I wrote this article to help you remove Microsoft Edge. This Microsoft Edge removal guide is working for all Windows versions.

As you may know, Microsoft Edge is the new default web browser of the Windows OS. The program took the spot of Internet Explorer. It was introduced last year with the release of Windows 10. Like all other web browsers, Microsoft Edge became a target of hacker attacks in no time. A certain piece of malware was identified as being exclusive to the new web browser. The clandestine program does not have a given name, hence why it was dubbed the Microsoft Edge virus for reference purposes. Experts have categorized the rogue software as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

What makes the Microsoft Edge virus dangerous?

The main task of the insidious program is to display fake security messages. The PUP will warn you about viral presence which is not really there. The Microsoft Edge virus can show you warnings about infections which do exist in reality. This is a clever strategy, as it makes the bogus messages appear reliable. A lot of users proof the reliability of security alerts by looking up the name of the supposed virus or the error code. While this can reveal a message to be fake, it does not guarantee that it is legit.

When you receive a security warning, you should check the source it comes from. If you have an AV program installed, the message should come from it. It is not common to get a fake alert when there is an antivirus utility installed to your computer. The program will block malware from functioning and there will not be any bogus messages. If you do not have a special piece of software to protect your system, you should check your Windows Security Center. This is where the genuine alerts are shown.

The Microsoft Edge virus tries to make users act quickly without thinking the situation through. The shady program states that the problem it has discovered requires your immediate attention. It will urge you to take actions without delay. The PUP will list a technical support hot line for help. Do not dial that number. The line is maintained by accomplices of the Microsoft Edge virus’ developers. They will tell you they have identified the infection and offer you a security utility to delete it. The software they offer you is not reliable. It will either be useless, or turn out to be malware itself. Even if you do not buy the program in the end, calling the support hot line can rack up a high phone bill.

Another potential threat around the Microsoft Edge virus is having your personal details stolen. The malevolent program can track your browsing sessions and record the information you enter into your web browser. The gathered data will be sold on dark markets without your knowledge or consent. The furtive program can record statistical, personal and financial details. This encompasses your browsing history, tracking cookies, IP address, email, geographic location, physical address, telephone number, user names, passwords and PIN codes.

How did the Microsoft Edge virus enter my system?

The Microsoft Edge virus uses a few penetration techniques to make its way into people’s machines. The preferred method is bundling. The PUP can be merged with other programs, like pirated utilities, freeware and shareware tools. To avoiding contacting malware through other programs, just read their terms and conditions. If you find another tool included, either deselect it or terminate the installation process altogether.

Spam emails are another possible host for the Microsoft Edge virus. The PUP can be secluded with an attached file, listed as an important document or appendix. Opening the attachment is enough to start the download and install of the malignant software. It is advised to proof the reliability of your in-box messages before accessing any files from them. Check the sender’s name and contacts. If he is writing on behalf of a given company or entity, he should be listed as a correspondent on its official website.

The final propagation vector we need to address are drive-by installations. The Microsoft Edge virus can be transferred to your system through a corrupted website or a compromised link. The process is just as simple as with the latter technique. Accessing the host page is all it takes to get your computer infected. You need to be selective about your sources. If you are not certain about the reliability of a given website, do your research on it.

Microsoft Edge Removal

Run the Task Manager by right clicking on the Taskbar and choosing Start Task Manager.

Look carefully at the file names and descriptions of the running processes. If you find any suspicious one, search on Google for its name, or contact me directly to identify it. If you find a malware process, right-click on it and choose End task.

Open Control Panel by holding the Win Key and R together. Write appwiz.cpl in the field, then click OK.

Here, find any program you had no intention to install and uninstall it.

Open MS Config by holding the Win Key and R together. Type msconfig and hit Enter.

Go in the Startup tab and Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.

Still can not remove Microsoft Edge from your computer? Please, leave a comment below, describing what steps you performed. I will answer promptly.