Understanding Microsoft Edge and Its Role in Your System
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser on Windows 10, designed to replace Internet Explorer and provide a faster, more secure browsing experience.
However, despite its features, some users prefer other browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or others. Disabling Microsoft Edge can help streamline your user experience, especially if you have a preferred browser.
This guide will walk you through several methods to Disable Microsoft Edge in Windows 10. For more Guides like this, Visit our Blog page.
Why Disable Microsoft Edge? Exploring the Reasons for Disabling or Uninstalling
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser on Windows, and while it offers several benefits, such as integration with Windows services, security features, and fast performance, there are reasons why some users may choose to disable it.
Here are a few reasons:
- Preference for Other Browsers: Many users prefer other browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari, which may offer more extensions, a familiar interface, or better synchronization with their devices.
- Resource Management: Edge can sometimes run in the background, consuming system resources like CPU and memory. Disabling it can free up these resources for other applications, improving overall system performance.
- Privacy Concerns: Some users may have concerns about privacy and data collection in Edge. Disabling it can be a step towards using a browser they trust more with their data.
- Simplifying the User Experience: If you don’t use Edge, it may be unnecessary clutter on your system. Disabling it can simplify your user experience by reducing the number of unnecessary applications.
- Avoiding Forced Usage: Windows sometimes prompts users to use Edge, especially after updates. Disabling it can help avoid these prompts and ensure you use your preferred browser without interference.
Disabling Microsoft Edge is a personal choice that depends on your specific needs and preferences. While it’s a robust browser, other options might better suit your browsing habits and priorities.
How to Disable Microsoft Edge on Windows 10? 5 Easy Steps
Disabling Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 can be done through several methods, depending on your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you:
- Change default browser settings.
- Rename the Microsoft Edge folder.
- Use PowerShell to remove Microsoft Edge (not recommended).
- Disable Microsoft Edge from opening PDF files.
- Disable Microsoft Edge via Group Policy (for Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise).
Each method is straightforward and can be completed with minimal technical knowledge, ensuring you can customize your browsing experience to your preference. Microsoft Security Essentials Update Fail? Here’s How to Fix it.
Method 1: Switch Your Default Browser for a Smoother Experience
One of the simplest ways to disable Microsoft Edge is by changing your default browser settings:
- Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Default Apps: Click on “Apps,” then select “Default apps” from the left-hand menu.
- Change Web Browser: Under the “Web browser” section, click on Microsoft Edge, and a list of installed browsers will appear. Choose your preferred browser from the list.

By setting another browser as the default, you can effectively bypass Microsoft Edge for most browsing activities. This method doesn’t uninstall Edge but minimizes its usage, making your preferred browser the default choice for web links and searches.
Method 2: Rename the Microsoft Edge Folder: A Simple Trick to Prevent Edge from Running
Renaming the Microsoft Edge folder is a more technical approach that prevents Edge from launching:
- Open File Explorer: Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to Edge’s Installation Folder: Go to C:\Windows\SystemApps\ and locate the folder named Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Rename the Folder: Right-click on the folder and select “Rename.” Change the folder name to something like Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.old.
Renaming the folder disables Edge from running, as the operating system can no longer find the necessary files. However, this method might cause issues with Windows updates or other system features that rely on Edge.

Method 3: Use PowerShell to Remove Microsoft Edge: Advanced Removal (Caution Advised)
PowerShell provides a way to uninstall Microsoft Edge, though it’s not generally recommended as it can lead to system instability:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator: Press Win + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
- Enter the Uninstall Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage
This command attempts to remove Microsoft Edge from your system. However, since Edge is deeply integrated into Windows 10, uninstalling it this way can cause problems with system updates and other Windows features.
It’s advised to use this method only if you’re confident in managing potential issues.

Method 4: Disable Microsoft Edge from Opening PDF Files: Change the Default PDF Viewer
Microsoft Edge is the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, but you can change this setting to prevent Edge from opening PDF files:
- Open Settings: Press Win + I and go to “Apps.”
- Change Default PDF App: Under “Default apps,” scroll down and click on “Choose default apps by file type.”
- Select Another PDF Viewer: Scroll to .pdf and click on the Microsoft Edge icon next to it. Choose your preferred PDF viewer from the list.

This method ensures that PDF files open in your chosen application rather than Microsoft Edge, allowing you to bypass Edge for this specific task. You can even Listen to your PDF and have Your PDF Read Aloud.
Method 5: Disable Microsoft Edge via Group Policy (For Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise)
If you’re using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can disable Microsoft Edge through the Group Policy Editor:
- Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Edge Policies: Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge.
- Configure Edge Policies: Look for policies related to Microsoft Edge, such as “Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup when the system is idle, and each time Microsoft Edge is closed,” and set them to “Disabled.”
Using Group Policy gives you more control over how Microsoft Edge operates on your system. This method is suitable for advanced users or administrators managing multiple systems.

How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge? Step-by-Step Guide
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge from your computer can be a bit tricky, as it is deeply integrated into the Windows operating system. However, it is possible to remove it, especially if you’re using the new Chromium-based version of Edge. Here’s a detailed guide on how to uninstall Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge is a core part of Windows 10 and later versions, and Microsoft generally discourages its removal since it’s designed to be the default web browser.
The older, legacy version of Edge is not easy to remove, but if you have the newer Chromium-based Edge, the process is somewhat simpler.
Still, it’s important to understand that uninstalling Edge could potentially cause issues with your operating system or disrupt certain applications that rely on it.
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge via Settings (For Windows 10 and 11)
If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, and you’ve installed Microsoft Edge manually, you might be able to uninstall it through the Settings app. You might need to Run the Control Panel as Admin, Here’s how:
- Open Settings: Press the Windows + I key simultaneously to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps: In the Settings app, click on Apps. This will take you to a list of installed applications.
- Find Microsoft Edge: Scroll through the list until you find Microsoft Edge. Click on it, and you should see an Uninstall button.
- Click Uninstall: If the button is available, click Uninstall and follow the prompts to remove Microsoft Edge from your system.
Using Command Prompt to Uninstall Microsoft Edge: Command-Line Method
If the Uninstall option isn’t available in the Settings app, or if Edge was installed as part of a Windows update, you may need to use the Command Prompt to remove it. Here’s how:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Navigate to the Edge Installer Directory: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
- cd %PROGRAMFILES(X86) %\Microsoft\Edge\Application\<version number>\Installer
- Replace <version number> with the version number of Edge installed on your system. You can find this by going to Edge’s About page.
- Run the Uninstall Command: Once you’re in the correct directory, type the following command and press Enter:
- setup.exe –uninstall –system-level –verbose-logging –force-uninstall
This command should initiate the uninstallation process.
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Removing Microsoft Edge from Startup: Disabling Edge on Startup
Even after uninstalling Microsoft Edge, remnants of it might still exist, especially if it was integrated with your operating system. To ensure it doesn’t start up again:
- Disable Edge as a Startup App: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Go to the Startup tab, find Microsoft Edge, right-click on it, and select Disable.
- Delete Edge Files Manually: Navigate to the Edge installation directory (C:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft\Edge) and delete any remaining files if they were not removed during uninstallation.
Alternative Method Renaming the Edge Folder: Block Edge Without Uninstalling
If all else fails and Edge keeps reappearing, you can prevent it from launching by renaming its installation folder:
- Navigate to the Installation Directory: Go to C:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft.
- Rename the Edge Folder: Find the Edge folder, right-click on it, and choose Rename. You can change the name to something like “Edge Backup”. This will prevent the system from locating the files necessary to run Edge.
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge can be a challenge due to its deep integration with Windows. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can successfully remove or disable it from your system.
Keep in mind that removing Edge might cause some system instability or affect other applications, so proceed with caution.
If you find that your system isn’t functioning correctly after removing Edge, you may need to reinstall it to restore full functionality.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Disabling or Uninstalling Microsoft Edge
Disabling Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 can be done in several ways, from simply changing your default browser to more advanced methods like renaming system folders or using Group Policy.
However, it’s important to note that Microsoft Edge is integrated into Windows 10, and removing or disabling it entirely can have unintended consequences.
If you choose to disable it, make sure you understand the potential risks and back up your system if needed.
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Remember, if you ever need to re-enable Microsoft Edge, you can always reverse these steps.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1: Can I completely uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 10?
Microsoft Edge is a core component of Windows 10, and Microsoft doesn’t provide an official way to completely uninstall it. However, you can disable it or prevent it from running by setting another browser as your default, removing shortcuts, or using command-line tools to prevent Edge from launching. Keep in mind that some Windows features might still use Edge for certain tasks.
2: How can I disable Microsoft Edge as the default browser in Windows 10?
To disable Microsoft Edge as the default browser, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
- Scroll down to the Web browser section.
- Click on Microsoft Edge and select another browser from the list (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox). This will prevent Edge from opening web pages by default, effectively disabling its primary function.
3: How do I stop Microsoft Edge from opening automatically in Windows 10?
Microsoft Edge may open automatically during certain actions or after system updates. To stop this:
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Click on the Startup tab.
- Look for Microsoft Edge in the list of startup programs.
- Right-click on it and select Disable. This will prevent Edge from launching automatically when you start your computer.
4: Can I disable Microsoft Edge using Group Policy or the Registry Editor?
Yes, you can disable Microsoft Edge using Group Policy or the Registry Editor, though this approach is more advanced:
Group Policy:
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.
- Double-click on Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup and set it to Disabled.
- Also, disable the option Allow Microsoft Edge to start and load the Start and New Tab page at Windows startup.
Registry Editor:
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Main.
- If the keys don’t exist, create them.
- Add a new DWORD value called Allow Prelaunch and set it to 0.
5: What are the consequences of disabling Microsoft Edge on Windows 10?
Disabling Microsoft Edge can have some side effects, including:
- Some Windows 10 features, like Cortana and certain system notifications, may still use Edge to display information.
- Disabling Edge might lead to system instability or unexpected behavior in certain apps that rely on the Edge engine.
- Future Windows updates may re-enable Edge or reset your default browser settings. If you experience issues, you may need to re-enable Edge or reset your default apps to resolve any problems.
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