How do I uninstall Microsoft Edge for good?

In Saudi Arabia you can’t remove Edge from Settings: Microsoft treats it as a core part of Windows, and removal is only offered on devices in Europe. What you can do is make another browser your default and stop Edge running in the background, so you only see it when you open it yourself.

Why can’t it be removed here?

Microsoft says Edge is a core component of Windows, and some tools rely on it, like news, weather and search. In 2024 it allowed removal in Europe only, because of a law there.

What about commands that rip it out?

There are commands and tools around that force it off, but Microsoft itself says the tools that rely on Edge stop working if it’s removed. So it’s safer to stop it than to delete it.

How do you stop it running in the background?

Open Edge, then Settings, then “System and performance”. Turn off “Startup boost”, and turn off the option that keeps extensions and apps running in the background after you close Edge.

And make another browser your default

In Windows Settings, then Apps, then Default apps. Note that some of Windows’ own links, like web results in the Start menu search, still open in Edge even after you change it.

If you’re moving to m7bok

The first time you open it, it brings over your bookmarks, browsing history and tabs from Edge, with your permission.

Last updated: 11 October 2026