You can uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 soon.

You Can Uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 in a Few Weeks

Microsoft Edge being the default browser in Windows 11 doesn’t come as a surprise. However, Windows users have expressed discontent over Microsoft’s lack of choice provision. Removing Edge from Windows 11 has been nearly impossible, but that’s about to change in the coming weeks, particularly for users in Europe. Soon, uninstalling Edge will no longer require navigating through obstacles.

This shift is made possible by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) within the European Economic Area (EEA). By March 6, 2024, Microsoft will release updates for Windows 11 (23H2) and 10 (22H2) to comply with the DMA, granting users greater control over system apps, default apps, and their data stored by Microsoft.

Consequently, Windows users in the European Economic Area will be able to uninstall Edge like any other system app. They’ll also have the option to remove Web Search from Microsoft Bing (an EEA exclusive), as well as Photos, Cortana, and Camera. While this marks a victory for them, users outside Europe will continue to contend with Microsoft Edge, as they have thus far.

uninstall option for microsoft edge windows 11

Microsoft Edge offers a solid browsing experience

While users may harbor some frustration towards Edge due to the lack of control over its presence, it’s important not to dismiss it as a subpar browser. In fact, recent statistics show that Edge has surpassed Safari, capturing a 13 percent market share in the desktop browser segment. While it still trails behind Chrome, its rise to the second spot indicates that it is well-received by many users.

Currently, Microsoft Edge’s standout feature is Copilot. This AI-powered search engine is tightly integrated with the browser and has extended its reach to other popular browsers, Windows, and mobile platforms (Android and iOS).

Furthermore, the mobile version of Edge will soon support extensions, providing yet another incentive to make the switch. With regular support and feature integrations like the Sidebar, Workspaces, and more, Edge presents a compelling package that’s hard to overlook.

However, for those determined to uninstall Edge, the option may become available with the Moment 5 update. Yet, whether Microsoft will make it as easy for users outside the EEA to remove their browser remains a topic open for debate.