall Microsoft Edge. Simply search for "Microsoft Edge" and click on "Install" to download and install it.

4. Is it recommended to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11?

Removing Microsoft Edge is not recommended unless you have a specific reason to do so. Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 11 and is integrated with various features of the operating system.

Removing it may affect the functionality of certain system components and could lead to compatibility issues with other applications. It is advisable to keep Microsoft Edge installed and updated for a seamless browsing experience on Windows 11.

5. Are there any alternative browsers to Microsoft Edge on Windows 11?

Yes, there are several alternative browsers available for Windows 11. Some popular options include:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Safari (for Mac users)

These browsers offer different features and customization options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your browsing needs.

In conclusion, removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 11 can be done easily using several methods. One option is to uninstall it through the Control Panel, while another is to use PowerShell commands to disable it. Additionally, users can choose to use third-party software to uninstall Edge if they prefer a more streamlined process.

Regardless of the method chosen, it's important to note that removing Microsoft Edge may have unintended consequences for certain system functionalities, as it is integrated with the Windows operating system. Therefore, it's advisable to proceed with caution and create a system backup before making any changes. If users encounter any issues or difficulties during the removal process, reaching out to Microsoft support or seeking guidance from online communities can provide the necessary assistance.