How to uninstall Microsoft Edge

The Edge browser from Microsoft is available on a variety of platforms, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS. In 2015, Microsoft introduced Edge as the default web browser for Windows 10.

It did not gain much popularity in the early years. However, its popularity began to increase when it was rebuilt on the Chromium project, an open-source initiative to develop a web browser engine.

The Edge browser shares similarities with the Chrome browser due to its development on the same Chromium project. Although the Edge is popular, it may not be everyone’s preferred choice when it comes to web browsers.

Why uninstall Microsoft Edge?

Here are reasons why someone might want to remove the Edge browser: 

1. Preference for other browsers:

Many users prefer alternative browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera due to familiarity, features, or choice of extensions.

2. Performance concerns:

In some cases, users might experience performance issues with Edge, prompting them to switch to a different browser.

ALSO READ: Microsoft Edge users will soon be able to control how much RAM the browser uses with this feature

3. Privacy concerns:

Some users have raised privacy concerns regarding Microsoft’s data collection practices, leading them to opt for browsers with stronger privacy features.

4. Customisations:

Microsoft Edge might not offer the level of customisation that some users desire in their browsing experience.

5. System resources:

On lower-end devices with limited resources, Edge might consume too much memory or processing power, affecting overall system performance.

How to remove Microsoft Edge across different platforms

In this guide, let us have a look at how to uninstall the Edge browser on different platforms:

1. Windows 10

i. Hit the Start button and click on the Settings icon.

ii. Select “Apps > Installed Apps” and locate Microsoft Edge in the list.

iii. Click on the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.

2. Windows 11

i. Go to the Start button, and then click on Settings. 

ii. Click on Apps > Apps & Features and find Microsoft Edge in the list.

iii. Click on the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.

3. Windows 10/11: Using PowerShell (if uninstall is greyed out)

i. Click on the Start button and search for “PowerShell.”

ii. Right-click it and choose “Run as administrator.”

iii. In the PowerShell window, paste the following command and press Enter: “Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage”

iv. The Edge browser will no longer be available on the PC once you close PowerShell.

4. MacOS

i. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.

ii. Drag the Microsoft Edge app to the trash.

iii. To complete the uninstallation, empty the trash. 

5. Android 

i. Open the Settings app, then navigate to Apps or Application Manager. 

ii. Find Microsoft Edge on the list. 

iii. Tap on it and select Uninstall. 

ALSO READ: Microsoft’s Bing Chat now comes to Chrome for desktop: How to use it

6. iOS (iPhone/iPad) 

i. Touch and hold the Microsoft Edge app icon until it starts jiggling. 

ii. Tap the “X” icon on the top left corner of the app icon. 

iii. Confirm the uninstallation. 

Regardless of the operating system, removing Microsoft Edge browser from various platforms is a straightforward process, achievable in just a few simple steps. It is important to note that uninstalling Edge could result in the removal of related data such as browsing history, bookmarks, and customised settings.

To preserve this data, consider exporting it beforehand. Uninstalling Edge could potentially affect specific system functionalities due to its integration with Windows. If you encounter any problems after uninstalling Edge, you can easily reinstall it from the official Microsoft website.