Edge Blocker

Edge, the web browser rolled out with Windows 10, is Microsoft’s response to the constant criticism brought to Internet Explorer. Aiming to bring a breath of fresh air, Edge features a brand new interface and a new rendering engine, alongside features that could make it a serious competitor in the browser world, even though there is still room for improvement.

Deployed as the default browser in Windows 10, Edge is not installed as a regular program. It cannot be uninstalled the old fashioned way, from the Control Panel, nor using more advanced dedicated tools, as it is deeply integrated into the system. If you prefer another web browser and don’t want Edge to open webpages on your computer, there is an app that can help you.

Suggestively named Edge Blocker, this lightweight application aims to block the new Edge browser, restricting users from accessing it on a Windows 10 computer. Considering that Edge is deeply embedded into your Windows 10 PC, it is recommended you create a system restore point before using Edge Blocker, just to be on the safe side of things.

No installation is required, and the user-friendly interface is displayed as soon as you double-click on the installer. There are just two buttons in the main window, so usage is as simple as it can be. If you want to block Edge, hit ‘Block’, and you will notice the color of the logo turns to red. Alternatively, if you want it back on your PC, just press ‘Unblock’, and the color turns back to blue.

Of course, you could tamper with the Internet protocols to change the default browser web pages will be opened with. But that does not mean Edge will not be available for use.

Past Windows 10 updates issued by Microsoft reset the default applications, so you might just be surprised to see that Edge is the default browser again if updates are set to ‘automatic’. That is why Edge Blocker might just be a better alternative for restricting access to the new Microsoft browser.

If you prefer to stick to a specific web browser, or you simply don’t fancy Edge, Edge Blocker is worth giving a try. With its help, if the operating system or any other program attempts to run Edge, it will be automatically blocked. Please note that you are advised to re-check the list of default apps, since some actions might be also restricted if Edge was your default browser before using Edge Blocker.