How to Roll Back Microsoft Edge to an Earlier Version

If a recent Microsoft Edge update introduced a bug, broke a favorite extension, or changed the interface in a way you dislike, rolling back to an earlier version can restore a stable setup. This guide covers two practical methods: using the built-in Edge rollout feature (which is limited to the last few days) and a more thorough manual downgrade using a previous installer. Before you start, note that rolling back is temporary — Edge will eventually update again unless you pause updates — and you should back up your profile data to avoid losing bookmarks, passwords, and settings.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC or Mac with Microsoft Edge installed (current stable version).
• Administrator access on the computer (to install or replace system files).
• An internet connection to download the older Edge installer or to use the Edge rollout feature.
• Your Edge profile backup (bookmarks, passwords, etc.) — optional but strongly recommended.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use the Built-in Rollback Feature (Easiest, Limited Time)

1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. In the address bar, type edge://settings/help and press Enter. This opens the About page, which shows your current version and checks for updates.
3. Look for a button labeled Rollback or Roll back to previous version. This option appears only if a recent update was installed within the last few days and Microsoft has enabled rollback for your channel (usually stable). If you don’t see it, skip to Method 2.
4. Click the Rollback button. A confirmation dialog will appear, warning that the process will close all Edge windows and restore the previous version.
5. Click Rollback again to confirm. Edge will close, and the rollback process will run automatically. It may take a few minutes.
6. When the process finishes, Edge reopens with the older version. Verify the version number on the same edge://settings/help page to confirm the rollback succeeded.

Method 2: Manual Downgrade with an Older Installer (More Control)

1. Back up your Edge profile. Press Win + R (Windows) or open Finder (Mac), and navigate to the Edge profile folder. On Windows it’s typically C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data; on Mac it’s ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft Edge. Copy this entire folder to a safe location like an external drive or a cloud folder.
2. Download an older version of Edge. Visit a trusted third-party software repository that hosts historical versions (e.g., a well-known download site). Choose a version that is older than your current one but still recent enough to be secure (avoid very old versions with known vulnerabilities). Make sure you select the correct operating system and architecture (64-bit vs 32-bit).
3. Uninstall the current Edge. Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features (or Control Panel > Programs and Features on older Windows). Find Microsoft Edge, select it, and click Uninstall. On Mac, drag Edge from the Applications folder to the Trash. Note: On Windows, Edge may be a system component and uninstalling might be blocked; if so, you can try the command-line method below instead.
4. Install the older version. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions. It will install the older Edge over any remaining files.
5. Restore your profile (optional). After installation, close Edge. Replace the new (empty) User Data folder with your backup. On Windows, delete the current User Data folder and paste your backup in its place. On Mac, replace the Microsoft Edge folder in Application Support with your backup.
6. Launch Edge and verify the version on edge://settings/help. If it shows the older version, the rollback worked.

Method 3: Command-Line Rollback (Windows Only, Advanced)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)).
2. Navigate to the Edge installation directory. Typically: cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application
3. Run the following command: setup.exe --rollback (or msedge.exe --rollback in some versions). This triggers the same rollback as Method 1 but via command line.
4. Wait for the process to complete. Edge will close and reopen with the previous version.

Common Mistakes

• Not backing up before rolling back. A downgrade can corrupt your profile, especially if the newer version changed the profile format. Always back up.
• Downloading from an untrusted source. Older installers from random websites may contain malware. Stick to reputable software archives.
• Choosing a version that is too old. Very old Edge versions have security vulnerabilities and may not support modern websites. Pick a version that is only a few weeks or months old.
• Forgetting to pause updates. After rollback, Edge will automatically update again, undoing your work. Pause updates immediately after rolling back.
• Using the wrong installer architecture. Installing a 32-bit version on a 64-bit system can cause issues. Check your system type in Settings > System > About.

Tips

• After rolling back, pause automatic updates. In Edge, go to edge://settings/help and look for “Pause updates” or use Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise) to block updates temporarily.
• If you roll back because of a specific bug, report it to Microsoft through the feedback tool (Alt+Shift+I) so it gets fixed in a future update.
• Consider using Edge Beta or Dev channels for testing new features without affecting your stable version. These channels update less frequently and allow more control.
• Keep your backup profile in a safe place until you’re sure the older version works as expected.
• If the rollback fails, you can always reinstall the latest version from the official Microsoft website.

Troubleshooting

• Rollback button is missing. The built-in rollback is only available for a short window after an update (usually a few days) and only on certain channels. If it’s gone, use Method 2.
• Uninstall is blocked on Windows. Edge is a system component and may resist uninstallation. Try using the command-line rollback (Method 3) or use a third-party uninstaller that can force remove it.
• After downgrade, Edge won’t start. This often indicates a profile mismatch. Close Edge, delete the current User Data folder (after backing up), and let Edge create a fresh one. Then import your bookmarks from the backup if needed.
• Extensions or settings are lost. Restore your profile backup as described in Method 2, step 5. If that doesn’t work, manually reinstall extensions and reconfigure settings.
• Edge automatically updates again. Pause updates immediately after rollback. On Windows, you can also disable the Edge Update service (but this may affect other Microsoft products).
• Downloaded installer says “This version is older than the installed version.” This means Edge is still partially installed. Uninstall completely (or use the command-line rollback) before running the older installer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I roll back Edge to any version I want?

No. The built-in rollback only goes back to the previous version, and only if you do it within a few days of the update. Manual downgrade can go further back, but older versions may be insecure and incompatible with modern websites.

Will rolling back delete my bookmarks and passwords?

Not if you back up your profile first. The rollback process itself usually preserves profile data, but a manual downgrade can sometimes corrupt it. Always back up to be safe.

How do I pause Edge updates after rolling back?

Go to edge://settings/help and look for “Pause updates” (available for up to 30 days). On Windows Pro/Enterprise, you can also use Group Policy to defer updates.

Is it safe to use an older version of Edge?

Older versions may have unpatched security vulnerabilities. Only roll back if you have a strong reason, and update again once the issue is resolved.

Why is the rollback option not showing up?

The option appears only when Microsoft enables it for your version and channel, and only within a short time after an update. If it’s not there, use the manual method.

Can I roll back Edge on Mac?

Yes, but the built-in rollback is less common on Mac. You can manually download an older version and replace the app, but be sure to back up your profile first.

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