Skip to main content

Looks like the Edge Browser can’t be uninstalled after all

Edge browser icon
Digital Trends

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but according to Windows Latest, you won’t be able to uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer. In an alleged “uninstall” support document, Microsoft doesn’t mention how to uninstall Edge; instead, it tries to convince you why you should keep it.

The uninstall document that Microsoft released is supposed to explain how to uninstall the Edge browser. Still, it only shows a checklist of supposed advantages over Chrome, which isn’t entirely accurate. The table mentions Vertical Tabs, Copilot, Read Aloud, Designer, Coupons, and VPN.

Recommended Videos

The document is disappointing since it comes after Microsoft’s well-received privacy updates for Chrome’s incognito mode, which were a big win for users. Therefore, this is a step back for the software giant with this “uninstall” document, something many users aren’t going to like.

We’re used to Microsoft trying to get us to use their services, but this one feels like a low blow. However, a company doing anything it can to try and make you stay isn’t uncommon. For example, when canceling your PlayStation Plus subscription, Sony tries to get you to stay with an offer on a 12-month premium subscription.

Microsoft Edge has excellent features, such as a free VPN with 5GB of data, AI image editing with Microsoft Designer, and built-in shopping tools. However, you can also use more popular options, such as ProtonVPN and Canva. The comparison table is great for comparing the two browsers, but the uninstall information is conspicuous by its absence.

Judy Sanhz
Judy Sanhz is a Digital Trends computing writer covering all computing news. Loves all operating systems and devices.
Microsoft is, once again, trying to force users into using Edge
Microsoft Edge on a laptop on a couch.

Microsoft has deployed no shortage of tactics to get Windows users onto its Edge browser, and although some of the more nefarious methods of trying to force users to pick up the browser have failed, the company is still experimenting with new methods. The latest route launches Edge automatically on your PC on startup and prompts users to continually import data from Chrome, including your history, bookmarks, and tabs.

Richard Lawler from The Verge spotted the prompt, which showed up earlier this year without explanation before disappearing. It's back now, and in an official capacity from Microsoft. "This is a notification giving people the choice to import data from other browsers," said Microsoft's Caitlin Roulston in a statement to The Verge.

Read more
My quest to fully remove Microsoft Edge is finally complete
Microsoft Defender and Edge Security settings are open on a PC monitor.

I'm on a mission to eradicate Microsoft Edge from my PC.

It's not a slight against Microsoft -- I just don't particularly care for the Edge browser compared to some of the other best browsers out there. But Edge is different because Microsoft has tried -- and mostly failed -- to court its massive Windows user base, with some unsavory tactics, including making it nearly impossible to set a different default browser to massive, screen-overtaking popups when searching for the Chrome installer.

Read more
An all-glass MacBook? Here’s what Apple thinks it would look like
Bladur's Gate 3 being played on the M3 MacBook Air.

Patents and clues pointing to all-glass MacBooks and iMacs have been floating around since 2011, and this week, another patent has appeared on Patently Apple -- a "glass housing" for a MacBook-like device. It has a virtual keyboard and trackpad, and there's even a separate patent for "finger devices" that would decrease the strain of typing on a glass surface.

One of the most interesting things about the glass housing is that it "provides I/O functionality." This means, that instead of inserting a separate trackpad or keyboard keys into the housing for users to interact with, the housing itself would provide a method of input and output. In some areas and contexts, the surface would function simply as housing to protect internal components, and in others, it would display information and react to user input.

Read more