The introduction of Microsoft Edge in 2020 marked a significant shift in the browser landscape. The new Edge, built on the Chromium open-source project, offered a faster, more secure, and feature-rich browsing experience. However, this upgrade also brought a new challenge: what to do with the old, legacy Edge? If you’re struggling to get rid of legacy Edge, you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of uninstalling legacy Edge, addressing common issues, and exploring the benefits of making the switch to the new Edge.
The Need to Remove Legacy Edge
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s essential to understand why getting rid of legacy Edge is crucial.
Security Risks: Legacy Edge is no longer receiving security updates, making it vulnerable to attacks and exploits. Continuing to use an outdated browser can compromise your system’s security and put your data at risk.
Compatibility Issues: As websites and web applications evolve, they often drop support for older browsers. Legacy Edge’s outdated engine can lead to compatibility problems, preventing you from accessing certain websites or features.
Bloatware and Resource Consumption: Legacy Edge can consume system resources, slowing down your computer. By removing it, you’ll free up space and reduce bloatware.
Removing Legacy Edge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Removing legacy Edge is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps to uninstall legacy Edge:
Method 1: Uninstall Legacy Edge via Settings
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- In the Apps & features section, scroll down and find Microsoft Edge.
- Click on Microsoft Edge, and then click Uninstall.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall legacy Edge by clicking Uninstall in the pop-up window.
Method 2: Uninstall Legacy Edge via Control Panel
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Click on Programs and Features (in Windows 10) or Add or Remove Programs (in Windows 8).
- Find Microsoft Edge in the list of installed programs.
- Click on Microsoft Edge, and then click Uninstall or Remove.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall legacy Edge by clicking Yes in the pop-up window.
During the removal process, you might encounter some errors or issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Error: “Microsoft Edge is a protected operating system component and cannot be uninstalled.”
If you encounter this error, it’s likely because legacy Edge is still set as the default browser. To resolve this:
1. Open the new Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner.
3. Click on **Settings**.
4. Scroll down to the **Default browser** section.
5. Click on the toggle switch next to **Make default** to set the new Edge as the default browser.
6. Repeat the uninstallation process using one of the methods mentioned above.
Error: “The program is not listed in Add/Remove Programs.”
If legacy Edge is not listed in the Programs and Features section, try using the Windows 10 App Remover tool:
1. Download the Windows 10 App Remover tool from the official Microsoft website.
2. Run the tool and select **Microsoft Edge** from the list of installed apps.
3. Click **Remove** to uninstall legacy Edge.
Now that you’ve successfully uninstalled legacy Edge, it’s time to explore the benefits of switching to the new Microsoft Edge:
Faster Performance
The new Edge is built on the Chromium engine, which provides a significant performance boost compared to legacy Edge. You’ll experience faster page loading, smoother scrolling, and improved overall performance.
Enhanced Security
The new Edge includes advanced security features, such as:
* **Improved sandboxing**: Enhanced protection against malicious code execution.
* **Site isolation**: Separation of browser processes to prevent cross-site attacks.
* **Tracking prevention**: Built-in tracker blocking and ad-blocking capabilities.
Seamless Integration with Windows 10
The new Edge is tightly integrated with Windows 10, offering features like:
* **Windows Defender Application Guard**: Isolated browsing sessions for added security.
* **Windows Search integration**: Easy access to search results and web pages.
* **Dark mode**: A system-wide dark theme that syncs with your Windows 10 settings.
Features and Extensions
The new Edge offers a wide range of features and extensions, including:
* **Collections**: A feature that allows you to organize and share web content.
* **IE mode**: A compatibility mode for legacy websites that require Internet Explorer.
* **Extensions**: A growing library of extensions, including favorites like ad-blockers, password managers, and productivity tools.
Removing legacy Edge is a crucial step in ensuring your system’s security, performance, and compatibility. By following this guide, you’ve successfully uninstalled legacy Edge and can now take advantage of the new Microsoft Edge’s features, speed, and security enhancements. Make the switch today and experience the best of the web!
What is Legacy Edge and why do I need to remove it?
Legacy Edge is the older version of Microsoft’s Edge browser that was introduced in 2015. It was the default browser on Windows 10 devices until it was replaced by the new Microsoft Edge based on Chromium. You need to remove Legacy Edge because it’s no longer receiving security updates or technical support from Microsoft, which makes it vulnerable to security threats.
Removing Legacy Edge will also help declutter your system and free up resources. Moreover, the new Microsoft Edge offers a more modern and secure browsing experience, with better performance and compatibility with websites and extensions. By removing Legacy Edge, you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest features and improvements offered by the new browser.
Is Legacy Edge still functional, and can I still use it?
Although Legacy Edge is still functional, it’s not recommended to continue using it. Since it’s no longer supported by Microsoft, you won’t receive security updates or bug fixes, which means you’ll be exposed to potential security risks. Additionally, Legacy Edge may not be compatible with newer websites or web applications, which could lead to issues with website rendering, functionality, or even crashes.
It’s also important to note that many websites and services may not work properly or at all in Legacy Edge, as they’re optimized for modern browsers like the new Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. By switching to a supported browser, you’ll ensure a smoother and more secure browsing experience.
Will removing Legacy Edge affect my browsing history or bookmarks?
Removing Legacy Edge will not affect your browsing history or bookmarks, as these are stored in your Microsoft account or locally on your device. When you switch to the new Microsoft Edge, you can simply sign in with your Microsoft account to access your browsing history, bookmarks, and other data. If you’ve synced your data to your Microsoft account, you’ll be able to access it from any device where you’re signed in with the same account.
However, if you haven’t synced your data and it’s stored only locally on your device, you may want to export your bookmarks and browsing history before uninstalling Legacy Edge. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important data during the transition.
Can I uninstall Legacy Edge manually or do I need to use a tool?
You can uninstall Legacy Edge manually through the Windows 10 Settings app or the Control Panel. However, if you’re not comfortable with manual uninstallation or if you’re dealing with a complex setup, you may want to use a tool like the Microsoft Edge Uninstall Tool. This tool is specifically designed to remove Legacy Edge and can help you avoid any potential issues or leftover files.
The Microsoft Edge Uninstall Tool is a straightforward and easy-to-use application that will guide you through the uninstallation process. It’s also recommended by Microsoft as the safest and most efficient way to remove Legacy Edge.
Will removing Legacy Edge affect my Windows 10 operating system?
Removing Legacy Edge will not affect your Windows 10 operating system. Legacy Edge is a separate application that can be uninstalled independently of the operating system. The uninstallation process will only remove the browser and its associated files, leaving your Windows 10 installation intact.
In fact, removing Legacy Edge can even help improve your system’s performance and security by decluttering your system and reducing the attack surface. You can uninstall Legacy Edge without worrying about affecting your Windows 10 installation or other applications.
Can I reinstall Legacy Edge if I change my mind?
Once you uninstall Legacy Edge, you won’t be able to reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or any other official sources. Legacy Edge is no longer supported or maintained by Microsoft, and it’s not available for download or installation.
However, if you’re experiencing issues with the new Microsoft Edge or need to access a specific feature or functionality that’s only available in Legacy Edge, you may be able to use a virtual machine or a older system to run Legacy Edge. Keep in mind that this is not recommended, as Legacy Edge is no longer secure or supported.
What should I do if I encounter issues during the uninstallation process?
If you encounter issues during the uninstallation process, you can try restarting your system and attempting the uninstallation again. If the issue persists, you can try using the Microsoft Edge Uninstall Tool or seek assistance from Microsoft Support or a qualified IT professional.
Additionally, you can try troubleshooting the issue by checking the Windows Event Viewer for error messages or searching online for solutions to specific uninstallation errors. If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be helpful to perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan or a DISM scan to identify and fix any corrupted system files that may be causing the problem.