Alex Ruben
How to Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
If you’re experiencing performance issues with Microsoft Edge or simply want to start fresh, uninstalling and reinstalling it can be an effective solution. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to completely remove Microsoft Edge from your Windows 11 PC and then reinstall it, ensuring a clean browsing experience. Whether you’re troubleshooting crashes, addressing performance lags, or switching to a different browser temporarily, this step-by-step tutorial has all the details you need for a smooth process.
Before you begin, ensure that you are logged in as an administrator on your Windows 11 PC, as administrative permissions may be required for uninstallation and installation processes. Additionally, make sure your Windows 11 is up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
Step 1: Access Installed Apps in Settings
Begin by opening the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC. You can do this by pressing the Windows key and typing Settings, then selecting the best match.
Once the Settings window is open, navigate to the left sidebar and click on Apps. This section will allow you to manage all installed applications on your system.
Step 2: Locate Microsoft Edge
In the Apps section, look for the Installed apps option on the right side. Click on it to display a list of applications currently installed on your PC. In the search bar, type “Microsoft Edge” to quickly find the browser within the list.
Step 3: Uninstall Microsoft Edge
Once you have located Microsoft Edge in the list, click on the three dots next to it. A dropdown menu will appear; select Uninstall to remove the application. Confirm any prompts that appear to proceed with the uninstallation.
Note that if Edge is integrated into the system and cannot be uninstalled, you may need to use the Repair feature instead.
Step 4: Repair Microsoft Edge (If Necessary)
If you encounter issues during uninstallation or prefer to repair Edge instead, return to the three-dot menu and select Modify. This will provide you with options to repair or reset the browser. Click on Repair and allow the process to complete, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Once the repair process is completed, Edge will automatically launch. If it does not, you can manually open it by searching for Microsoft Edge in the Start menu.
Step 5: Reinstall Microsoft Edge
If you’ve uninstalled Edge, you can reinstall it by visiting the official Microsoft Edge download page. Go to Microsoft Edge Download and click on the Download button to get the latest version. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When uninstalling and reinstalling applications, it’s crucial to ensure that your system has adequate permissions. If you encounter any errors during the process, consider restarting your computer and trying again. Additionally, check for Windows updates that might interfere with the installation process.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should have successfully uninstalled and reinstalled Microsoft Edge on your Windows 11 PC. This process can help resolve various issues including crashes and performance lags. If you continue to experience problems, consider exploring additional troubleshooting options or alternative browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge if it is integrated into Windows 11?
Yes, while Microsoft Edge is integrated into Windows 11, you can repair it using the steps outlined above. If uninstallation is not possible, repairing it is often sufficient to resolve issues.
What if the repair option does not work for me?
If the repair option fails, consider resetting Edge to its default settings or reinstalling it from the official Microsoft Edge website.
Will I lose my bookmarks and settings if I uninstall Edge?
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge generally does not remove bookmarks or settings, as they are stored in your Microsoft account. However, it is always a good idea to back up important data before making changes to your browser.