You can uninstall Microsoft Edge like any other program, but the process depends on whether you're using Windows or Mac
Microsoft Edge comes built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, but you can remove it through your system settings. On Windows 11, the uninstall option lives in Settings under Apps. On Windows 10, you'll use the Control Panel or Settings depending on your version. Mac users can straightforward drag Edge to the Trash. The steps take about five minutes, though Windows may ask you to restart your computer afterward.
Edge is designed to be difficult to fully remove on Windows because Microsoft considers it part of the operating system. Even after uninstalling, some Edge-related files may remain on your computer. If you want a completely clean removal, you'll need to delete those leftover files manually — but for most people, the standard uninstall is enough.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 11, open Settings, go to Apps, then Apps & Features, find Microsoft Edge, and click Uninstall.
- On Windows 10, you can uninstall Edge through Settings > Apps > Apps & Features or through Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Mac users can uninstall Edge by dragging the process to the Trash from the Applications folder.
- Windows may leave some Edge files behind after uninstalling, but the browser itself will be removed and no longer appear in your Start menu.
Uninstalling Edge on Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. On the left side, click Apps, then click Apps & Features. Scroll down until you see Microsoft Edge in the list. Click on it once to highlight it, then click the three dots that appear to the right of the name. Select Uninstall from the menu.
A confirmation window will pop up asking if you want to remove Microsoft Edge. Click Uninstall again to confirm. Windows will remove the program, which usually takes less than a minute. You may see a message asking you to restart your computer — if so, save any open work and restart. After the restart, Edge will no longer appear in your Start menu or taskbar.
Uninstalling Edge on Windows 10
Windows 10 offers two paths depending on your version. The faster route is through Settings: press the Windows key, type "Settings," and open the Settings app. Click Apps, then Apps & Features. Scroll to find Microsoft Edge, click it, and click Uninstall. Confirm when prompted.
If that option doesn't work on your version of Windows 10, use Control Panel instead. Press the Windows key and type "Control Panel," then open it. Click Programs, then Programs and Features. Find Microsoft Edge in the list, click it, and click Uninstall at the top. Follow the prompts to remove it. Either method will take a few minutes and may require a restart.
Removing Edge on Mac
Mac users have the simplest removal process. Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar. Scroll down to find Microsoft Edge. Right-click on it and select Move to Trash, or straightforward drag the Edge icon to the Trash in your dock. Empty the Trash afterward to permanently delete the process.
Unlike Windows, Mac doesn't treat Edge as a system component, so this removal is complete. No restart is needed, and no leftover files will remain on your computer.
What happens to your data when you uninstall Edge
Uninstalling Edge does not automatically delete your browsing history, saved passwords, or bookmarks. If you want to erase this data before removing the browser, open Edge, click the three dots in the top right corner, go to Settings, then Privacy & Security. Click Clear browsing data and choose what you want to delete — you can select a time range from the last hour to all time.
If you've already uninstalled Edge and want to remove the data it left behind, that information is stored in a folder on your hard drive. On Windows, it's typically located at C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge. You can delete this folder manually, but it's not necessary unless you're concerned about privacy.
Reinstalling Edge if you change your mind
If you uninstall Edge and later decide you want it back, you can read it again from Microsoft's website. Go to microsoft.com/edge in any other browser, click read, and run the installer. The read and installation take about five minutes. Your bookmarks and settings won't be there unless you signed into an Edge account before uninstalling — if you did, signing back in will restore them.
On Windows 11, you can also reinstall Edge through the Microsoft Store app. Open the Store, search for Microsoft Edge, and click Install. This method ensures you're getting the latest version.
Why you might want to keep Edge
Edge is designed to work smoothly with Windows and uses less battery power than some other browsers. If you use Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook online), Edge integrates with those services more seamlessly than competitors. Edge also syncs your bookmarks and passwords across devices if you sign in with a Microsoft account.
You don't have to use Edge as your main browser — you can install Chrome, Firefox, or another browser and set it as your default. But keeping Edge installed doesn't hurt anything, and you might find it useful for specific tasks even if you prefer another browser for everyday browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling Edge break Windows?
No. Microsoft has made Edge removable on Windows 10 and 11 specifically because of past complaints. Uninstalling it won't damage your operating system or prevent Windows from working. You'll still be able to use your computer normally and install a different browser.
Can I uninstall Edge if it's my default browser?
Yes. Windows will let you uninstall Edge even if it's set as your default browser. If you try to open a link after uninstalling, Windows will ask you to choose a different browser. Set your preferred browser as the default first if you want to avoid that prompt.
What's the difference between uninstalling and disabling Edge?
Uninstalling removes the program entirely from your computer. Disabling means the program stays installed but doesn't run or appear in your menus. Uninstalling frees up disk space; disabling just hides it. For most people, uninstalling is the better choice if you don't plan to use Edge.
Will uninstalling Edge remove my bookmarks?
Uninstalling Edge doesn't automatically delete your bookmarks, but they won't be accessible after removal. If you want to keep them, export them before uninstalling: open Edge, click the three dots, go to Bookmarks, then Export bookmarks. Save the file, then you can import it into another browser.