Do I really need Edge browser when I use Firefox/Chrome browser only?

tobwen · 14 Feb 2024

As I found out MS Edge is somehow running on my Windows 10, 22H2 system - secretly (?) in background.

Have a look at the attached snapshot from Sysinternals Process Explorer:

I did NOT (never) started MS Edge intentionally.

So there must be a trigger to let it start automatically silently (at startup?).

How can I disable start of MS Edge forever?

Can I uninstall Edge completely without causing later troubles?

I can imagine that Microsoft invented some usage necessity to use some Edge DLLs for other, non-browsing purposes (Updates,...).

Do I really need Edge browser when I use Firefox/Chrome browser only?-msedge-running.png

dalchina · 14 Feb 2024

Hi,
1. I don't have any Edge processes running I can find:

Do I really need Edge browser when I use Firefox/Chrome browser only?-1.jpg

2. There are certain items hard coded to launch Edge irrespective of your default choice.

3. There is a risk that an update may fail

4. I recall reading that MS is to add a means to uninstall it and more.

5. Any major repair from a clean install to an in-place upgrade repair install will reinstate it.

6. For the cases where Edge would be launched by default, you can use MSEdgeRedirect (free) to trap that and instead launch your default browser.

Personally I just leave things like that alone.

Adu78 · 14 Feb 2024

Not sure for Windows 10. In Windows 11 you can disable "Edge" autostart via TaskManager / AutoStart. I had like 10+ Edge Tasks open too. After disabling Edge from Autostart it is gone. Perhaps that helps in Windows 10 too. Good Luck.

Carmano · 14 Feb 2024

In Microsoft Edge, click Settings => System and performance. Under System, toggle Startup boost to Off.

Alas, this is no guarantee that there will be additional Edge processes running in the background. I would leave Edge installed as-is.

OldGuyFromCdn · 14 Feb 2024

In Microsoft Edge, click Settings => System and performance. Under System, also toggle off Continue running backgrounds extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed

RickC · 14 Feb 2024

tobwen said:

How can I disable start of MS Edge forever?

Can I uninstall Edge completely without causing later troubles?

In your screenshot the Command Line column shows how Edge's hidden processes are triggered.

Other posters have written how to disable them.

Whilst it is possible to uninstall Edge (using Revo Uninstaller, GeekUninstaller, etc.), it is not recommended. There are scheduled tasks that check on Edge's health... so if it's uninstalled then Windows will try and 'fix' your impudence.

Hope this helps...