How do I remove Edge from my computer completely?

Question

I have Windows 10 Pro running my computer and would like to completely get rid of Edge. I don't use it and don't plan on ever using it so it's basically just a nuisance to me. Any help would be appreciated.

[Moved by moderator from Word forum]

Answer 1

As far as I know, it isn't possible to get rid of Edge completely. However, you can install some other web browser and set it as the system default.

Answer 2

Hi Wild, Welcome to the Microsoft Community. I am a Microsoft user just like you, and I hope you are well.

Please note: This is a user-to-user community forum. We are users just like you who help others. We are not employees of Microsoft.

Microsoft Edge is the web browser recommended by Microsoft and is the default web browser for Windows. Because Windows supports applications that rely on the web platform, our default web browser is an essential component of our operating system and can’t be uninstalled. To provide our users with compatibility, compliance, accessibility, and performance, we'll continue updating Microsoft Edge through the browser installer or Windows updates.

I am NOT a Microsoft Agent/Employee.

I hope this is helpful! Best Regards, Utkarsh

Answer 3

Although unable to fully remove it. I have been able to disable it, the same way we used to disable Cortana when it first launched. My boss has constant problems with Outlook due to power hungry addons Microsoft Edge seems to run on its behalf and it has caused no end of problems. Keeping a tight leash on Microsoft Edge seems to be the only way to stop all the freezing. Seek out the root folder for Microsoft Edge. Mine is located "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application", so yours is likely to be something similar. If you can find a shortcut to edge, and access the properties, you can open file location from there. Once in there use the options at the top of the window to make file extensions visible and the rename any ".exe" file to ".disabled". You will need admin rights to change these file extensions. Once done, try the edge shortcut again and you should find that it can longer locate Edge to open it, thus rendering it disabled. As to how long this fix will last who knows, but I found that Microsoft Edge was constantly updating so I had to try something, only time will tell if Microsoft will attempt to undo my actions on the next update. I will keep the feed posted.

Answer 4

However, setting another browser as the default doesn't guarantee that you'll never see Edge. Some Microsoft products ignore the system default and explicitly invoke Edge. One of these is the "News and Interests" app that appears near the right end of the Windows task bar unless you turn it off (in the task bar's right-click menu).

Good point. When Edge is not the default, I have also seen recommendations from Windows Security to enable certain settings that involve Edge. :-(

Answer 5

Utkarsh,

Your

"To provide our users with compatibility, compliance, accessibility, and..." doesn't do a lot to make us believe your "I am NOT a Microsoft Agent/Employee. I hope this is helpful! Best Regards, Utkarsh"

The next time you're not anywhere near Microsoft, could you maybe tell your non-superiors there that Edge really, really sucks, and is a continuing annoyance popping up everywhere with its infantile choices of eye-candy and fake news?