Hey guys! Ever found yourself wanting to uninstall Microsoft Edge using PowerShell? Maybe you're a tech enthusiast, a system admin, or just someone who prefers a different browser. Whatever your reason, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it super easy to remove Edge from your system using the powerful PowerShell command-line tool. So, buckle up, and let’s dive in!

Why Uninstall Microsoft Edge?

Before we get started, let’s quickly touch on why you might want to uninstall Edge in the first place. Microsoft Edge, while a solid browser with many improvements over its predecessor Internet Explorer, might not be everyone's cup of tea. Some common reasons include:

• Preference for Other Browsers: You might simply prefer using other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave due to their features, extensions, or user interface.
• System Resources: Edge, like any modern browser, can consume system resources. If you're running an older machine or need to optimize performance, removing it could free up valuable resources.
• Privacy Concerns: While Edge has made strides in privacy features, some users might still prefer browsers with different privacy models or more extensive customization options.
• Testing and Development: Developers often need to test websites and applications across multiple browsers. Uninstalling Edge allows for a clean slate when testing specific configurations.

Regardless of your reason, using PowerShell to uninstall Edge provides a clean and efficient method, especially when dealing with multiple systems or needing an automated solution. So, let's get to it!

Prerequisites

Before we start uninstalling Microsoft Edge with PowerShell, there are a few things you need to ensure:

1. Administrative Privileges: You'll need to run PowerShell as an administrator. This is crucial because uninstalling system-level software requires elevated permissions.
2. Backup: Although uninstalling Edge is generally safe, it's always a good idea to back up your system or create a system restore point. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can easily revert to a previous state.
3. Close Edge: Make sure Microsoft Edge and all its related processes are closed. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and ensure no Edge processes are running in the background. This prevents any conflicts during the uninstallation process.

Once you've taken care of these prerequisites, you're ready to start the uninstallation process. Let's move on to the next section!

Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling Microsoft Edge Using PowerShell

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and uninstall Edge using PowerShell. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have Edge removed in no time!

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

First things first, you need to open PowerShell with administrative privileges. Here’s how:

1. Search for PowerShell: Click on the Start button, type "PowerShell," and you’ll see "Windows PowerShell" in the search results.
2. Run as Administrator: Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" and select "Run as administrator." You might be prompted by User Account Control (UAC). Click "Yes" to proceed.

Running PowerShell as an administrator ensures you have the necessary permissions to make changes to system-level software.

Step 2: Navigate to the Edge Installation Directory

Next, you need to navigate to the directory where Microsoft Edge is installed. The installation path varies depending on the Edge version (stable, beta, dev, or canary). Here's how to find the correct path:

1. Common Installation Paths: Edge is typically installed in one of the following directories:

   • Stable Version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application
   • Beta Version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge Beta\Application
   • Dev Version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge Dev\Application
   • Canary Version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge Canary\Application

2. Using PowerShell to Find the Path: If you're unsure which version you have or where it’s installed, you can use PowerShell to find the correct path. Enter the following command:

   Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*MicrosoftEdge*"} | Select-Object InstallLocation
   

   This command lists all installed Appx packages containing "MicrosoftEdge" in their name and displays their installation location. Copy the path to the Application folder.

3. Navigate in PowerShell: Use the cd command to navigate to the Edge installation directory. For example, if your path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application, enter:

   cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application"
   

Step 3: Find the Edge Version Number

Within the Application directory, there will be a folder named with the Edge version number. You need to find this folder to proceed. Here's how:

1. List the Contents: Use the Get-ChildItem command to list the contents of the current directory:

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   Get-ChildItem
   

2. Identify the Version Folder: Look for a folder with a name that resembles a version number (e.g., 114.0.1823.82). This is the folder you need to access.

3. Navigate to the Version Folder: Use the cd command again to navigate into the version folder. For example:

   cd 114.0.1823.82
   

Step 4: Execute the Uninstallation Command

Now comes the crucial part: executing the uninstallation command. Edge uses a setup executable within its versioned directory to manage installations and uninstallations. Here's how to use it:

1. Run the Setup Executable: Execute the setup.exe with the --uninstall and --system-level flags. This tells the setup program to uninstall Edge for all users on the system. The command is as follows:

   .\setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --force-uninstall
   

   • .\setup.exe: This specifies the setup executable in the current directory.
   • --uninstall: This flag tells the setup program to uninstall Edge.
   • --system-level: This ensures the uninstallation applies to the entire system.
   • --force-uninstall: This flag ensures a complete uninstallation.

2. Wait for Completion: The uninstallation process might take a few minutes. PowerShell won't display any progress, so be patient and wait for the command to finish. You'll know it's done when the command prompt reappears.

Step 5: Verify the Uninstallation

After running the uninstallation command, it’s essential to verify that Edge has been successfully removed from your system. Here’s how:

1. Check the Start Menu: Look for Microsoft Edge in the Start Menu. If it's no longer there, it's a good sign that the uninstallation was successful.

2. Search for Edge: Use the Windows search bar to search for "Microsoft Edge." If no results appear, it indicates that Edge has been removed.

3. Check Installed Programs: Go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features and look for Microsoft Edge in the list of installed programs. If it’s not there, you’ve successfully uninstalled it.

4. PowerShell Verification: You can also use PowerShell to verify the uninstallation. Run the following command:

   Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*MicrosoftEdge*"}
   

   If this command returns nothing, it means Edge is no longer installed on your system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things might not go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

• Access Denied Errors: If you encounter access denied errors, make sure you are running PowerShell as an administrator. Right-click on the PowerShell icon and select "Run as administrator."
• Edge Processes Still Running: If the uninstallation fails, ensure that all Edge processes are closed. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end any Edge-related processes before running the uninstallation command again.
• Incorrect Installation Path: Double-check that you are in the correct Edge installation directory. Use the Get-AppxPackage command mentioned earlier to find the correct path.
• Uninstallation Flags: Ensure you have included all the necessary flags (--uninstall, --system-level, --force-uninstall) when running the setup.exe command. Missing flags can cause the uninstallation to fail.
• System Restore: If you encounter serious issues, you can use the system restore point you created earlier to revert your system to a previous state.

Alternatives to Uninstalling Edge

If you're not entirely sure about uninstalling Edge, there are alternative options you might consider:

• Disable Edge: Instead of uninstalling, you can disable Edge. This prevents it from running in the background and consuming system resources. To disable Edge, go to Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features, find Microsoft Edge, click on Advanced options, and disable the "Allow this app to run in the background" option.
• Use a Different Browser as Default: Simply set another browser as your default browser. This will ensure that all web links open in your preferred browser instead of Edge. Go to Settings -> Apps -> Default apps and choose your preferred browser under "Web browser."
• Manage Edge Permissions: Review and manage Edge's permissions to control what data it can access and how it behaves. Go to Settings -> Privacy to adjust various privacy settings.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to uninstall Microsoft Edge using PowerShell. By following these steps, you can efficiently remove Edge from your system, freeing up resources and customizing your browsing experience to your liking. Remember to run PowerShell as an administrator, double-check the installation path, and use the correct uninstallation flags. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions. Happy browsing, and may your chosen browser serve you well!