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Remove "Microsoft Edge" app

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Works with Windows 10 and 11

  • Windows only
  • Single action
  • Impact: Medium
  • Batch (batchfile)
  • Administrator rights required
  • Fully reversible

Overview

This script uninstalls the "Microsoft Edge" Windows app.

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 1 2 3.

As of March 9, 2021, this app stopped receiving any updates or security patches 4. Such unsupported software can become a security risk. Furthermore, using this version means your browsing data gets integrated into your device's activity history 5. Microsoft can access this data 5 and it remains stored locally, leaving traces of your behavior 5.

Removing this software not only minimizes potential security threats but also improves your privacy by preventing data accumulation.

This script only applies to Edge (Legacy) and does not impact newer versions of Edge.

Overview of default preinstallation

Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge:

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2
Windows 1020H2
Windows 1021H2
Windows 1022H2
Windows 1121H2
Windows 1122H2
Windows 1123H2

Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable:

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2
Windows 1020H2
Windows 1021H2
Windows 1022H2
Windows 1121H2
Windows 1122H2
Windows 1123H2
Tips & Tricks

    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.

    Reversible

    This action is completely reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state.

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

Apply Now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script

Download and run the script directly
Direct application
Offline usage
Easy-to-apply

How to download and run
  1. Download the script file by clicking on the  
    Apply protection
      button above.  Use  
    Undo protection
     button above to restore changes.
  2. If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. Open the downloaded file.
  4. Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. Restart your computer for all changes to take affect.

Apply with privacy.sexy

Guided, automated application with safety checks
Recommended for most users
Includes safety checks

Open privacy.sexy

How to use privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with optionally more advanced options.

  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Remove "Microsoft Edge" app.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Run commands

Copy and run commands manually
Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%SYSTEMROOT%\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*" with additional permissions 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%SYSTEMROOT%\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount = 0; $skippedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n public int Count;`r`n public long Luid;`r`n public int Attr;`r`n }`r`n internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = 0; // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%SYSTEMROOT%\$(("Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge" -Split '\.')[-1])\*" with additional permissions
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%SYSTEMROOT%\$(("^""Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge"^"" -Split '\.')[-1])\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount = 0; $skippedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n public int Count;`r`n public long Luid;`r`n public int Attr;`r`n }`r`n internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = 0; // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_*_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*" with additional permissions
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_*_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount = 0; $skippedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n public int Count;`r`n public long Luid;`r`n public int Attr;`r`n }`r`n internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = 0; // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Enable removal of system app 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge' by marking it as "EndOfLife"
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Uninstall 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge' Store app
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge' | Remove-AppxPackage"
:: Mark 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge' as deprovisioned to block reinstall during Windows updates.
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove the registry key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe" (Revert 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge' to its default, non-removable state.)
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount = 0; $skippedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_*_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*" with additional permissions
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_*_8wekyb3d8bbwe\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount = 0; $skippedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n public int Count;`r`n public long Luid;`r`n public int Attr;`r`n }`r`n internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n try {`r`n bool retVal;`r`n TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n tp.Count = 1;`r`n tp.Luid = 0;`r`n tp.Attr = 0; // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n return retVal;`r`n } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n }`r`n }`r`n [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Uninstall 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable' Store app
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable' | Remove-AppxPackage"
:: Mark 'Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable' as deprovisioned to block reinstall during Windows updates.
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable_8wekyb3d8bbwe" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable_8wekyb3d8bbwe'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
How to run commands
  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

    Step-by-step guide
    1. Click on Start menu

    2. Type cmd

    3. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

    4. Click on Yes to allow the app to make changes.


    Animated demonstration of opening Command Prompt as administrator in Windows 11
  2. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  3. Press Enter to apply remaining code.
  4. Copy the code above.
    To restore changes, choose Revert code above.
  5. Paste the code into Command Prompt.
  6. Press Enter to apply the code.
  7. Optionally, restart your computer.
    Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

Similar Guides

Guides below work together with this guide to protect your privacy.

This action belongs to Remove Edge (Legacy)This category includes scripts to remove Microsoft Edge Legacy. Microsoft introduced the Legacy version based on the EdgeHTML engine in 2015. However, as of March 9, 2021, they stopped supporting this version, implying it no longer gets security updates or patches. Keeping unsupported software on your ... Read more on category page ▶