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Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 Users Can't Uninstall the Edge Browser

Microsoft posted a support message confirming that the Edge (Chromium) browser can't be removed from Windows 10.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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If you don't like the new Microsoft Edge browser, tough luck! Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users won't be able to uninstall it.

There's actually a lot to like about the new Edge browser since Microsoft decided to switch to using the Chromium rendering engine, the same engine used by Google Chrome. However, users enjoy having a choice, and while they can choose not to use Edge, it will forever remain installed on Windows 10.

As ZDNet reports, Microsoft added Edge as part of a Windows 10 system update recently, effectively forcing it on to Windows 10 machines much to the surprise of users who discovered it installed after the update. Some of those users who really don't like Edge attempted to uninstall the browser, which has led to a support message being posted by Microsoft entitled "Can't uninstall Microsoft Edge."

The post confirms that Microsoft has "migrated Windows customers from the legacy version of Microsoft Edge to the new version in a phased rollout." It also points out that Edge offers full control over importing personal data from legacy versions of Edge, which means nothing should be lost in the transition. However, the post also makes it clear the new Edge browser is permanent, "The new version of Microsoft Edge is included in a Windows system update, so the option to uninstall it or use the legacy version of Microsoft Edge will no longer be available."

Windows 10 users who prefer Chrome, Firefox, or any other web browser will simply have to ensure Edge isn't set to be the default browser, remove all icons from the desktop and taskbar for it, and then try their best to forget Microsoft's browser exists on their machine.

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About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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