How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 and Windows 10
Key Notes
- Ensure your Windows build is up to date (19045.3757 for Windows 10 and 22631.2787 for Windows 11).
- You will need ViveTool to unlock the uninstall option.
- Make sure to back up important data before proceeding with the uninstallation.
Effortlessly Remove Microsoft Edge from Your Windows 10 or 11 System
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 can be a challenging process due to default system restrictions. This comprehensive guide will lead you through a foolproof method leveraging ViveTool, ensuring you can remove the browser with ease, freeing up space for alternatives like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 (or 10)
To seamlessly uninstall Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 or Windows 10 operating systems, follow these detailed steps:
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Visit the GitHub page to download the tool.
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Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file onto your system.
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Extract the contents by double-clicking the zip file and selecting Extract all.
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Click Extract to complete the action.
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Copy the path where the ViveTool files are located.
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Open the Start menu.
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Type Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
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Navigate to the ViveTool folder using the command:
cd c:\path\to\ViveTool-v0.x.xAdjust the path accordingly based on your system.
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Enable the uninstall option for Microsoft Edge by using the command:
vivetool /enable /id:44353396 -
Restart your computer to apply changes.
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Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
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In the address bar, type and access:
C:\Windows\system32 -
Locate and right-click on IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json and select Properties.
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Go to the Security tab.
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Click the Advanced button.
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Change the owner of the file by selecting Change next to the owner field.
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Type in Administrators, then click Check Names.
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Confirm with OK.
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Grant Full control permissions by selecting Edit in the Security tab.
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Select the Administrators group and check the box for Allow under Full control.
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Click Apply and confirm any prompts.
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Open the IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json file and modify the “Edge is uninstallable.” setting from disabled to enabled.
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Under the region section, add your identified region value (e.g., “US” ) followed by a comma.
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Choose File and then select Save.
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Restart your system once more.
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Access Settings using Windows key + I.
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Click on Apps. Then, select the Installed apps tab.
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Locate Microsoft Edge; click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.
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Confirm the uninstallation process by clicking Uninstall again.
After executing these steps, Microsoft Edge will be entirely removed from your Windows system.
Utilizing this method ensures the browser does not reinstall during system updates or when using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
Note that while the browser will be absent, some links may still trigger attempts to download Edge if they require its functionality.
If you wish to reinstall Microsoft Edge later, you can run this command in Command Prompt (admin) :
winget install --id XPFFTQ037JWMHS
Additional Tips
- Before making modifications, ensure to back up your data.
- Consider disabling automatic updates to prevent reinstallation of Edge.
- Keep an alternative browser ready for a smoother experience.
Summary
Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 or Windows 11 involves enabling the necessary permissions and adjusting system files. This guide ensures that the process is straightforward, allowing users to reclaim their browsing preferences without persistent reinstallations.
Conclusion
Armed with this guide, you should now feel confident in uninstalling Microsoft Edge from your Windows device. Embrace your autonomy by managing your system’s applications according to your preferences.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why would I want to uninstall Microsoft Edge?
Users may wish to uninstall Microsoft Edge to free up space or to use alternative browsers that they prefer for their browsing needs.
Will uninstalling Edge affect my Windows updates?
No, uninstalling Edge should not affect your Windows updates. However, there may be prompts to reinstall Edge if certain links are opened.