How to Force Close, Disable, or Uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed as the default web browser in Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems today. Many users use it, but many others want to force close, disable, or uninstall it completely.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to force close, disable, or uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and Windows 11, safely and effectively.

What is Microsoft Edge, and why does it keep running automatically?

Microsoft Edge is a modern web browser that comes included by default in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It runs several services in the background, such as:

• Startup Boost
• Background Extensions
• WebView2 Integration
• System-level Web Components

This is why Edge sometimes appears running in Task Manager even after you close it.

How to Force Close Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Force Close via Task Manager

If Edge is frozen or won’t close, follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

2. When Task Manager opens, select the “Processes” tab.

3. Click “Microsoft Edge.”

4. Click “End Task” at the bottom.

This will immediately force close Microsoft Edge.

2. Force Close via Command Prompt

If Edge keeps opening or running in the background, you can use the command:

1. Search for “cmd” in the Start menu.

2. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.

3. Type this command:

This command will immediately close all Edge processes.

Also read: Why is Microsoft Edge repeatedly crashing or automatically closing?

How to Disable Microsoft Edge from Startup

Sometimes, Edge opens automatically as soon as the system starts. To stop this:

1. Disable from Startup Apps

1. Open Settings.

2. Click “Apps.”

3. Go to the “Startup” section.

4. Turn off “Microsoft Edge.”

2. Disable Background Apps in Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Go to Settings → System and Performance.

3. Turn off “Startup Boost.”

4. Disable “Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.”

This will prevent Edge from running in the background.

How to Disable Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and Windows 11

If you want to completely disable Edge:

1. Change the Default Browser

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps.

2. Select your preferred browser.

3. Set all web protocols to the new browser.

2. Disable via Registry Editor (for advanced users)

1. Press Win + R.

2. Type “regedit.”

3. Go to this path:

4. Create a key named “MicrosoftEdge.”

5. Create a DWORD value and set “PreventFirstRunPage.”

6. Set Value Data = 1.

This limits Edge’s auto-launch actions.

How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Note that Edge is a system-integrated browser, so it can’t be uninstalled normally. However, it can be removed using the methods below.

1. Uninstall from Settings (if allowed)

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.

2. Find Microsoft Edge.

3. If the “Uninstall” button is active, click it.

This option is not available on some systems.

Also read: How to See Blocked Messages on iPhone?

2. Uninstall Microsoft Edge from the Command Prompt

1. Go to File Explorer.

2. Navigate to this path:

3. Open the Latest Version folder.

4. Open the “Installer” folder.

5. Type “cmd” in the address bar and press Enter.

6. Run this command:

This command will force uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 and Windows 11.

3. Remove Microsoft Edge from PowerShell

1. Right-click Start.

2. Select “Windows Terminal (Admin)”.

3. Run this command:

This removes Edge WebView in some versions.

Removing Microsoft Edge WebView2

Many applications rely on the WebView2 Runtime. If you remove it, some apps may stop working.

To remove it:

1. Settings → Apps → Installed Apps

2. “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.”

3. Uninstall

Control Microsoft Edge via Group Policy

In Professional and Enterprise versions:

1. Win + R → gpedit.msc

2. Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates

3. Microsoft Edge

4. Disable “Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup.”

How to Prevent Force Reinstallation

Many Windows Updates reinstall Edge. To avoid this:

Set Windows Update to Manual.

Disable Auto-Installation via Group Policy.

Change the Default Browser.

Precautions after removing Microsoft Edge

Windows Widgets may not work.

WebView-based apps may be affected.

System updates may cause errors.

So, it’s best to create a System Restore Point before uninstalling.

Conclusion

In this detailed guide, we’ve explained how to force close, disable, or uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Whether you want to quickly close it from Task Manager, remove it from Startup, or completely uninstall it via Command Prompt—all safe and effective methods are provided above.

By following the right steps, you can take complete control of your system and get rid of unwanted background processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Important Questions About Force Closing, Disabling, or Uninstalling Microsoft Edge

1. Can Microsoft Edge be completely removed from Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, Microsoft Edge can technically be removed via Command Prompt or PowerShell. However, since it’s a system-integrated browser, the standard “Uninstall” option isn’t available on many systems. It can be force-uninstalled using the appropriate command.

2. Why does Microsoft Edge repeatedly open automatically?

Edge has the Startup Boost, Background Extensions, and System Preload features enabled. This is why it can run in the background as soon as Windows starts. This can be disabled by going to Startup Settings and Edge’s System Settings.

3. What is the fastest way to force-close Microsoft Edge?

The fastest way is:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → select Microsoft Edge → click “End Task.”

The `taskkill /f /im msedge.exe` command in Command Prompt is also useful.

4. Does removing Microsoft Edge have any impact on Windows?

Yes, some system features, such as widgets, WebView2-based apps, or some Microsoft services, may be affected. Therefore, it’s advisable to create a System Restore Point before uninstalling.

5. What is Microsoft Edge WebView2 and is it safe to remove it?

The WebView2 Runtime helps many Windows applications display web content. If you remove it, some apps will not function properly. Therefore, it’s important to check the required apps before removing it.

6. Can Windows Update reinstall Microsoft Edge?

Yes, some Windows Updates may reinstall Edge. To avoid this, you need to control Group Policy or Windows Update settings.

7. Is it better to simply disable Microsoft Edge or uninstall it?

If you want to maintain system stability, disabling is a safer option. Uninstall it only if you absolutely need it.

8. Will changing the default browser turn off Microsoft Edge?

Changing the default browser won’t automatically close Edge, but it won’t be used to open web links. Startup and Background Settings will need to be disabled separately.

9. Can Edge be disabled using Group Policy in Home Edition?

No, the Group Policy Editor isn’t generally available in Windows Home Edition. This requires using the Registry Editor.

10. Does removing Microsoft Edge speed up your system?

If Edge is using a lot of resources in the background, disabling it may result in a slight improvement. However, it generally doesn’t have a significant impact on the system.

Are you searching for the best hosting plan? Click now and get 20% off