Solved Edge/uninstall

Are other MS apps affected by uninstalling Edge?

You shouldn't uninstall Microsoft Edge primarily because it is deeply integrated into the Windows operating system. Deleting it can break system features, ruin Windows update cycles, and cause issues for other apps that rely on its engine.

System Dependencies: Windows uses Edge’s rendering engine (WebView2) to display web-based content in native apps like the Microsoft Store, Widgets, Copilot, and the Start Menu search bar. Removing it can cause these elements to malfunction.

Rather than uninstalling Edge, you might want to try: Edge Blocker v2.0

I don't use Edge, so I just ignore it and don't worry about it. It takes up space on my hard drive, but I have 250 GB of free space, so I don't care.

I don't use Edge. Easiest thing to do, is just delete the shortcut off the screen and make sure it isn't on the Taskbar and forget about it. I use O&O ShutUp which amongst many useful things, will also disable the pop ups you get asking if you want to set Edge as your default browser.

Shambles Bank said:

O&O ShutUp which amongst many useful things, will also disable the pop ups you get asking if you want to set Edge as your default browser.

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You do not need any 3rd party app to stop edge from asking to be default browser. Brink has it covered here.

As was suggested, delete the shortcut to edge on your desktop, unpin it fom the taskbar, and forget about it. You would be causing other problems by trying to delete the browser.

glasskuter said:

You do not need any 3rd party app to stop edge from asking to be default browser. Brink has it covered here.

Click to expand...

Yeah, but O&O ShutUp disables all of that Windows spyware as well. It serves me well, plus it's free and it doesn't cause me any issues whatsoever. Brave browser for me all day long.

Your reply's confirmed what I suspicioned. I will just ignore Edge.

FreeBooter said:

You shouldn't uninstall Microsoft Edge primarily because it is deeply integrated into the Windows operating system. Deleting it can break system features, ruin Windows update cycles, and cause issues for other apps that rely on its engine.

System Dependencies: Windows uses Edge’s rendering engine (WebView2) to display web-based content in native apps like the Microsoft Store, Widgets, Copilot, and the Start Menu search bar. Removing it can cause these elements to malfunction.

Click to expand...

You are I know clearly aware of this because of your participation in the following thread, but for those that are not, in the EU, MS is required to make the option of uninstalling Edge a legal requirement.


I'm in the UK which is no longer part of the EU. Like the US and other countries, the option to uninstall Edge is deliberately greyed out preventing users from well, just uninstalling at their whim. However, if like me you choose to employ Out Of Box Experience (OOBE), you can use it to change the region where you live. In the linked thread, there is literally a tutorial there to do it. You do not need to employ any third party tools, you can do it with MS tools.

I chose the Republic of Ireland as my preferred region because it's in the EU and so I get to uninstall Edge as the option is no longer greyed out. Some Apps might not work correctly without Edge, but from my perspective, and considering I also employ O&O Shutup! 10, it doesn't cause me any problems.

I reiterate, not having Edge isn't causing me any particular issues, so whether it is 'deeply integrated' or otherwise, if it was such an issue, MS wouldn't offer the option to uninstall Edge if it was going to cause significant issues because they'd be probably be bombarded with constant complaints from EU member states.

I'm not saying it's a good idea or otherwise to uninstall Edge, but some of us don't want it nor do we wish to use it. Just like Copilot, I've disabled it because I don't want or use it. It's all about having the choice for me.

See my post # 3, above.

GCG1000 said:

See my post # 3, above.

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Which is fine if you want to block Edge. Some of us just don't want it and prefer the option to just uninstall Edge, period.

Been without Edge for years now and nothing is broken as I dont use Co-Pilot , Widgets, AI etc. (I call it Bloat)

GCG1000 said:

Rather than uninstalling Edge, you might want to try: Edge Blocker v2.0

Click to expand...

Not recommended. Was using this for some time, and although the implications are not as"drastic/severe" as uninstalling Edge, there are still some issues

Again, just as useful and effective without the risks ...

Ive used Edge Remover for years and hasn't broken anything as long as you keep WebView2
Just run it and click on NO: Remove Edge Browser Only

I think there might be a misunderstanding by some about how uninstalling Edge perhaps isn’t the nuclear option some would have others believe. MS has to provide the option for many countries to uninstall Edge because they are required to do so and that involves not making Windows unusable or cause it to ‘break’ in the way some think it might.

I’m one of those who does think that Edge is bloatware. Sure, I no longer have widgets or Bing and that’s great as far as I’m concerned. I still get Windows updates etc. My whole Windows experience now feels very lightweight and stuff still works.

Every Windows user has the workaround option to remove Edge if they wish to do so without using 3rd party tools, but if you’re an Edge user then none of this applies and you just carry on as usual.

**Edit** My original post stated that if you uninstall Edge in APPS by clicking on the 3 dots (provided that you are in a EU Member state country or have chosen to register your machine in such a country), that Webview2 Runtime is also uninstalled. I just checked and the option to modify or uninstall Webview2 Runtime is greyed out, so it remains in situ even after uninstalling Edge. Apologies for any confusion.