How To Disable Microsoft Edge? A Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide To Help You!

Today’s Topic: How to disable Microsoft Edge? 

Microsoft’s web browser was made to offer a secure and speedy experience. In fact, this innovative browser has six major benefits:

• User-friendly interface.
• Quicker browsing speed.
• Enhanced security. 
• Customization options.
• Seamless integration.
• Productivity tools.

Also, Edge enables users to opt for a smooth transition from device to device with excellent sync capabilities. So, you can easily access your bookmarks, browsing history, and passwords across different devices. 

However, it is possible some users might want to know how to disable this browser, especially on Windows 10 or 11. 

And this is precisely why I’m here: to show you the different ways of disabling your Edge browser with the help of step-by-step instructions. 

Moreover, there are several reasons for disabling this browser. Mostly, it is because of personal preferences or even a lack of compatibility with certain apps or websites. Also, it is possible that some users don’t like using Edge and would prefer turning it off. 

So, it is pretty easy to disable this browser on your device, especially with my help. Stick around as I discuss in detail how to disable the Edge browser from your device. 

Why Do You Want To Disable Microsoft Edge?

Since the launch of Microsoft Edge, it has been the default browser for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, often accompanied by different improvements and updates. However, the browser still faced backlash from users due to its limited features and compatibility problems. 

While Microsoft has addressed certain concerns, it continues to face criticism from users. Moreover, some users also face problems with disabling or uninstalling Edge from their devices completely. In spite of related issues, some users think that using other web browsers is a better solution. 

How To Disable Microsoft Edge?

I’ve laid down the steps you can follow for disabling Microsoft Edge below. So, without wasting time, let’s go over these steps in detail:

Step 1: Access Your Settings

Follow the steps below to access your settings. 

1. Tap on the ‘Start’ option. 
2. Scroll down.
3. Now, select ‘Settings.’
4. Then navigate to ‘Apps & Features,’ or ‘Find Apps.’ 
5. Tap on Microsoft Edge and access your settings. 

If you have admin privileges, this process becomes so much easier! 

Step 2: Manage Your Default Apps

So, in order to personalize your Windows system and manage your default apps, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Tap on the ‘Windows key’ and ‘I’ together. 
2. Now, from the list that pops up on your screen, select ‘Apps.’
3. On the left-hand side of the menu, you will see the ‘Default apps’ section. 
4. Now, scroll down. 
5. Tap on the ‘Web Browser’ button. 
6. You will see the installed browsers on your device appear. Select your favorite. 

In this case, it is always more convenient to make your favorite browser your default browser. Moreover, managing your default browser is crucial for a smooth experience. 

Step 3: Disable Microsoft Edge

Now that you know how to access your settings and manage your default apps, follow the steps mentioned below to disable Microsoft Edge:

1. Click on the Windows option located on the bottom-left side of your screen and access the ‘Start’ menu. 
2. Type ‘Settings’ in the menu and tap on the result. 
3. Search for ‘Apps’ – then, click on it. 
4. On your screen’s left, you will come across a list featuring different options – from these options, tap on ‘Default apps.’
5. Now, find the ‘Web Browser’ option. 
6. From here, tap on the ‘Microsoft Edge’ option and choose another browser as the default option. 

While doing so, you can take into account the following tips:

• Don’t forget to clear your default settings. Once you disable Microsoft Edge, pick another browser as the default option. To do this, go to the Settings and then navigate to Default Apps. 
• Get rid of shortcuts. If you have any shortcuts for Microsoft Edge on your taskbar or desktop, remove them. 
• Block the updates. To do so, just stop any future updates from reactivating or reinstalling Microsoft Edge via Group Policy settings or third-party software.

So, if you follow these tips, you will be able to disable Microsoft Edge and prevent any unwanted changes from taking place to your device’s or browser’s settings. Also, while disabling any software from your device, ensure that no other apps depend on it.

Step 4: Confirm The Changes

This last step is very important! To disable Microsoft Edge completely, confirm all the changes you are making. To do this, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. On your screen’s bottom-left side, you will see the Windows icon – click on this icon to access the Start option. 
2. In your search bar, type in ‘Registry Editor.’ From the results, click on the option to access the same. 
3. Once you are inside the Registry Editor option, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
4. Now, search for a key called “MicrosoftEdge” located right under the folder named ‘Policies.’ If it does not exist, you can just right-click on ‘Policies,’ select ‘New,’ navigate to ‘Key,’ and then name it ‘Microsoft Edge.’
5. Once you have selected the ‘Microsoft Edge’ option, right-click on the right pane. From here, select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Now, you have to name this new DWORD value. Name it ‘PreventAccessToMicrosoftEdge.’ Now, double-click to set the value to 1. 

So, by following the steps above, you have not only confirmed but also applied all the changes for disabling Microsoft Edge. While doing so, remember that deleting or modifying a registry key can damage your device if not executed properly. So, it is best to create backups before making changes.

Know How to Disable Microsoft Edge Accurately:

While wrapping up, it is vital to highlight that disabling your Microsoft Edge is an easy affair. You can turn on this browser easily, and there are more than one way to disable this browser on your device. 

As a result, you can choose an alternative that might suit your tastes and needs better. For instance, one method for disabling Microsoft Edge involves accessing it from your device’s Windows settings. 

However, for people who do not want to entirely disable this browser, they can simply close it or prevent it from being the default browser, taking a different approach. 

Interestingly, Microsoft Edge was first launched in 2015 as a successor to the much older Internet Explorer. 

During the browser’s development and subsequent launch, it aimed to offer an easier and faster browsing experience. Nonetheless, certain users might prefer using other browsers, thereby choosing to disable Edge on their device.