Uninstalling Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 is straightforward if you follow a few simple steps. Although Microsoft Edge is a built-in browser for Windows 10, you can remove it by using a series of commands in Windows PowerShell. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully uninstall Edge from your system.
How to Uninstall Edge in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll cover the steps to uninstall Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 computer. By following these steps, you’ll be able to remove Edge completely.
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell
First, you’ll need to open Windows PowerShell with administrative rights.
To do this, type "PowerShell" in the Windows search bar. Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" and select "Run as administrator." A blue window should open indicating you have the right permissions.
Step 2: Find the Microsoft Edge Package
Next, you need to locate the package name for Microsoft Edge.
In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge*This command will list all the details of the Microsoft Edge app installed on your system, including its package name.
Step 3: Uninstall Microsoft Edge
Now, use the package name to uninstall Edge.
Copy the package name from the previous step. Then, in the PowerShell window, type the following command, replacing "PackageFullName" with the actual package name you copied:
Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullNamePress Enter. This command will remove Microsoft Edge from your computer. You’ll see no output if the command was successful.
Step 4: Confirm the Uninstallation
Finally, confirm that Microsoft Edge has been removed.
Go to the Start menu and search for Microsoft Edge. If it no longer appears in the search results, the uninstallation was successful.
What Happens Next
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will be removed from your system. You won’t find it in your list of installed programs, nor will it appear in search results. If you ever want to reinstall it, you can download it from the official Microsoft website.
Tips for Uninstalling Edge in Windows 10
- Backup Your Data: Make sure to backup any bookmarks or settings you want to keep.
- Update Windows: Before uninstalling, ensure your Windows 10 is up-to-date.
- Use an Alternative Browser: Have another browser installed and set as your default.
- Reinstall Options: You can always reinstall Edge from the Microsoft website if needed.
- Check for Dependencies: Make sure no other programs depend on Edge by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reinstall Microsoft Edge?
You can reinstall Edge by visiting the Microsoft Edge download page and following the installation instructions.
Will uninstalling Edge affect other programs?
Uninstalling Edge should not affect other programs, but some Windows features may redirect to other browsers.
Can I use these steps for other Windows versions?
These steps are specific to Windows 10. The process may differ for other versions.
Do I need to restart my computer?
A restart is not necessary, but it’s a good practice to do so after making significant changes.
Is it possible to reinstall Edge later?
Yes, you can always download and reinstall Microsoft Edge from the official Microsoft website.
Summary
- Open Windows PowerShell.
- Find the Microsoft Edge package.
- Uninstall Microsoft Edge.
- Confirm the uninstallation.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 can be done easily through Windows PowerShell. While Edge is a built-in browser, removing it could declutter your system, especially if you prefer using a different browser. Just remember to backup any important data before uninstalling.
For those who may have second thoughts, reinstalling Edge is straightforward and can be done anytime. Knowing how to manage your installed programs gives you greater control over your computer, ensuring it runs according to your preferences.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other Windows 10 customization tips to make your computing experience even better.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.