MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)

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  1. Posts : 297
    Win 10 - 21H1
       #1

    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)


    Hello all. I am running the 20H2 update and have been attempting to remove Microsoft Edge for some time now. It has always been tricky, but possible. Now Microsoft tell me Edge is a system service and cannot be removed. Well, not quite true, if my delete key works I can still delete things, even if I have to use the Take Ownership in my context menu.

    I have been chatting / talking to MS Support for hours, they all tell me it is not possible. So, I spent a few hours searching HDD and Registry for anything Edge related and deleted almost everything. Prior to that, I had tried every single other way I could find to remove it, none work anymore. Included changing the IsInbox value to 0 in Sys_Repo to enable removal. I tried the scripts that previously used.

    So, where am I now. I am almost happy with my results so far.

    Edge no longer has any links to it, for anything, including those links in PC settings. Great, going forward I expect to find the registry key for that and look to set for another browser.
    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-cap1.png

    When doing a PS to see installed programs Edge has no install location.
    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-cap2.png

    When setting default apps, Edge is not even an option.
    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-cap3.png

    What I need some help with, is how to remove the last bits of MS Edge left lying around the system.
    It still shows up in the applications list, both by searching start and in the apps list in settings.
    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-cap4.png
    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-cap5.png

    I have been search for where the computer lists the installed programs. I have found all the normal locations, none seem to be for these links. I have found a DLL called EdgeManager, which when viewing in Resource Hacker showed this:
    {
    VALUE "CompanyName", "Microsoft Corporation"
    VALUE "FileDescription", "Microsoft Edge Manager"
    VALUE "FileVersion", "11.00.19041.867 (WinBuild.160101.0800)"
    VALUE "InternalName", "EdgeManager"
    VALUE "LegalCopyright", "\xA9 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved."
    VALUE "OriginalFilename", "EdgeManager.dll"
    VALUE "ProductName", "Microsoft Edge"
    VALUE "ProductVersion", "11.00.19041.867"
    }

    So I deleted that (well, renamed to .old, DLLs are scary-lol) - yet, MS Edge still shows up as something installed, at least chunks of it. At least, as far as I can tell MS Edge is gone, does not function, does not show in process monitor, no links work for it. This is great news for me, so far. Also, my computer is usable following cold boot in half the time it was when Edge was function, literally half the time. Windows logs on, starts, and just works then and there.

    P.S. I know Edge is meant to be great, if it was optional, I might have considered having a look, it has been forced on me and I don't want it. It wasn't all that long ago and spent a few hours to remove Cortana, now I just have to click uninstall. That's brilliant.

    Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, I have read a load of forum posts about the removal of Edge, most of the comments are from people saying the OS has only been broken, Edge is good, do what I do, just ignore it. Let's please keep this post on the topic of removal only, please.

    Edition Windows 10 Pro
    Version 20H2
    Installed on ‎15/‎12/‎2020
    OS build 19042.928
    Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.551.0
    Last edited by TidySean; 07 May 2021 at 06:39.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #2

    If past experience is any indicator, removing Windows System and any customizations such as Registry entries will simply be put back to a Default with the twice-yearly Version Upgrades, should be another RTM Version coming soon, 21H1. I use an app from earlier Windows that always gets deleted plus some Registry additions to context menus, keep the things needed for easy reinstalling.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 297
    Win 10 - 21H1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Berton said:
    If past experience is any indicator, removing Windows System and any customizations such as Registry entries will simply be put back to a Default with the twice-yearly Version Upgrades, should be another RTM Version coming soon, 21H1. I use an app from earlier Windows that always gets deleted plus some Registry additions to context menus, keep the things needed for easy reinstalling.
    Thank you, Berton. Yes, I have been tweaking Win10 for years now. I have had arguments with MS Support during a screen share call where they tell me I am on Win 8. I say no. They say I clearly am. I prefer the Win 7 style and I have a serious problem with Tabbed Ribbons, anywhere, in any software.

    I have also noticed with reg keys, that some just get loaded back again as they were. Win 10 registry is much more resilient than previous versions I have found.

    I have disabled all updates, though, I have seen some people saying even with it disabled, at some point MS force an update. Once I know they keys I am happy to delete again, doesn't bother me as much as having installed Sofware I don't want.

    I always wondered why My Computer was renamed this PC, because, it no longer is my PC. Funny though, if you notice the low battery screen that pops up, it says YOUR battery is low. Sure, the component that will wear out the quickest is mine, great.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Well, this is interesting. I am almost certain that EdgeManager.dll, is where the system is getting the last pieces of info about the existence of MS Edge. I had renamed it to, .old. It had made no difference, though. Using Resource Hacker, I searched for the dll, to find it was there and visible, and working. However, when searching in Explorer, it shows as I expect. Most strange.

    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-cap6.png

    P.s. Not sure why this was moved to the browser section, I need help to make the system forget MS Edge, I see it as more of a system tweak than help with Edge, in general.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 343
    Ghost Spectre Win 10 64 Bit Pro V 20H2 Build 19042.985
       #4

    You might want to take a look at this Edge Blocker v1.7
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 297
    Win 10 - 21H1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    teots said:
    You might want to take a look at this Edge Blocker v1.7
    Yes I do, thanks!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 297
    Win 10 - 21H1
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Microsoft Edge is no longer in existance, completely removed. I had to use MSMG toolkit to create a custom installation ISO. Installed on a virtual machine currently to test. I am running the Windows Update now, to see if it throws Edge back on the system. Running the 20H2 version also! Let's see.

    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-capture.png
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,773
    Windows 10 Home
       #7

    For all the work you put in, wasn't it easier to just not use it? What does a 'scannow' or 'online restore health' command produce?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 297
    Win 10 - 21H1
    Thread Starter
       #8

    mrgeek said:
    For all the work you put in, wasn't it easier to just not use it? What does a 'scannow' or 'online restore health' command produce?
    There are many easier things to do. If I don't use something I don't see the point of having it. Done the scannow command. It seems okay....?

    MS Edge Removal 20H2 (almost done)-capture.png
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #9

    A couple of things I'd keep in mind, one is that a Version Upgrade, done twice yearly and changes a lot of customizations putting things back to a default, probably will put Edge back in. The other is the need to change the default browser to something else as Internet Explorer is losing support and will go away mid-June next year, many things in Windows and links on Web pages call it.
      My Computers


  10. WXC
    Posts : 13,170
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 22H2 19045.4046
       #10

    TidySean said:
    There are many easier things to do. If I don't use something I don't see the point of having it...

    Hello, TidySean. Welcome to TenForums.

    I both understand and admire, your tenacity.


    Just be mindful, of the information Mr. Burton left for you. (In case of a future surprise).


    He's a wise owl.



    Berton said:
    A couple of things I'd keep in mind, one is that a Version Upgrade, done twice yearly and changes a lot of customizations putting things back to a default, probably will put Edge back in. The other is the need to change the default browser to something else as Internet Explorer is losing support and will go away mid-June next year, many things in Windows and links on Web pages call it.

      My Computer


 

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