How to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 10

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

If you don't like Microsoft Edge, you can uninstall it from Windows 10, but the process will depend on how you obtained the browser – Here's how to complete the task.

Microsoft Edge remove on Windows 10
Microsoft Edge remove on Windows 10 (Image credit: Windows Central)

On Windows 10, Microsoft has been rolling out its Chromium version of Microsoft Edge automatically through Windows Update to replace the legacy version of the browser.

The only problem is that since the company is making it part of Windows 10 when it installs automatically, you won't find an option to uninstall it or revert to the legacy version if you don't like it or you're not ready for the new version.

However, since Microsoft Edge is based on the Chromium project, you can uninstall it with Command Prompt using a process similar to the one to remove Google Chrome with command lines.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer.

How to uninstall Microsoft Edge (Chromium) using Settings

If you're trying to uninstall a version of Microsoft Edge that you installed manually using the installer, or one of the builds available through the Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels, you can remove it using the Settings app.

To uninstall Microsoft Edge, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select the Microsoft Edge item.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Uninstall button again.
  2. (Optional) Select the Also clear your browsing data option.
  3. Click the Uninstall button.

Once you complete the steps, the version of the browser you selected will be removed from your computer.

How to uninstall Microsoft Edge (Chromium) using Command Prompt

If the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge isn't available in Settings, because you received the new browser through Windows Update, you'll need to use Command Prompt to remove it.

To get rid of the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
  3. Type the following path to access the Installer folder and press Enter:cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\8*\InstallerQuick note: On Windows 10, the "Installer" folder resides inside another folder named after the version number of the browser currently installed on your device; as a result, the name may change as new updates roll out. So, in the path, we're using the number "8" with a wildcard "*" to access the folder no matter the 8x.x.xxx.xx version you have installed. However, once the browser reaches version 9x.x.xxx.x, you'll need to update the path to 9 with the wildcard.
  4. Type the following command to remove Microsoft Edge and press Enter:setup --uninstall --force-uninstall --system-level

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, Microsoft Edge will be removed from the device, and the legacy version of the browser will be reinstated on Windows 10.

In case you haven't received the new version of Microsoft Edge through Windows Update, you can use these steps to prevent the automatic installation.

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.