Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2022 September 9

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September 9

Windows 10. How to remove Microsoft Edge?

Yes, I found that the Edge is not removable. How to get rid of it? It invaded my computer a few days ago and now sits there like a leach. AboutFace 22 (talk) 00:49, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

Could you perhaps articulate why you want to "get rid of it" (despite acknowledging that this is not possible)? What harm is it doing by being there? Elizium23 (talk) 00:51, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

OP might have a different reason in mind, but at the very least, it increases the attack surface for attempts at hacking a computer. A (modern) browser is a rather complex piece of software, hence very likely to have bug and/or vulnerabilities; as it is installed on a very large number of computers, it makes it an attractive target for hackers (if you find an exploit, it can be deployed against many different computers). Finally, Microsoft does not have a great track record when it comes to vulnerabilities in their browser product. Tigraan^{Click here for my talk page ("private" contact)} 12:24, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

I'm not sure there is merit to these arguments. First of all, Edge is not IE; Edge is based on Chromium and would have a completely different vulnerability and security profile from the extinct IE codebase. Secondly, since Edge is integrated into Windows releases, it will naturally be maintained and patched along with those releases on a regular basis. Therefore the "attack surface" of Edge will be minimized as long as users keep the OS up-to-date, perhaps even more so than third-party applications such as a Chrome browser that's installed separately. Elizium23 (talk) 12:38, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

How is that relevant to answering the question? I'd assume the reason is principled resistance to coercion, but does it matter? It's not like wanting rid of it is a mistake, even if Microsoft Edge is a completely benign excrescence. We have an article on Removal of Internet Explorer, after all.  Card Zero  (talk) 18:48, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

@AboutFace 22: Apparently, there is no "uninstall" button, but there may be another way. I found two websites [1] and [2] that show there is a command you can run that will uninstall edge. RudolfRed (talk) 02:18, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

I'm not sure what you mean by "sits there". If you are referring to the shortcut on your desktop, simply right click on it and click delete. Shantavira|^{feed me} 08:48, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

I've used the Firefox for many years and quite happy with this browser. I don't want to make a change. The Edge was installed without my knowledge or consent and I find it offensive. I went to the section "uninstall software" and found the Edge. Against every application listed there is a button "Uninstall" First I uninstalled so called "Microsoft Teams" which was on the list and which appeared on my desktop every time I started the computer. This application appearance also happened without my permission. Luckily that button worked and I was able to remove Microsoft Teams" which I never used. Then I moved to the Edge, but the button against this application did not work although it could be pressed. So it is not removable. Why? I think MS should be sued.The Edge was installed recently and when I tried to open some applications they appeared to be opened in the Edge, so they push it down my throat. Also a piece of an ad appeared: The Edge was designed with your productivity in mind. What do they know about my work? I don't need an increase in my productivity. I don't produce anything. It is horrible. AboutFace 22 (talk) 15:50, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

You can just ignore stuff regarding Edge if you don't wanna use it. They don't force you to use it. Also, the ad isn't targeted at you, nor does it know about your work. Increasing productivity is just the main selling point they have for Edge. ― Blaze Wolf^Talk_{Blaze Wolf#6545} 19:03, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

I think MS should be sued. Microsoft was already sued once for not making their browser removable.
If web pages are opening in Edge rather than in your preferred browser, go to the Start menu, select Settings, then Apps, then Default apps, then look under "Web browser". If it says "Edge" there, click on it and select the browser that you want to use. CodeTalker (talk) 20:38, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

@CodeTalker, My default browser marked as the FireFox, but it sits on a red rectangle, as to bring a special attention and the Edge is nearby and there is a recommendation to use by MS, of course their recommendation is the Edge.It is just an attempt at corruption, pure and simple, AboutFace 22 (talk) 23:08, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

Can you explain further what you mean by "it sits on a red rectangle" and "Edge is nearby"? Or maybe post a screenshot? I've never seen a red rectangle on that screen, and normally each entry on that screen shows only the current app (Firefox in your case) but doesn't show other apps "nearby" unless you click on it. Also it would help if you focus on the technical problem rather than repeatedly accusing Microsoft of "corruption" or whatever. It's almost certainly a technical issue with the way your computer is configured and not anything nefarious. CodeTalker (talk) 16:37, 10 September 2022 (UTC)

I just tried the websites @RudolfRed pointed to. Extremely convoluted. Definitely made with evil intention to make it near impossible to use. SO far I failed, will try tomorrow morning. Damn MS. AboutFace 22 (talk) 23:08, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

The comment about the red rectangle is interesting. I don't think that's Microsoft trying to cause FUD about your non-Edge browser, because I haven't been able to find any internet outrage on the subject, so I don't think it's happened to anybody else exactly like this. It's either astonishingly disingenuous and jealous Microsoft behavior or else it's a coincidence: I suspect coincidence. (And bugs in Windows, see Hanlon's razor.) I found this Reddit thread where all but four of a user's desktop icons had acquired a red background. This seemed to be because of the desktop wallpaper image file being moved to a different location, which somehow provoked the peculiar graphical reaction.  Card Zero  (talk) 23:55, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

I'd also note that I find it unlikely Edge was installed recently. Edge has been a default part of Windows 10 since before it became Chromium based. Perhaps you've just first noticed it there due to Microsoft's pushing it but I'm fairly sure it's always been there. Technically the Chromium based version of Edge could be said to be installed without explicit permission but it was just replacing the non Chromium one and it also isn't exactly new anymore anyway. (With the possible exception may be if you're using an LTSC version, I have no idea when that moved to the Chromium based Edge.) Nil Einne (talk) 04:13, 11 September 2022 (UTC)

Actually I see from Microsoft Edge that it's not even included with the LTSC build. If you are using the LTSC build and somehow ended up with Edge I strongly suspect something has gone wrong assuming you didn't accidentally install it. Otherwise I stick with my point that Edge has been on you OS since your OS was first installed even if you never noticed it before. Nil Einne (talk) 04:43, 11 September 2022 (UTC)

There is a date against MS Edge - 9/9/2022; MS Edge update - 8/23/2022; MS Edge Webview Runtime - 9/11/2022, that is today !those dates I found in Uninstall programs. I took a snipping picture but could not figure out how to insert it in my text here. AboutFace 22 (talk) 21:00, 11 September 2022 (UTC)

I assume those are the dates the various Edge components were last updated. I have the same dates on my computer which has had the same Windows (with Edge) since 2017 and Chromium Edge maybe since 2020. Nil Einne (talk) 22:36, 12 September 2022 (UTC)