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How to Reinstall Microsoft Edge with Administrator Privileges on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser for Windows 11. Sometimes, you may encounter issues that require you to reinstall it to restore proper functionality.

Reinstalling Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges ensures the process has the necessary permissions to complete successfully.

This guide will walk you through each step in a clear and simple way, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end, you will have a fresh installation of Microsoft Edge running smoothly on your Windows 11 PC.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before starting the reinstallation process, please make sure:

  • You are logged into a Windows account with Administrator rights. Without this, you cannot perform system-level changes.
  • Your internet connection is stable to download the latest Edge installer.
  • You have closed Microsoft Edge and any related processes to prevent conflicts during installation.
  • You have backed up any important browser data or bookmarks if you want to keep them.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal as Administrator

The first step is to open the Windows Terminal with administrator privileges. This is important because reinstalling system apps like Edge requires elevated permissions.

  1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Type Windows Terminal in the search bar.
  3. Right-click on the Windows Terminal app from the search results.
  4. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
  5. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

Running the terminal as administrator allows you to uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Edge properly.

Step 2: Uninstall Microsoft Edge Using PowerShell Command

Next, you will remove the existing Microsoft Edge installation using a PowerShell command within the Windows Terminal.

  1. In the Windows Terminal window, make sure you are using the PowerShell tab. You can switch if needed.
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage

This command finds the installed Microsoft Edge package and removes it from your system.

Note: This will not delete your user data but will remove the app files.

Step 3: Download the Latest Microsoft Edge Installer

After uninstalling, you need to download the latest version of Microsoft Edge from the official source.

  1. Open any web browser (like Internet Explorer or another browser).
  2. Go to the official Microsoft Edge download page: https://www.microsoft.com/edge.
  3. Click on the Download button to get the installer for Windows 11.
  4. Save the installer file to a location you can easily access, like the Desktop.

Downloading from the official site ensures you get the latest and safest version of Edge.

Step 4: Install Microsoft Edge with Administrator Privileges

Now, you will install Microsoft Edge using the downloaded installer with administrator rights.

  1. Locate the Edge installer file you downloaded (usually named MicrosoftEdgeSetup.exe).
  2. Right-click the installer file and select Run as administrator.
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the installation.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Running the installer as administrator ensures all necessary system files are correctly installed and registered.

Alternative Method: Reinstall Using PowerShell Script

If you prefer, you can reinstall Microsoft Edge via PowerShell by downloading and executing the installer silently.

  1. Open Windows Terminal as administrator (refer to Step 1).
  2. Run this command to download the offline installer:
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://msedge.sf.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com/filestreamingservice/files/XXXXXX/MicrosoftEdgeEnterpriseX64.msi" -OutFile "$env:USERPROFILEDownloadsMicrosoftEdgeEnterpriseX64.msi"

Note: Replace XXXXXX with the latest file identifier from Microsoft’s official enterprise download page.

  1. Once downloaded, install it silently with this command:
Start-Process msiexec.exe -ArgumentList '/i', "$env:USERPROFILEDownloadsMicrosoftEdgeEnterpriseX64.msi", '/quiet', '/norestart' -Wait

This method is useful for IT administrators or advanced users needing automated deployment.

FAQs

Do I lose my bookmarks and browsing data when reinstalling Edge?

Usually, reinstalling Microsoft Edge does not delete your browsing data if you are signed into your Microsoft account. However, backing up important data is recommended.

Why do I need to run commands as an administrator?

Administrator privileges grant permission to modify system files and settings, which are necessary when uninstalling and installing system apps like Edge.

Can I reinstall Microsoft Edge using the Microsoft Store?

No, Microsoft Edge is not installed via the Microsoft Store on Windows 11. You must use the installer from Microsoft’s official website or system commands.

What if I get an error running the uninstall command?

Make sure you opened Windows Terminal as administrator and closed all Edge processes before running the command.

Is it safe to download Edge from third-party sites?

No, always download Microsoft Edge from the official Microsoft website to avoid malware or corrupted files.

When Nothing Works

If you still face issues reinstalling Microsoft Edge, consider these options:

  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix system update issues that might affect Edge installation.
  • Perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan by running sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to repair corrupted system files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Microsoft Edge help page: Microsoft Edge Support.
  • Consider resetting Windows 11 as a last resort, but back up your files first.

Conclusion

Reinstalling Microsoft Edge with administrator privileges on Windows 11 is a straightforward process when following the right steps. Starting with opening Windows Terminal as an administrator ensures you have the necessary permissions to uninstall and install the browser properly.

Downloading the latest installer from the official Microsoft website guarantees a secure and up-to-date version. Alternative methods like PowerShell scripting provide options for advanced users.

Remember to back up your important data and close all Edge instances before beginning. If issues persist, the troubleshooting tips and official support channels can help you resolve them.

With this guide, you should be able to reinstall Microsoft Edge confidently and get back to browsing smoothly on your Windows 11 PC.

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