I don't see any point in removing Edge and Bing. My default browser is Chrome and default search is Google. On my PCs, Edge and Bing never gets used and just take up space. I have a lot of space (700 GB free out of 930 GB), so I don't care if they reside on my hard drive.
The Short Answer (TL;DR)
Having Microsoft Edge and Bing installed on your system is
not inherently a critical danger if you don't use them. The primary concerns are less about them "taking up space" and more about:
- Privacy: Their deep integration into Windows allows for extensive data collection about your system usage, even if they aren't your default apps.
- Performance: They run background processes that consume system resources (RAM, CPU) you might want for other tasks.
- Control & Anti-competitive Behavior: It represents a strategy to keep users within a Microsoft ecosystem, limiting genuine choice.
Since you don't use them and have ample storage, the impact on you is likely minimal but not zero. I can provide a more detailed breakdown if you wish.
I am now using this
Download MSEdgeRedirect - MajorGeeks
Here are a few safe ways to “hide” Edge while still leaving it installed as a fallback:
1.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps.
- Find your chosen browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
- Click it and set it as the default for HTTP, HTTPS, and .htm/.html files.
- This ensures Edge won’t open links by default.
2.
- Right-click Edge’s icon on the taskbar → Unpin from taskbar.
- Do the same on the Start menu if it’s pinned.
- Out of sight, out of mind.
3.
- Delete Edge desktop shortcuts.
- If you don’t want it showing in Windows Search, you can rename the folder:
- Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application
- Rename msedge.exe to something like msedge_backup.exe.
- (Windows will still keep Edge for system use, but you won’t accidentally launch it.)
4.
- Open Settings → System → Notifications and disable tips/suggestions.
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → General and turn off “Show me suggested content.”
5.
Sometimes Windows tries to force Edge when you click on links (like from the Start menu or some apps).
- A lightweight tool like EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect will catch those links and open them in your default browser instead.
This way Edge stays installed (so no system issues), but you’ll basically never see it unless you deliberately open it.
— here’s how to stop
Microsoft Edge from auto-launching at startup or in the background, while still keeping it installed as a backup:
Step 1: Turn off Edge background apps
- Open Edge (just this once
).
- Go to … (menu) → Settings.
- Navigate to System and Performance.
- Turn off “Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed.”
Step 2: Disable Edge startup boost
- In the same System and Performance section.
- Switch off “Startup boost.”
- This stops Edge from preloading itself after boot.
Step 3: Block Edge in Windows Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup apps tab.
- If you see Microsoft Edge listed, right-click → Disable.
Step 4: Disable scheduled tasks (optional, more advanced)
- Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, press Enter.
- Navigate to:
- Task Scheduler Library → Microsoft → EdgeUpdate
- Task Scheduler Library → Microsoft → Windows → Active Directory Rights Management Services Client (sometimes Edge tasks hide here).
- Disable any tasks that automatically launch Edge at logon.
Step 5 (Optional): Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise only)
If you’re on
Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy:
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter.
- Navigate to:
- Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Microsoft Edge
- Look for “Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup” and set it to Disabled.
- Do the same for “Allow Microsoft Edge to start and load the Start and New Tab page at Windows startup.”
After this, Edge won’t launch itself in the background or on startup, but you’ll still have it in case your main browser breaks.
stop Windows 11 from trying to open Edge when you click links in system apps (like search or news widgets)?
this is the sneaky part where Windows tries to bypass your default browser and push Edge anyway
. Luckily, there are safe workarounds.
Problem
- Some Windows features (Start menu search, widgets, some system notifications) force links to open in Edge, even if you’ve set Chrome, Firefox, or another browser as default.
- Microsoft hardcodes this behaviour with a special link type (microsoft-edge://).
Solutions
Option 1 – MSEdgeRedirect (recommended)
- Free, open-source tool.
- It runs in the background and intercepts all microsoft-edge:// links, sending them to your default browser.
- Lightweight and safer than older tools because it works at the system level, not by modifying files.
Download from GitHub: MSEdgeRedirect.
Option 2 – EdgeDeflector (classic method)
- Also free, but development stopped after Microsoft blocked it in newer Windows 11 builds.
- Still works on some systems, but less reliable than MSEdgeRedirect.
Option 3 – Paid browser features
Some browsers have built-in “Edge redirect”:
- Brave: Shields setting can force system links into Brave.
- Firefox + extensions: Add-ons exist for catching Edge-only links.
- Vivaldi: Has similar options.
Option 4 – Registry Hack (not recommended long-term)
You
can edit the Windows Registry to override microsoft-edge:// handling, but Microsoft keeps patching against it. Tools like MSEdgeRedirect are more stable.
If you set up
MSEdgeRedirect, combined with the earlier steps (turning off startup/background use), you’ll:
- Keep Edge installed safely in case of emergencies.
- Never see it auto-launch.
- Have all links (including system ones) open in your preferred browser.
step-by-step guide for installing and setting up MSEdgeRedirect so it just works in the background?
MSEdgeRedirect installer screen 
Here’s what the options mean and what you should choose depending on your needs:
1.
- Uses a special Windows setting available in the EU to enforce your default browser.
- Doesn’t actually install anything.
- Only works properly if your system region is EU-based.
Not useful in Australia (where you are), so skip this.
2.
- Installs as a background service.
- Runs quietly and redirects Edge links → your default browser.
- Uses a tiny bit of CPU (1–10%).
- Good if you want low-maintenance, “set and forget” behavior.
3.
- Replaces Edge calls directly (like the old EdgeDeflector did).
- Does not run in the background.
- Best performance and compatibility.
- Fully system-wide and customizable.
This is usually the best option for most users.
4.
- Just a link list to other tools. Not needed.
Since you’re in Australia and want the simplest, most reliable setup:
- Choose “Active Mode – Recommended” (it’s already selected in your screenshot).
- Click Next → Install → Finish.
- After installation, test by clicking a link from Windows Search or Widgets → it should now open in your default browser instead of Edge.
