How to Remove Microsoft Edge Using PowerShell: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Even though Microsoft Edge comes bundled with Windows, there are times when you’d rather run a different browser or simply want to clear out the extra software. Because Edge is treated as a core component, the usual Add or Remove Programs dialog won’t let you uninstall it. Fortunately, PowerShell gives you the low‑level control you need to remove the browser safely.

Why Use PowerShell for This Task?

PowerShell talks directly to Windows’ package manager, bypassing the graphical interface that intentionally blocks Edge removal. With a few typed commands you can:

• Identify the exact Edge package version installed on your machine.
• Uninstall it without affecting other system components.
• Optionally keep the installation files for a future reinstall.

Just remember: messing with built‑in apps can have unintended side effects, so it’s wise to create a system restore point first.

Preparing Your System

Before you open a PowerShell window, make sure you have administrator rights. Without them the Remove-AppxPackage cmdlet will politely refuse to run.

To create a restore point quickly:

• Press Win + R, type systempropertiesprotection, and hit Enter.
• Select the system drive, click Create, and give it a name like “Pre‑Edge‑Removal”.

Now you’re ready to proceed.

Step 1: Open an Elevated PowerShell Prompt

Right‑click the Start button (or press Win + X) and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). You should see a black window with a PS C:\Windows\system32> prompt.

Step 2: Find the Edge Package Name

Edge’s package name includes the version number, so it varies from one install to another. Run this command to list all packages that contain “MicrosoftEdge”:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *MicrosoftEdge*

The output will show several entries. Look for the line that starts with Name and ends with MicrosoftEdge. It will look something like Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_44.19041.1266.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe. Copy that full string – you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 3: Uninstall Edge

Now execute the removal command, replacing PackageFullName with the string you just copied:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name "PackageFullName" | Remove-AppxPackage

If the command finishes without error, Edge is gone from the current user profile. To ensure every user on the machine is clean, repeat the same command with the -AllUsers flag:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name "PackageFullName" | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Sometimes Windows protects certain system files. If you encounter a “access denied” message, try adding the -Force switch:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name "PackageFullName" | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Force

Step 4: Verify the Removal

Run the listing command again:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *MicrosoftEdge*

If nothing shows up, the uninstallation succeeded. You can also check the Start menu – Edge should no longer appear.

What to Do If You Change Your Mind

PowerShell doesn’t keep a copy of the installer, so reinstalling Edge requires a fresh download from Microsoft. Keep the following in mind:

• Visit the official Microsoft Edge download page.
• Download the appropriate installer for your Windows version (x86, x64, or ARM).
• Run the installer – it will restore Edge as a normal app.

Possible Pitfalls and How to Handle Them

Missing Packages – If the Get-AppxPackage call returns nothing, you might be on a Windows build where Edge is integrated as a system component rather than a store app. In that case PowerShell cannot remove it, and you’d need to rely on other, more invasive methods (which are beyond the scope of this guide).

Updates Reinstall Edge – Windows Update occasionally pulls Edge back in, treating it as a security update. To prevent this, you can hide the specific update in the Windows Update settings or use the Show or hide updates troubleshooter from Microsoft.

Broken Links or Missing Files – Some apps may still reference Edge’s executable path. If you notice error messages in other software, reinstall Edge temporarily, then switch the default browser again before removing it anew.

Wrapping Up

Using PowerShell to uninstall Microsoft Edge is a quick, script‑friendly way to reclaim a little system real estate or simply declutter your Start menu. The key steps are: open an elevated prompt, locate the exact package name, and run the removal command. As always, a restore point is your safety net, and reinstalling is just a download away if you decide Edge was more handy than you thought.