The Microsoft Edge browser is the default pre-installed browser that replaced Internet Explorer. Removing or uninstalling Edge from Windows can be a technically challenging task. Similarly, downgrading the Edge version requires technical expertise, but it is possible to revert to a previous version of the browser.
Microsoft Edge’s Chromium-based browser has gained popularity quickly due to its efficiency without being resource-intensive like Chrome. However, frequent updates can sometimes cause issues with third-party plugins or extensions.
If you encounter problems with the latest update and don’t want to wait for a fix, you can consider downgrading to a previous version that doesn’t have the issue. Once the problem is resolved, you can easily update to the latest version again.
Edge Downgrade Updates
First, Microsoft has downgraded using the MSM installer and Group Policy editor methods, but they only work for Edge builds in the Business/Enterprise category. For a general build, an alternative approach is needed.
Before downgrading, it’s recommended to sync all your data for security and to avoid data loss. Keep in mind that downgrading may increase the risk of security issues.
Here are the steps to downgrade Edge browser version on Windows PC:
- Close the Edge browser and end any Edge-related processes in the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Press Win + E to open the File Browser.
- Navigate to the Edge installation directory in Program Files. For example: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\92.0.902.84\Installer (Make sure you enter the correct version number).
- In the address bar, type cmd inside the installer folder and press Enter to open the command prompt window.
- Run the uninstall command in the cmd window: setup –uninstall –system-level –verbose-logging.
- Click the Uninstall button when prompted.
That’s it! The currently installed version of Edge will be removed from your PC and replaced with an older version. During the uninstall, you’ll be asked whether you want to delete your browsing data or not.
Conclusion: Rollback Edge Browser Version
With that, we conclude the guide on how you can downgrade Edge on Windows. Uninstalling the app will automatically initiate the rollback. It’s important to note that directly uninstalling Edge from the Settings option is not possible as the uninstall option is grayed out. Therefore, using the Command Prompt is necessary.
Unfortunately, the method mentioned above does not allow you to choose a specific version number to downgrade to. The Windows PC ecosystem tightly integrates the Edge browser, making it a permanent part of the system.
Let us know if you successfully went back to the previous version or any version of your choice. Though it’s not straightforward, this is how Windows PC handles the Edge browser’s version management.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Edge Browser | Default pre-installed browser replacing Internet Explorer. Removing or downgrading it is challenging. |
| Reasons to Downgrade Edge | Frequent updates may cause issues with plugins or extensions. Rolling back to a previous version is useful. |
| Edge Downgrade Updates | Downgrading methods exclusive to Business/Enterprise builds don’t work for general builds. |
| Steps to Downgrade Edge | Close Edge browser and processes, navigate to the Edge installation directory, use CMD to uninstall. |
| Conclusion: Rollback Edge Version | Uninstalling the app triggers automatic rollback. Direct uninstallation from Settings isn’t possible. |
FAQ
- Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge directly from the Settings option?
- No, the uninstall option for Edge is grayed out in the Settings, so you need to use the Command Prompt method.
- What is the purpose of downgrading Microsoft Edge?
- Downgrading allows users to revert to a previous version that doesn’t have issues caused by the latest update.
- Are there risks associated with downgrading Edge?
- Yes, downgrading can increase the risk of security issues, so it’s recommended to sync data before proceeding.
- Can I choose a specific version number to downgrade to?
- The method mentioned in the article doesn’t provide an option to choose a specific version number for downgrade.
- What are the benefits of Microsoft Edge’s Chromium-based browser?
- The browser offers efficiency similar to Chrome but without being as resource-intensive.
- How frequently does Microsoft Edge receive updates?
- Edge receives regular updates that fix bugs, enhance security, and improve overall browsing stability.
- Is downgrading Edge a common practice for users facing issues?
- Downgrading Edge is an option for users who encounter problems with the latest updates and wish to bypass them temporarily.
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