Attempting to remove EDGE from the Start menu alphabetical listing

jc351226 · 31 Dec 2018

Hi, i am currently working with Elitedesk 705 G3 mini and running Windows 10 Pro. I work at a prison and will be using these machines for inmate access, So I need them to be locked down completely. I have gone through the GPO and made a set for non-Admins and pretty much mirrored the same configs as the Windows 7 predecessor. I have removed all apps and access to settings on the user account and so far everything works like expected. My issue now is that Microsoft Edge is listed in the alphabetical listing of Apps and once opened a user can still get access to 'C' drive by typing C:\. Although once in the drive there is not much that can be accessed, modified or even deleted; I still would like to eliminate the option to view it. These machines will have no internet access so updates will not bring back Edge if it can be deleted or disabled any way at all. Any options or input would be greatly appreciated.

Edwin · 31 Dec 2018

jc351226 said:

Hi, i am currently working with Elitedesk 705 G3 mini and running Windows 10 Pro. I work at a prison and will be using these machines for inmate access, So I need them to be locked down completely. I have gone through the GPO and made a set for non-Admins and pretty much mirrored the same configs as the Windows 7 predecessor. I have removed all apps and access to settings on the user account and so far everything works like expected. My issue now is that Microsoft Edge is listed in the alphabetical listing of Apps and once opened a user can still get acccess to 'C' drive by typing C:\. Although once in the drive there is not much that can be accessed, modified or even deleted; I still would like to eliminate the option to view it. Any options or input would be greatly appreciated.

Hello @jc351226
Welcome to tenforums!

As you may or may not know, the Windows UWP apps are next to impossible to customize or manipulate.
There are some measures you could try, some severe, some not so severe!
Probably the easiest to try, for starters, would be to rename the Edge System App folder in C:\Windows\SystemApps
You need to be signed on as Admin, (which you probably are!), you'll probably have to Take Ownership of the folder, then,
rename the Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe folder to !Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe

That should render the shortcut non-functional.
You can always name it back to what it was, if need be.

Other ways involve completely uninstalling Edge, but then, you won't get it back or be able to re-install it at all!

dalchina · 31 Dec 2018

How to disable or uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 - Super User

- 2018 answer - I think it's the same as Edwin's..

Hopefully you've covered various hotkeys, Cortana search (Win s, Win q)...disabling the Windows key would be a good idea. You need a friendly hacker to see what 'damage' they can still do..

jc351226 · 31 Dec 2018

Thank you guys so much for the replies. So a bit of things I have tried was renaming the files so they should not launch. I have added the new file names in the GPO as restricted apps to not be able to be used but the edge app is still listed in the start menu. and just clicking on it rings up a dead edge window prompting you of the lack of internet connection. But if you type C:\ in the bar it will open a file explorer in the root of C. i have been fighting with this new image for about 2 weeks now. It is locked down very tight. And the final step is doing away with the Edge icon. If i could just permanently hide or delete that icon I would be thoroughly finished. Thank you so much for your replies and I did follow those steps which did help to a certain extent. But since the application is still installed I guess the app will be listed in the installed app listing.

dalchina · 31 Dec 2018

The shortcut is not listed in the start menu folders...

And I'm surprised you see Edge at all if you've done as suggested..

jc351226 · 31 Dec 2018

I apologize. I just went in and attempted it again and must have missed that. I did as you had stated and the icon is still present but once clicked nothing happens. Which is exactly what I need to happen lol. Thank you so much! I wish i could find a friendly hacker to attempt to make changes or access anything. I have been testing myself with this new image I am pushing out and that seemed to be the last thing I needed to address. I imagine if a Software update is applied it will probably change the name back to the previous name and I would just have to undo that step once more. But I have these machines connected on a small domain with zero internet capabilities so I am hoping there will be no way of getting around these parameters in place. I can't thank you guys enough.

Brink · 31 Dec 2018

Hello jc351226, and welcome to Ten Forums.

In addition, you could use AppLocker to block executables and apps if using Windows 10 Enterprise or Education.

Use AppLocker to Allow or Block Executable Files in Windows 10 | Tutorials

Use AppLocker to Block Microsoft Store Apps in Windows 10 | Tutorials

bro67 · 31 Dec 2018

Also to add, use something like OpenDNS to block those websites and such that you do not want them going to, by using their DNS Proxy. How are you tracking their use? Everything should be going through a Proxy and the machines should be made to work in the way that a library does, by giving them only a certain time period for use and allow rewarding of more time on good behavior.

See this regarding technology rules in prisons. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/li...riefedtech.pdf

jc351226 · 02 Jan 2019

Hi, so there are computers on-site which track any usage but they are only used for Previous laws that have been passed or whatever kind of judicial info they wish to obtain. But the machines that I am deploying are a no network device and will only be utilized for programs like Rosetta Stone or aiding in obtaining a GED.