Microsoft Edge is the default web browser for Windows 10, and while it has its fans, there are many who prefer to use a different browser. If you are one of those people and have been trying to uninstall Microsoft Edge, you may have encountered some difficulties. In this article, we will discuss some common issues and provide solutions for those who are unable to uninstall Microsoft Edge.
Is It Possible to Uninstall Microsoft Edge?
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it’s important to note that Microsoft Edge is a core component of Windows 10 and cannot be completely uninstalled. However, it is possible to remove the browser from your taskbar and disable it from opening as the default browser. This will essentially “uninstall” it for all practical purposes.
Issue: “Uninstall” Option is Grayed Out
If you have tried to uninstall Microsoft Edge through the Control Panel or Settings menu, you may have noticed that the “Uninstall” option is grayed out. This is because Microsoft Edge is a core component of Windows 10 and cannot be uninstalled in the traditional sense. However, you can still remove it from your taskbar and disable it from opening as the default browser.
Solution: Remove Microsoft Edge from Taskbar
To remove Microsoft Edge from your taskbar, simply right-click on the Microsoft Edge icon and select “Unpin from taskbar.” This will remove the icon from your taskbar and prevent it from opening as the default browser.
Issue: Microsoft Edge Keeps Opening as Default Browser
If you have set a different browser as your default, but Microsoft Edge keeps opening when you click on links, you may need to disable it from opening as the default browser.
Solution: Change Default Browser Settings
To change your default browser settings, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Under “Web browser,” click on the current default browser and select the browser you want to use instead. This will prevent Microsoft Edge from opening as the default browser.
Issue: Microsoft Edge is Still Running in the Background
Even after removing Microsoft Edge from your taskbar and changing your default browser settings, you may notice that it is still running in the background.
Solution: Disable Microsoft Edge from Task Manager
To disable Microsoft Edge from running in the background, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the “Processes” tab. Look for “Microsoft Edge” in the list and right-click on it. Select “End task” to stop it from running.
Conclusion
While Microsoft Edge cannot be completely uninstalled from Windows 10, it is possible to remove it from your taskbar and disable it from opening as the default browser. By following the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to successfully remove Microsoft Edge from your computer.
Have you encountered any other issues while trying to uninstall Microsoft Edge? Let us know in the comments.
