You can disable Edge without uninstalling it, or remove it entirely depending on your Windows version

Microsoft Edge is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, which means you cannot fully uninstall it the way you would a regular program. However, you can disable it so it does not run in the background, prevent it from opening automatically, and remove it from your taskbar and Start menu. On Windows 11, you can also uninstall Edge completely if you choose a different browser. On Windows 10, disabling it is your main option.

The steps differ between Windows versions and depend on whether you want Edge to stop running in the background, stop launching on startup, or disappear from your system entirely. This guide covers all three approaches.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 lets you disable Edge and hide it, but not fully uninstall it, because it is part of the operating system.
  • Windows 11 allows you to uninstall Edge completely through Settings, though the process takes a few minutes.
  • Disabling Edge startup means it will not open automatically when you restart your computer or click certain links.
  • Removing Edge from your taskbar and Start menu makes it harder to launch by accident, even if the program remains installed.

How to stop Edge from running in the background on Windows 10

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Privacy & Security in the left sidebar, then scroll down and select App permissions. Look for Background apps and click it.

Scroll through the list until you find Microsoft Edge. Toggle the switch next to it to the off position. This stops Edge from running processes when you are not actively using it, which can free up memory and battery life. Edge will still open when you click it directly or when Windows tries to open a link with your default browser — this step only stops the background activity.

How to prevent Edge from opening automatically on Windows 10 and 11

Press the Windows key and type "Task Manager", then open it. Click the Startup tab at the top. Look for Microsoft Edge in the list of programs.

Right-click on Microsoft Edge and select Disable. This prevents Edge from launching when your computer starts up. You will see the status change to "Disabled" next to the Edge entry. If Edge is set as your default browser, Windows may still open it when you click certain links — this step only stops the automatic startup.

How to hide Edge from your taskbar and Start menu on Windows 10

Right-click on the Edge icon in your taskbar at the bottom of your screen. Select Unpin from taskbar. The icon will disappear when ready.

To remove it from your Start menu, right-click on the Windows logo in the bottom left corner and select Apps and Features. Search for "Microsoft Edge" in the search box. Click on Edge in the results, then click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall. A dialog will appear saying Edge cannot be uninstalled because it is part of Windows — click OK to close it. The app will remain installed but will no longer appear in your Start menu search results.

How to uninstall Edge completely on Windows 11

Microsoft added the ability to fully remove Edge starting with Windows 11 version 23H2. Check your Windows version first: press the Windows key, type "winver", and open the Windows Version app. Look at the "Version" number — if it is 23H2 or higher, you can uninstall Edge.

Open Settings and go to Apps in the left sidebar, then select Apps & features. Search for "Microsoft Edge" in the search box at the top. Click on Edge in the results, then click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall. A confirmation dialog will appear — click Uninstall again. Windows will remove Edge from your system. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Edge website.

What happens to your browsing data when you disable or uninstall Edge

Disabling Edge does not delete your browsing history, saved passwords, or bookmarks. They remain stored on your computer. If you uninstall Edge on Windows 11, you will see a prompt asking whether you want to keep or delete your browsing data — you can choose either option.

If you want to delete your data before disabling or uninstalling, open Edge, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open the Clear browsing data window, select the time range and data types you want to remove, and click Clear now. This step is optional and does not affect whether you can disable or uninstall the browser.

Setting a different default browser after disabling Edge

If you disable Edge but do not set a different default browser, Windows will still try to open Edge when you click links in emails, documents, or other programs. To prevent this, you need to choose a different browser as your default.

Open Settings and go to Apps, then select Default apps. Scroll down to Web browser and click on it. A list of installed browsers will appear — select the one you want to use instead of Edge. From that point forward, Windows will open your chosen browser when you click links. If you later uninstall that browser, Windows may reset the default back to Edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Edge slow down my computer?

Disabling the background processes can free up a small amount of memory and battery life, especially on older computers. Preventing Edge from starting automatically will make your computer boot slightly faster. The difference is usually small unless you have very limited system resources.

Can I disable Edge on a work or school computer?

If your computer is managed by an organization, your administrator may have locked down Edge settings so you cannot disable it. Try the steps above — if you see a message saying the setting is controlled by your administrator, contact your IT department to request the change.

What if I uninstall Edge and then want it back?

You can reinstall Edge by visiting the official Microsoft Edge website and downloading the installer. Run the installer and follow the prompts. Edge will be restored to your system with the same version as the latest available read.

Does disabling Edge affect Windows updates?

No. Windows updates are separate from Edge updates. Disabling Edge does not prevent Windows from updating, and Windows updates will not re-enable Edge or override your settings.

Can I disable Edge if it is my only browser?

You can disable Edge, but you should install a different browser first so you have a way to access the internet. If Edge is your only browser and you disable it, you will not be able to browse the web until you install another browser or re-enable Edge.