How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge Completely on Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft Edge has evolved over the years—from a simple bundled browser to an integrated component of Windows. Yet, many users with a penchant for customization or a preference for alternative browsers have often wondered: "Is it really possible to uninstall Edge completely?" While Microsoft goes to great lengths to keep Edge tightly woven into Windows’ fabric (even using it for opening Widgets and system links), there are workarounds for those determined enough to remove it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through two primary methods for uninstalling Edge on Windows 10 and 11. We’ll mix practical step-by-step instructions with expert analysis to help you understand not only the “how” but also the “why” behind each tweak. Let’s dive in.

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Why Remove Microsoft Edge?​

Before you jump in, consider these points:

• System Integration: Edge is deeply integrated with Windows. While many users set an alternative as the default browser, its persistent presence can be an eyesore (or worse, a nuisance) when system features funnel links to it.
• User Preference: Whether you’re switching to Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, having Edge in the background might seem redundant.
• Regulatory Differences: For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), thanks to the Digital Markets Act, uninstalling Edge is a bit more straightforward. However, users outside may need to take extra steps.

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Method 1: Using a Third-Party Tool (ViVeTool)​

This approach leverages ViVeTool, a safe and open-source utility available on GitHub. It helps by enabling hidden Windows features that let you remove Edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions​

• Download and Prepare ViVeTool
• Head over to GitHub · Build and ship software on a single, collaborative platform and search for the latest release of ViVeTool.
• Download the ZIP file and extract it to a known location, for example, the Downloads folder.
• Copy the full path to the extracted folder (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\ViVeTool-v0.3.3).
• Open Windows Terminal as Administrator
• Right-click the Start menu (or press Windows + X) and select Terminal (Admin).
• Change to the directory where you extracted ViVeTool by executing:
  

  powershell
  
       cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\ViVeTool-v0.3.3

• Enable the Uninstall Feature
• At the command prompt, input the following command:
  

  powershell
  
       ./vivetool /enable /id:44353396

• Restart your PC to allow the changes to take effect.
• Modify System Files to Unlock Uninstallation
• After restarting, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
• Ensure hidden items are visible: Go to View > Show > Hidden items.
• Locate the file named IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json, right-click it, and select Properties.
• Under the Security tab, click Advanced. Change the owner from TrustedInstaller to your Administrators group:
• Click Change next to the Owner field.
• Enter “Administrators” and verify.
• Click OK and then Apply.
• Now, grant full control by editing the permissions for the Administrators group.
• Tweak the Policy Settings
• Open Registry Editor (press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter) and navigate to:
  

       HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\International\Geo

• Note down your region code (e.g., “US”, “GB”).
• Open IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json with Notepad running as administrator (change file type filter to “All files” if necessary).
• In the section related to Edge settings:
• Change the line "defaultstate": "..." to "defaultstate": "enabled".
• Locate "enabled": {} and insert your noted region code within the brackets.
• Save the file.
• Finalize and Uninstall Edge
• Open Microsoft Edge once to trigger the new settings, then close it.
• Open the Settings app, navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
• Find Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu beside it, and select Uninstall.
• Confirm your choice when prompted. Edge should now be removed from your system.

Quick Summary​

• Tool Needed: ViVeTool from GitHub.
• Key Actions: Enable a hidden feature, modify system files, and adjust registry settings.
• Benefit: A higher chance of complete uninstallation for those outside the EEA.

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Method 2: Direct Uninstallation via Safe Mode​

In cases where the first method might seem too involved, an alternative is taking ownership of the Microsoft folder and deleting it directly. Note this method can be less reliable.

Steps to Follow​

• Reboot into Safe Mode
• Boot your computer into Safe Mode to minimize system interference during the file removal process.
• Take Ownership of the Microsoft Folder
• Open File Explorer and go to This PC > C:\ > Program Files (x86).
• Right-click on the Microsoft folder, select Properties, then head to the Security tab.
• Click Advanced and change the Owner to your user account (using your login name).
• After taking ownership, close File Explorer to ensure the change is applied.
• Delete the Folder
• Reopen File Explorer, navigate back to the Microsoft folder, select it, and press Shift + Delete to remove it permanently.

Quick Summary​

• Method: Direct file deletion after taking ownership.
• Reliability: May not work on every system due to varied permissions and system dependencies.
• Advisory: Use with care—always back up important files before making system changes.

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To Uninstall or Just Disable?​

It’s worth asking: “Do I really need to completely remove Edge?” For many, simply switching the default browser and ignoring Edge is sufficient. To address intrusive pop-ups (like those from the Widgets or search bar), consider using a tool like MSEdgeRedirect. This tool silently reroutes Edge-bound links to your chosen browser, offering a cleaner user experience without the need for outright removal.

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Final Thoughts​

Microsoft has designed Edge to be a cornerstone of the Windows experience, which is why both methods involve considerable system modifications. Whether you opt for the ViVeTool method or prefer direct intervention in Safe Mode depends on your comfort level with technical adjustments. Always create backups and proceed cautiously when modifying system files or registry settings.
This comprehensive guide should serve as your roadmap to reclaiming your Windows environment. If you’ve ever wrestled with intrusive system apps or felt frustrated by hidden features, you’re not alone. Happy customizing, and may your computing experience be exactly as you envision!

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For those interested in more Windows customization tips and deep dives into OS tweaks, check out related discussions on our forum. Advanced users have shared their own experiences and workarounds which might offer additional insights into your system tweaks.
Happy Windows optimizing!

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Source: ReadWrite https://readwrite.com/guides/how-to-uninstall-microsoft-edge-windows-10-11/