Microsoft Edge is built into Windows 10, and in most regions Windows does not offer a normal way to uninstall it. That does not mean you have to live with it popping up. You can stop Edge from opening links, running in the background, launching at startup, and appearing on your taskbar, which effectively disables it for everyday use. This guide covers each step, plus what changed for users in the European Economic Area and why fully removing Edge is not recommended.
Quick Answer
To disable Edge in Windows 10: set another browser as your default in Settings > Apps > Default apps; in Edge, go to Settings > System and performance and turn off Startup boost and Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed; turn off Edge in Task Manager > Startup; and unpin it from the taskbar and Start menu.
Why You Cannot Simply Uninstall Edge
Edge is part of Windows and provides the web engine (WebView2) that other apps and Windows features rely on, including some Settings pages, widgets, help content, and third-party apps. For that reason, the Uninstall button is grayed out in most regions. In the European Economic Area, Microsoft began allowing Edge to be uninstalled in 2024 under the Digital Markets Act, so EEA users may see an active Uninstall option in Settings > Apps.
Forcing removal with scripts or deleting program files can break Windows features and Windows Update, and Edge may reinstall itself. The steps below disable Edge safely instead.
Step 1: Set a Different Default Browser
- Install the browser you want to use, if you have not already.
- Press Windows key + I and go to Apps > Default apps.
- Under Web browser, click the current browser and choose your preferred one.
- Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type and Choose default apps by protocol. Change .htm, .html, .pdf, HTTP, and HTTPS to your preferred browser or PDF reader if they still point to Edge.
Some Windows features, such as certain search results and help links, may still open in Edge regardless of your default.
Step 2: Stop Edge From Running in the Background
- Open Edge and click the three-dot menu > Settings.
- Click System and performance.
- Turn off Startup boost.
- Turn off Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.
These two settings stop Edge processes from loading when you sign in and staying active after you close the browser.
Step 3: Remove Edge From Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and click More details if needed.
- Open the Startup tab.
- If Microsoft Edge is listed, right-click it and choose Disable.
Also check Settings > Apps > Startup, and in Edge settings, go to Start, home, and new tabs to make sure nothing is set to open automatically.
Step 4: Unpin Edge and Remove Shortcuts
- Right-click the Edge icon on the taskbar and choose Unpin from taskbar.
- Right-click the Edge tile in the Start menu and choose Unpin from Start.
- Delete the Edge shortcut from your desktop (this does not remove the app).
Step 5: Stop Edge Prompts and Suggestions
- Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and turn off Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows and Show me the Windows welcome experience. These can trigger Edge promotions.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and turn off Edge if it is listed (option availability depends on your Windows 10 version).
- In Edge, turn off Sync and sign out if you do not want it tied to your Microsoft account.
Step 6: Block Edge With Group Policy (Pro, Advanced)
On Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, administrators can use Group Policy or AppLocker to restrict Edge. Microsoft also provides Edge administrative templates that control startup boost, background mode, and first-run prompts. This is best for IT-managed PCs; blocking Edge entirely can affect apps that depend on it.
What About the Old (Legacy) Edge?
The original Edge ("Edge Legacy") was retired in 2021 and replaced with the current Chromium-based Edge through Windows Update. If a guide tells you to rename a folder like MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe, it refers to that old version and does not apply to current Windows 10.
Troubleshooting
Links still open in Edge
Check the file type and protocol defaults (Step 1). Links from Windows search, widgets, and some Microsoft apps may always use Edge.
Edge keeps coming back to the taskbar
Major Windows or Edge updates can re-pin it. Unpin it again, and make sure updates are complete.
msedge.exe still appears in Task Manager
Other apps can use Edge's WebView2 component, which shows up as Microsoft Edge WebView2. That is normal and should not be disabled.
Related: Uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 10.
Related: Remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 10?
In most regions, no, not through normal settings. In the European Economic Area, an uninstall option may be available.
Is it safe to disable Edge?
Yes. Changing defaults, turning off background features, and unpinning Edge are safe and reversible. Forcibly removing it is not recommended.
Will disabling Edge affect Windows Update?
No, as long as you use the safe steps above. Edge will continue to receive security updates, which is good because other apps rely on its components.
How do I re-enable Edge later?
Turn the settings back on, set Edge as default, and pin it to the taskbar again.
Summary
- Set another browser as default for web links, HTML, and PDF files.
- Turn off Startup boost and background apps in Edge settings.
- Disable Edge in Task Manager's Startup tab.
- Unpin Edge from the taskbar and Start menu.
- Avoid forced removal, which can break Windows features.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.