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Remove Edge (Legacy) application selection associations

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: Medium

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Moderate

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

    This action improves privacy with some impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script removes file and URL associations with Microsoft Edge Legacy (an old version of Edge), enhancing your privacy and potentially improving system performance.

This script removes Edge Legacy from the default application selection dialog for certain file types and protocols, preventing it from being easily chosen as the default handler. Even on newer Windows computers, the old Edge might still be set to open common file types like:

  • Web file formats (.htm, .html)
  • PDF documents (.pdf)
  • Web protocols (http, https)

Removing these connections:

  • Reduces potential data collection through Edge Legacy
  • Prevents accidental use of an outdated browser
  • Improves system stability if Edge Legacy is removed 1
  • Can potentially enhance performance by eliminating unnecessary file associations

This script targets only Edge Legacy, leaving newer versions of Microsoft Edge unaffected.

Caution

After running this script, Edge Legacy will no longer appear as a default program option for associated file types and URLs. Remember to set an alternative application to handle these.

Technical Details​

The known associations by default are:

AssociationProgIDWin 10 1903Win 10 1909Win 10 20H2Win 10 21H2Win 10 22H2Win 11 21H2Win 11 22H2Win 11 23H2Registry Path
.htmAppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
.htmlAppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
.pdfAppXd4nrz8ff68srnhf9t5a8sbjyar1cr723✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
httpAppXq0fevzme2pys62n3e0fbqa7peapykr8v✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
httpsAppX90nv6nhay5n6a98fnetv7tpk64pp35es✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
microsoft-edgeAppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
microsoft-edge-holographicAppX3xxs313wwkfjhythsb8q46xdsq8d2cvv✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts
microsoft-edge (HKLM)AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y❌✅✅✅✅✅❌❌HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts

Certain associations, like microsoft-edge and microsoft-edge-holographic URL protocols, may be shared between legacy and modern Edge versions. The script removes shared associations only if they are explicitly linked to legacy Edge, preserving functionality for newer Edge versions.

You can find all registered legacy Edge application selection associations using:

$legacyEdgeProgIds = @(
    'AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9',
    'AppXd4nrz8ff68srnhf9t5a8sbjyar1cr723',
    'AppXq0fevzme2pys62n3e0fbqa7peapykr8v',
    'AppX90nv6nhay5n6a98fnetv7tpk64pp35es',
    'AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y',
    'AppX3xxs313wwkfjhythsb8q46xdsq8d2cvv'
)
$registryPaths = @(
    'HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts',
    'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'
)
$results = @()
foreach ($path in $registryPaths) {
    $registryItems = Get-Item -Path $path -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    if ($registryItems) {
        $results += $registryItems |
            ForEach-Object {
                $_.Property | Where-Object {
                    $key = $_
                    $legacyEdgeProgIds | Where-Object { $key -match $_ }
                } |
                ForEach-Object {
                    $split = $_ -split '_'
                    [PSCustomObject]@{
                        ProgID = $split[0]
                        Association = $split<sup>[1]</sup>
                        RegistryPath = $path
                    }
                }
            }
    }
}
$results | Format-Table -AutoSize
Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications.

Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

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Help

How to apply or restore "Remove Edge (Legacy) application selection associations" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

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How to apply or restore "Remove Edge (Legacy) application selection associations" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Remove Edge (Legacy) application selection associations
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Remove file association for "AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9" for .htm
:: Delete the registry value "AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9_.htm" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9_.htm'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9" for .html
:: Delete the registry value "AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9_.html" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppX4hxtad77fbk3jkkeerkrm0ze94wjf3s9_.html'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppXd4nrz8ff68srnhf9t5a8sbjyar1cr723" for .pdf
:: Delete the registry value "AppXd4nrz8ff68srnhf9t5a8sbjyar1cr723_.pdf" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppXd4nrz8ff68srnhf9t5a8sbjyar1cr723_.pdf'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppXq0fevzme2pys62n3e0fbqa7peapykr8v" for http
:: Delete the registry value "AppXq0fevzme2pys62n3e0fbqa7peapykr8v_http" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppXq0fevzme2pys62n3e0fbqa7peapykr8v_http'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppX90nv6nhay5n6a98fnetv7tpk64pp35es" for https
:: Delete the registry value "AppX90nv6nhay5n6a98fnetv7tpk64pp35es_https" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppX90nv6nhay5n6a98fnetv7tpk64pp35es_https'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y" for microsoft-edge
:: Delete the registry value "AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y_microsoft-edge" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y_microsoft-edge'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppX3xxs313wwkfjhythsb8q46xdsq8d2cvv" for microsoft-edge-holographic
:: Delete the registry value "AppX3xxs313wwkfjhythsb8q46xdsq8d2cvv_microsoft-edge-holographic" from the key "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyName = 'HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppX3xxs313wwkfjhythsb8q46xdsq8d2cvv_microsoft-edge-holographic'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove file association for "AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y" for microsoft-edge
:: Delete the registry value "AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y_microsoft-edge" from the key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts" 
:: This operation will not run on Windows versions earlier than Windows10-1909.This operation will not run on Windows versions later than Windows11-21H2.
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$versionName = 'Windows10-1909'; $buildNumber = switch ($versionName) { 'Windows11-FirstRelease' { '10.0.22000' }; 'Windows11-22H2' { '10.0.22621' }; 'Windows11-21H2' { '10.0.22000' }; 'Windows10-22H2' { '10.0.19045' }; 'Windows10-21H2' { '10.0.19044' }; 'Windows10-20H2' { '10.0.19042' }; 'Windows10-1909' { '10.0.18363' }; 'Windows10-1607' { '10.0.14393' }; default { throw "^""Internal privacy$([char]0x002E)sexy error: No build for minimum Windows '$versionName'"^""; }; }; $minVersion = [System.Version]::Parse($buildNumber); $ver = [Environment]::OSVersion.Version; $verNoPatch = [System.Version]::new($ver.Major, $ver.Minor, $ver.Build); if ($verNoPatch -lt $minVersion) { Write-Output "^""Skipping: Windows ($verNoPatch) is below minimum $minVersion ($versionName)"^""; Exit 0; }$versionName = 'Windows11-21H2'; $buildNumber = switch ($versionName) { 'Windows11-21H2' { '10.0.22000' }; 'Windows10-MostRecent' { '10.0.19045' }; 'Windows10-22H2' { '10.0.19045' }; 'Windows10-1909' { '10.0.18363' }; 'Windows10-1903' { '10.0.18362' }; default { throw "^""Internal privacy$([char]0x002E)sexy error: No build for maximum Windows '$versionName'"^""; }; }; $maxVersion=[System.Version]::Parse($buildNumber); $ver = [Environment]::OSVersion.Version; $verNoPatch = [System.Version]::new($ver.Major, $ver.Minor, $ver.Build); if ($verNoPatch -gt $maxVersion) { Write-Output "^""Skipping: Windows ($verNoPatch) is above maximum $maxVersion ($versionName)"^""; Exit 0; }; $keyName = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts'; $valueName = 'AppX7rm9drdg8sk7vqndwj3sdjw11x96jc0y_microsoft-edge'; $hive = $keyName.Split('\')[0]; $path = "^""$($hive):$($keyName.Substring($hive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing the registry value '$valueName' from '$path'."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $path)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry key does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; $existingValueNames = (Get-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path).PSObject.Properties.Name; if (-Not ($existingValueNames -Contains $valueName)) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no action needed, registry value does not exist.'; Exit 0; }; try { if ($valueName -ieq '(default)') { Write-Host 'Removing the default value.'; $(Get-Item -LiteralPath $path).OpenSubKey('', $true).DeleteValue(''); } else { Remove-ItemProperty -LiteralPath $path -Name $valueName -Force -ErrorAction Stop; }; Write-Host 'Successfully removed the registry value.'; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry value: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove Edge (Legacy) application selection associations" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
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Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

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We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

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