You can disable Microsoft Edge, but the method depends on your Windows version and what you mean by "disable"

Microsoft Edge comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the operating system makes it harder to remove than other programs. You have three realistic options: uninstall it entirely (Windows 10 only), hide it so it does not appear in searches or on your desktop, or straightforward stop using it and set a different browser as your default. Most people find that setting a different default browser solves the problem — Edge stays on your computer but stops opening automatically when you click links.

The path you take depends on whether you want Edge completely gone, or just out of your way. Uninstalling works only on Windows 10. On Windows 11, Microsoft does not allow removal, so hiding or switching defaults is your option. This guide covers all three approaches in order from simplest to most involved.

Key Takeaways

  • Setting a different browser as your default stops Edge from opening automatically, which solves the problem for most people without removing anything.
  • You can uninstall Edge only on Windows 10; Windows 11 does not permit removal, though you can hide it from view.
  • Hiding Edge from your Start menu and search results takes two minutes and prevents it from appearing unless you search for it directly.
  • If you uninstall Edge on Windows 10, Windows Update may reinstall it later, so setting a default browser is often more reliable long-term.

Set a different browser as your default (works on all Windows versions)

This is the fastest solution and works whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11. When you set Firefox, Chrome, or another browser as your default, Windows opens links in that browser instead of Edge. Edge remains installed but stays in the background.

On Windows 11: Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click "Apps" on the left side, then "Default apps" near the top. Scroll down until you see your preferred browser listed (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or another). Click on it, then click "Set as default" in the window that appears. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Yes" or "Switch anyway". This takes about one minute.

On Windows 10: Open Settings, click "Apps", then "Default apps" on the left. Scroll down to "Web browser" and click the current default (usually Edge). A window opens showing available browsers. Click the one you want, then close Settings. The change takes effect when ready.

After you set a new default, test it by clicking a link in an email or document. Your chosen browser should open instead of Edge.

Hide Edge from your Start menu and search results (Windows 10 and 11)

If you want Edge out of sight without removing it, you can hide it from searches and your Start menu. This prevents it from appearing when you type "edge" into the search box, and removes its tile from the Start menu if you have one pinned there.

Unpin from Start menu: Right-click the Edge tile on your Start menu (if one exists) and select "Unpin from Start". If you do not see a tile, Edge is already unpinned and you can skip this step.

Hide from search results: Open Settings and go to "Apps" → "Apps & features" (Windows 11) or "Apps" → "Apps & features" (Windows 10). Scroll down and find "Microsoft Edge" in the list. Click on it, then click the three dots menu that appears. Select "Advanced options". Scroll down to "App execution aliases" and toggle off both switches next to "msedge.exe". This prevents Edge from appearing in search results when you type its name.

After you hide it, searching for "edge" will return no results. You can still open Edge if you need it by going to your Program Files folder, but it will no longer appear in everyday searches.

Uninstall Edge on Windows 10 only

Windows 10 allows you to uninstall Edge through the Settings app, though the process is not as straightforward as removing other programs. Windows 11 does not permit uninstallation, so if you use Windows 11, skip to the hiding section above.

Open Settings and go to "Apps" → "Apps & features". Scroll down to find "Microsoft Edge" in the list. Click on it, then click "Uninstall". A confirmation window appears asking if you want to remove Edge and all its data. Click "Uninstall" again. Windows removes the program, which usually takes one to two minutes.

After uninstallation, Edge will not appear in your Start menu or search results. However, Windows Update may reinstall Edge automatically in future updates, especially if you have automatic updates turned on. If Edge returns after an update, you can uninstall it again using the same steps, or straightforward set a different default browser and ignore it.

What happens if you disable Edge but need it later

If you hide Edge and later need to open it, you can still find it. On Windows 11, go to Settings → "Apps" → "Advanced options" and toggle the "App execution aliases" back on. On Windows 10, you can search for it in Program Files or reinstall it from the Microsoft Store if you uninstalled it.

If you set a different default browser, Edge is still there — it just does not open automatically. You can always click "Open with Edge" on any webpage if you need to use it for a specific site that requires it.

Why Microsoft makes Edge hard to remove

Microsoft includes Edge as part of Windows 11 because it handles certain system functions — searching Windows, opening help files, and displaying some settings pages. Removing it completely can cause problems with these features, which is why Windows 11 does not allow uninstallation. Windows 10 is more flexible because it was designed before Edge became as integrated.

For most people, setting a different default browser is the best approach. It solves the problem of Edge opening automatically without risking system issues or dealing with reinstallation after updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Edge slow down my computer?

No. Whether you hide Edge, uninstall it (on Windows 10), or just set a different default, it will not improve your computer's speed. Edge uses minimal resources when you are not using it. If your computer feels slow, the cause is usually something else — too many startup programs, a full hard drive, or insufficient RAM.

Can I uninstall Edge on Windows 11?

Not through the normal Settings app. Windows 11 integrates Edge into the operating system, so Microsoft does not allow removal. You can hide it from view or set a different default browser, which solves the problem for most people. Some advanced users can remove it using command-line tools, but this can cause system issues and is not recommended.

What if a website only works in Edge?

Some older websites or internal company systems are built specifically for Edge or Internet Explorer. If you encounter one, you can still open it in Edge even if you have set a different default. Right-click the link and select "Open with Microsoft Edge", or open Edge manually and paste the address. You do not need to make Edge your default to use it occasionally.

Will Windows Update reinstall Edge if I uninstall it?

Possibly, especially on Windows 10. Major Windows updates sometimes restore Edge if you removed it. If this happens, you can uninstall it again, or straightforward set a different default browser and leave Edge installed but unused. The second approach is usually more reliable long-term.

Does hiding Edge remove it from my computer?

No. Hiding Edge only removes it from your Start menu and search results. The program files remain on your hard drive, and you can still open it if you need it. If you want to free up disk space, you need to uninstall it (Windows 10 only) or use a third-party uninstaller tool on Windows 11.