Remove Open Microsoft Edge Button in Internet Explorer

This guide shows you how to remove the “Open with Microsoft Edge” button that appears in Internet Explorer (IE) on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This button is part of Microsoft’s push to move users to Edge, but you can disable it through the Windows Registry or Group Policy. You’ll need administrator access to your PC and a basic comfort level with editing the registry.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator account on your Windows PC
• Access to the Registry Editor (regedit) or Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) – Group Policy is only available in Windows Pro/Enterprise editions
• A backup of your registry (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Registry Editor (All Windows versions)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
4. Right-click on the Main folder (or an empty area in the right pane) and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value EnableOpenWithEdge and press Enter.
6. Double-click the newly created EnableOpenWithEdge value.
7. In the Value data field, set the value to 0 (zero). Make sure Base is set to Hexadecimal.
8. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
9. Restart your computer to apply the change. After restart, the button should no longer appear in Internet Explorer.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro/Enterprise only)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Internet Explorer.
3. Look for a policy named “Turn off the ‘Open with Edge’ button” or similar. The exact name may vary by Windows version.
4. Double-click the policy, select Enabled, and click OK.
5. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.

Common Mistakes

• Typo in the value name: The registry value must be exactly EnableOpenWithEdge – a misspelling will cause it to be ignored.
• Setting the value to 1: A value of 1 enables the button; you need 0 to disable it.
• Editing the wrong registry key: Make sure you are under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, not HKEY_CURRENT_USER. The button is controlled by the machine-wide key.
• Not restarting: The change only takes effect after a full restart of Windows (or at least signing out and back in).
• Using Group Policy on Home edition: gpedit.msc is not available on Windows Home; use the registry method instead.

Tips

• Before editing the registry, create a system restore point (Control Panel → System → System Protection → Create) so you can revert if something goes wrong.
• If you ever want the button back, simply change the value back to 1 or delete the EnableOpenWithEdge value.
• If the button still appears after following these steps, check for third-party browser management policies that might override your setting.
• Keep in mind that Internet Explorer is largely deprecated; Microsoft encourages using Edge, so the button may reappear after major Windows updates – you may need to reapply the fix.

Troubleshooting

• Button still visible after restart: Double-check the registry path and value name. Also ensure you have the correct permissions – if you can’t edit the key, right-click the Main key, select Permissions, and give your account Full Control.
• Registry value disappears after reboot: Some security software or group policies may reset it. Check if an IT policy is enforcing the button; if so, you may need to contact your system administrator.
• Group Policy setting not found: The policy name may differ across Windows versions. Search for “Edge” within the Internet Explorer folder. If you can’t find it, use the registry method – it works universally.
• Error when creating DWORD: Make sure you are in the correct hive (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) and that you have administrative privileges. If you accidentally create it under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, it won’t work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the “Open with Edge” button there in the first place?

Microsoft added this button to encourage users to switch from the legacy Internet Explorer browser to Microsoft Edge, which is the modern, supported browser. It appears as a small icon in the IE toolbar.

Will this affect other browsers like Chrome or Firefox?

No. The registry key and group policy only control the Edge button inside Internet Explorer. It does not affect other browsers.

Do I need to be an administrator to do this?

Yes, you need administrator privileges because you are modifying the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry hive, which is system-wide. Standard user accounts cannot make these changes.

Is it safe to edit the registry?

Editing the registry is safe if you follow the steps exactly and only change the specified value. Creating a backup or restore point first is recommended. Incorrect changes can cause system instability, so stick to the instructions.

Will Windows Update re-enable the button?

It’s possible. Some Windows feature updates may reset certain settings. If the button reappears after an update, simply reapply the registry change.

Can I remove the button without editing the registry?

If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy method. Otherwise, the registry is the only built-in way. There is no official toggle in Internet Explorer’s settings.

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