Microsoft Edge now includes an on-device AI feature called the Scareware Blocker. When a web page forces itself into full screen, a small computer-vision model running locally on your PC checks whether the page matches known tech-support scam pages. If it does, Edge drops you out of full screen, silences the fake alarm sound, and shows a warning. It is not Windows Recall, it saves nothing, and you can switch it off in Edge settings.

Applies to: Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2), and macOS | Last updated: July 8, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The Scareware Blocker is an on-device AI — a computer-vision model that runs locally on your PC. Microsoft says no screenshots or images are sent to the cloud.
• It only activates on full-screen pages — the exact trick scam pages use. It does not scan your normal browsing, banking tab, or email.
• It is not Windows Recall — it saves nothing and builds no history. It only asks one question in the moment: is this page a scam?
• It is on by default on most reasonably modern PCs (more than 2 GB of RAM and enough CPU cores), on both Windows and Mac.
• You are in full control — the toggle lives at Edge Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security > Scareware blocker.

Quick Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and go to Settings.
2. Select Privacy, search, and services in the left menu.
3. Scroll down to the Security section.
4. Find the Scareware blocker toggle.
5. Switch it on for protection, or off if you do not want any AI looking at full-screen pages.

What Is the Microsoft Edge Scareware Blocker?

The Scareware Blocker is a security feature in Microsoft Edge that detects full-screen scam pages using a small AI model that runs directly on your PC. Scareware is the type of scam that suddenly takes over your whole browser with a fake full-screen “your computer is infected” page, often with a loud alarm sound, to panic you into calling a number or paying for a fake fix.

When a page goes full screen, the computer-vision model looks at what is on that page and compares it against thousands of known scam pages. If it decides the page is one of those scams, Edge steps in: it drops you straight back out of full screen, cuts off the fake alarm sound, and shows a warning with a small thumbnail of the page so you can close it and carry on. The whole idea is to catch the scam before someone actually falls for it.

This is the part I genuinely appreciate. I ran a computer repair business for 10 years, and I lost count of how many people I saw fall for these full-screen scams — usually older folks who are not that tech savvy, who see a scary warning, believe their computer has been hacked, and end up phoning the number and handing a criminal remote access to their PC. A tool that stops that page before it can panic someone is a real win.

Why the Scareware Blocker Is Not Windows Recall

The Scareware Blocker is not Windows Recall, and it is not Recall quietly built into Edge either. This is where most of the confusion comes from, because on the surface they sound the same: both use AI, and both look at your screen. What they actually do could not be more different.

Recall is a Windows feature whose whole job is to remember. It takes snapshots of your screen every few seconds, saves them to your hard drive, and slowly builds a searchable history of everything you have been doing on your PC. The Scareware Blocker does none of that. It only ever looks at the one page on your screen, right there in the moment, while it is full screen — and it is only ever asking a single question: is this a scam, yes or no? It is a real-time scam filter that happens to use AI to do its job.

Is It Watching Everything You Do?

No. The Scareware Blocker only kicks in when a page goes full screen, which is exactly what these scam pages do to trick you. It is not sitting there reading your banking tab, your emails, or any of your other tabs during normal browsing.

Here is what Microsoft says: all of the analysis happens locally on your device, and no screenshots or images are sent to the cloud. The model runs on your PC, it does not save anything, and the only time a screenshot ever leaves your machine is if you choose to report a scam yourself to help block it for other people.

My take: It is still a model that looks at whatever is on that full-screen page, so we are taking Microsoft at their word that none of it leaves your device. The design itself is genuinely good, but it is fair to keep a healthy bit of doubt — and either way, whether it runs at all is completely your choice.

What the Scareware Blocker Will Not Catch

Because it only works on full-screen pages, the Scareware Blocker will not catch every scam out there. The smaller scam ads and fake pop-ups you get on some websites — the ones that do not take over your whole screen — are not what this is built for, so it will not stop those.

It is made specifically for the full-screen takeover type of scam, where a page hijacks your entire screen to panic you. Treat it as a useful extra layer, not a replacement for staying careful and keeping the protections you would normally have in place.

How to Check If the Scareware Blocker Is Running and Turn It Off

Microsoft says the Scareware Blocker is now switched on by default on most Windows and Mac machines, as long as your PC is reasonably modern — roughly more than 2 GB of RAM and enough CPU cores. You do not have to take anyone’s word for whether it is on, though, because you can check it yourself in a few seconds.

Open Edge and go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services, then scroll down to the Security section. You will see a toggle called Scareware blocker sitting right there — that is your control. If it is off and you want the protection, switch it on. If you would rather not have any AI looking at your screen at all, for whatever reason, switch it off and it is gone.

If you would prefer not to use Edge at all, that is also an option — here is my full guide on how to uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and 11.

Should You Leave It On?

For most people, leaving the Scareware Blocker on is the sensible choice, and it is especially worth it if you set up or look after PCs for your parents or grandparents. If they use Edge, they are exactly the type of people these full-screen scams go after, and this is a quiet safety net that runs in the background without getting in their way.

For once, this is Microsoft using AI the way it should be used: running locally to protect the people most likely to get caught out, rather than another thing watching everything you do and sending it back to Microsoft. If you want broader control over the data Windows itself collects, my free tool Winhance lets you manage Windows privacy, telemetry, and bloat from one place.

A Note on Browsing More Privately

If privacy is on your mind, a VPN is a simple way to keep your connection private and get around basic blocks. The one I personally use is ProtonVPN’s free tier, which is rare in that it offers unlimited bandwidth and a no-logs policy at no cost. The free version auto-connects you to the fastest available server, so if you need to manually pick a specific country — for streaming, for example — you will want ProtonVPN Plus.

The links above are affiliate links — if you sign up through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and it helps support the channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Edge Scareware Blocker the same as Windows Recall?

No. Recall continuously snapshots your screen and builds a searchable history that is saved to your PC. The Scareware Blocker saves nothing and keeps no history — it only checks a single full-screen page in the moment to decide whether it is a scam.

Does the Scareware Blocker send my screen to Microsoft?

According to Microsoft, no. All analysis happens locally on your device and nothing is uploaded. The only time an image leaves your machine is if you manually choose to report a scam page to help protect other users.

Will it slow down my PC?

It should not be noticeable on most machines. The model is small, runs locally, and only activates when a page goes full screen. Microsoft enables it by default on reasonably modern PCs — roughly more than 2 GB of RAM and enough CPU cores.

Does the Scareware Blocker work on Windows 10?

Yes. It is a Microsoft Edge feature, so it works in Edge on Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11, as well as on macOS. It is tied to the browser, not to a specific version of Windows.

How do I turn off the Edge Scareware Blocker?

Go to Edge Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security, then switch the Scareware blocker toggle off. It stops running immediately, and you can switch it back on the same way at any time.

This post Edge Now Has an AI That Can SEE Your Screen (Here’s How to Control It) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

When you uninstall Microsoft Edge using the EU Settings method that the Digital Markets Act requires, Windows removes the visible Edge browser but leaves the EdgeCore folder behind in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\. That folder still holds a fully working copy of msedge.exe that opens the Edge browser. To remove these leftover components, use Winhance, which clears EdgeCore, EdgeUpdate, and the related registry entries while preserving the WebView2 runtime.

Applies to: Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) — the Settings-based Edge uninstall shown here is available only in the EU under the Digital Markets Act | Last updated: June 24, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Uninstalling Microsoft Edge through Windows 11 Settings (an option available only in the EU under the Digital Markets Act) removes the visible browser but leaves the Edge Core components in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\.
• The leftover EdgeCore folder contains a fully working msedge.exe that still opens Edge, even though the browser no longer appears in the Start menu, on the taskbar, or in your installed apps list.
• Microsoft keeps these components — especially the Edge WebView2 runtime — because Windows Widgets, the new Outlook, and Copilot all depend on them.
• The EdgeCore folder alone uses around 1.5 GB of disk space, and the EdgeUpdate folder and its scheduled tasks can silently reinstall Edge later.
• Winhance removes every leftover Edge component while keeping WebView2, and can save a removal script that re-removes Edge if a Windows update brings it back.

Quick Steps

1. Confirm Edge is gone from Settings > Apps > Installed apps after the EU uninstall.
2. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\.
3. Look for the leftover EdgeCore, EdgeUpdate, and EdgeWebView folders.
4. Open Winhance and find the Microsoft Edge app card (it still shows as installed).
5. Select Microsoft Edge and click Uninstall Selected Items, then confirm.
6. Optionally save a removal script so Edge stays removed after Windows updates.
7. To reverse it, select Microsoft Edge in Winhance and click Install Selected Items.

Why Microsoft Edge is still on your PC after you uninstall it

Microsoft was forced to make Edge uninstallable in the European Union as part of the Digital Markets Act. When you remove Edge through Settings > Apps > Installed apps in the EU, Windows uninstalls the Edge browser and the standard Edge folder disappears. The Edge Core components, however, stay behind.

This is the part most people miss. Edge vanishes from the installed apps list, the Start menu, and the taskbar, so it looks completely gone. Beneath the surface, a working copy is still sitting in your Program Files folder.

If you live anywhere outside the EU, the Digital Markets Act does not apply to you, so the Settings app does not offer an uninstall option for Edge at all. In that case, you need a tool to remove it — and I cover the full process in my guide on how to fully uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and 11.

Where Windows hides the leftover Edge files

After the EU uninstall, open File Explorer and navigate to the Microsoft folder under Program Files (x86). This is where every Edge component lives.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\

On a default Windows 11 install with Edge present, this folder normally contains an Edge folder, an EdgeCore folder, EdgeUpdate, EdgeWebView, and a Temp folder. In some cases you may also see a Copilot folder. After you uninstall Edge the EU way, the Edge folder disappears — but EdgeCore, EdgeUpdate, and EdgeWebView are all still there.

What the leftover EdgeCore folder actually contains

Open the EdgeCore folder, then the latest version folder inside it. The files there look exactly like a full Microsoft Edge installation, including msedge.exe and even Microsoft Copilot. Double-clicking the MS Edge application launches a fully working Edge browser — the same browser you thought you removed.

So Microsoft does uninstall the Edge browser from your system, but it leaves the Edge Core components in place. The result is a fully working Edge browser that you simply cannot see on the surface. It is not in the Start menu, it is not on the taskbar, and it is not in your installed apps — but it still runs.

Why Microsoft leaves these components behind

According to Microsoft, the Edge Core components are needed — especially the Edge WebView2 runtime. WebView2 is what renders web content inside other apps, and several built-in Windows features rely on it.

If you remove the WebView2 component, those features break. Widgets stop working, the new Outlook app for Windows stops working, and Copilot stops working too. That dependency is the whole reason Microsoft keeps the Edge Core files on disk even after you uninstall the browser.

Are the leftover components safe to remove?

For a lot of people, none of those Edge-dependent features matter. If you do not use Widgets, the new Outlook, or Copilot, it is usually safe to remove the remaining Edge Core components as well. The EdgeUpdate folder is worth removing in particular, because its scheduled tasks keep all of the Edge components updated and are also responsible for getting Edge reinstalled on your system later.

There are two catches. First, you cannot easily delete these folders from the Windows interface. Second, some Microsoft desktop apps still depend on WebView2, so removing everything blindly can cause problems.

Warning: Removing the Edge Core components can cause system instability if you rely on Widgets, the new Outlook, Copilot, or other apps that use WebView2. I am not saying you must do this — I am showing what I do on my own PC. Proceed with caution.

One more reason to clean these up: space. The EdgeCore folder alone uses roughly 1.5 GB. If you uninstalled Edge the EU way, that folder is just sitting in the background using that space for a browser you cannot even see.

How to remove the leftover Edge components with Winhance

The cleanest way to clear the leftovers is Winhance, my free Windows enhancement utility. It removes all of the Edge components except Edge WebView2, so the apps that depend on WebView2 keep working. I have spent a lot of time fine-tuning these scripts so they strip out the unnecessary components but still leave your computer in a working state.

In the Winhance interface, find the Microsoft Edge app card. Even though you already uninstalled Edge the EU way, it still shows as installed, because the Edge Core components are still on the system. Hovering over the card shows a warning that removing the item may cause system instability — that warning exists because of the WebView2 dependency described above.

1. Open Winhance and select the Microsoft Edge application.
2. Click Uninstall Selected Items and confirm the removal.
3. Optionally choose to save removal scripts for continuous removal — if Edge is ever reinstalled by a Windows update, it will be uninstalled automatically.

The terminal output window shows exactly what is happening. Winhance uninstalls all of the Microsoft Edge components, including the old legacy Microsoft Edge that shipped with Windows 10 and is still present in Windows 11, and it does a thorough cleanup of the related registry entries. It takes a few minutes to finish.

When it is done, the Edge card no longer shows an installed badge. Checking the Microsoft folder again, only the EdgeWebView folder remains — about 800 MB. The files that were inside EdgeCore are now gone, and double-clicking the leftover MS Edge application no longer does anything. The hidden fallback browser is finally dead.

Tip: Winhance tries to keep the WebView2 components intact so dependent apps keep working, but a few users have reported issues even so. If something breaks, you can reinstall Edge to restore those components.

As a bonus, uninstalling Edge with Winhance also enables an open-web-search redirect. Any links that used to force-open in Microsoft Edge will instead open in whatever default browser you have set. If you want to keep going, you can use the same approach to remove other built-in Windows bloatware too.

How to reinstall Microsoft Edge if you change your mind

Removing Edge this way is reversible. The safest way to bring it back is Winhance: select Microsoft Edge and click Install Selected Items, then confirm the installation. Winhance downloads Edge via WinGet from the Microsoft Store and reinstalls it.

Once it finishes, Winhance detects Edge as installed again, and all of the folders return to their original state in the Microsoft folder — Edge, EdgeCore, EdgeUpdate, EdgeWebView, and Temp. You have a working Microsoft Edge browser again. You can also reinstall Edge from the web, but Winhance is the safer route because it restores the components cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does uninstalling Edge in the EU remove it completely?

No. The EU Settings uninstall removes the visible Edge browser and the main Edge folder, but it leaves the EdgeCore, EdgeUpdate, and EdgeWebView components behind. The EdgeCore folder still contains a fully working copy of Edge that you can launch directly from File Explorer.

Is it safe to delete the leftover EdgeCore folder?

It is usually safe if you do not use Widgets, the new Outlook, or Copilot, which depend on the WebView2 runtime. The safest approach is to let Winhance remove the components, because it keeps WebView2 in place by default and cleans up the registry entries instead of leaving them orphaned.

How much disk space do the leftover Edge files use?

The EdgeCore folder uses around 1.5 GB on its own. After removing Edge with Winhance, only the EdgeWebView folder remains, which is about 800 MB and keeps WebView2-dependent apps working.

Will removing Edge break Windows Widgets or the new Outlook?

It can if you remove the Edge WebView2 runtime, because Widgets, the new Outlook, and Copilot all rely on it. Winhance keeps WebView2 by default to avoid this, although a small number of users have still reported issues. If a dependent app breaks, reinstall Edge to restore the components.

Can I get Microsoft Edge back after removing it?

Yes. Open Winhance, select Microsoft Edge, and click Install Selected Items. Winhance downloads and reinstalls Edge via WinGet from the Microsoft Store, and all of the original Edge folders return. You can also reinstall Edge from the web, but Winhance restores the components more cleanly.

This post Microsoft Hides a Fully Working Edge Browser After You ‘Uninstall’ It first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

If the Microsoft Store won’t open on Windows 10 or 11, the fastest first step is to run wsreset.exe to clear the Store cache — it takes under a minute and fixes most cases. If the Store still won’t open, uninstall it through PowerShell and reinstall it cleanly via the Xbox app. As a last resort, an in-place upgrade or using Winhance to reinstall the Store can bring it back without losing any files.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: May 27, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Running wsreset.exe clears the Microsoft Store cache and resolves most “Store won’t open” issues in under a minute — try this first before anything else.
• If wsreset doesn’t help, resetting the Store through Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset wipes the app data without uninstalling it.
• The nuclear option is to uninstall Store via PowerShell with Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage and reinstall through the Xbox app — this clears fully corrupted installations.
• If none of the above work, an in-place upgrade repairs core Windows components without wiping your files, and restores a working Microsoft Store in the process.
• Winhance has a built-in option to reinstall the Microsoft Store with one click, which is the easiest method if you already have it installed.

In This Guide

This guide covers four methods to fix the Microsoft Store not opening, starting with the quickest and least invasive:

• Method 1: Run wsreset.exe — Clears the Store cache in seconds. Try this first. (Recommended starting point)
• Method 2: Reset the Store via Settings — Wipes app data without uninstalling. Good middle step.
• Method 3: Reinstall Store via PowerShell + Xbox App — Full uninstall and clean reinstall for corrupted installations.
• Method 4: In-Place Upgrade or Winhance — Last resort options if everything else fails.

Quick Steps

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, press Enter — wait for Store to reopen automatically
2. If that fails: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset
3. If that fails: Open PowerShell as Administrator and run Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage
4. Download the Xbox app from Xbox.com, install it, click Browse the catalog
5. Click “Review now” on the missing components banner, find Microsoft Store, click Install
6. Restart your PC once installation completes

Why Microsoft Store Stops Opening

In my years running a computer repair shop, the Microsoft Store refusing to open was one of the most common app complaints I dealt with. It almost always came down to corrupted app files or a stuck cache. This can happen after a Windows update goes wrong, after an interrupted Store update, or after using certain debloating scripts that accidentally strip out files the Store depends on.

The good news is there are multiple fixes that escalate from a 30-second cache clear to a full reinstall. Work through them in order — most people only need the first or second method.

Method 1: Run wsreset.exe (Start Here)

The wsreset.exe tool is built into Windows specifically to clear the Microsoft Store cache. It runs silently, clears the cache files, then automatically relaunches the Store. On Windows 10 and 11, this fixes the “Store won’t open” issue roughly half the time.

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type the command below, and press Enter:

wsreset.exe

A blank Command Prompt window will appear and stay open for about 10-15 seconds while the cache clears. Don’t close it. When it’s done, the Microsoft Store will launch automatically. If the Store opens normally, you’re done — no further steps needed.

Tip: You can also search for “wsreset” in the Start menu and run it from there — same result.

Method 2: Reset the Store via Settings

If wsreset didn’t fix it, the next step is to reset the Microsoft Store app through Windows Settings. This wipes the app’s local data and resets it to defaults without fully uninstalling it — a deeper clean than wsreset but less drastic than a full reinstall.

Open Settings and navigate to Apps > Installed apps. Find Microsoft Store in the list (you can search for it), click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Advanced options. Scroll down to the Reset section and click Reset, then confirm. The reset takes a few seconds. Once it’s done, try opening the Microsoft Store again.

Note: On Windows 10, the path is Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset.

Method 3: Reinstall Store via PowerShell and Xbox App

When the Store’s installation is genuinely corrupted — not just cached data but the actual app files — resetting it won’t be enough. The fix is to fully uninstall the Microsoft Store via PowerShell, then reinstall a clean copy through the Xbox app. The Xbox app is the cleanest path because Microsoft Store is listed as one of its required dependencies, giving you a one-click reinstall option from inside the app.

Step 1: Uninstall Microsoft Store via PowerShell

Right-click the Start button and select PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin). If you don’t see either option, search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator.”

Once PowerShell is open, paste in this command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Wait for the command to finish, then close PowerShell. The Microsoft Store is now uninstalled. You won’t be able to open it until you complete the reinstall steps below.

Step 2: Download and Install the Xbox App

Open your browser and go to Xbox.com (or search for “Xbox app for Windows”). Scroll down to find the “Download the app” button and click it. Once the installer downloads, run it, accept the terms, and click Install. When installation finishes, click “Let’s go” to open the Xbox app.

Step 3: Reinstall Microsoft Store Through the Xbox App

In the Xbox app, click Browse the catalog. Near the top of the screen, you should see a banner that says there are missing components for the Xbox app. Click Review now to see the full list of dependencies, which includes Microsoft Store. Click Install next to Microsoft Store.

If you don’t see the missing components banner, click the sign-in button in the top-right corner of the Xbox app, then go to Settings > General. The dependency list will be there even without the banner. Find Microsoft Store in the list and click Install. It may take a few minutes. When it’s done, you’ll get a notification confirming the Store was installed. Try opening it normally now.

Tip: If the Xbox app itself won’t install, make sure Windows is up to date via Settings > Windows Update. Missing system updates can occasionally block app installations.

Method 4: In-Place Upgrade or Winhance (Last Resort)

If the reinstall via Xbox app didn’t fix things, the issue likely goes deeper than just the Store files — something in the underlying Windows component infrastructure may be broken. At this point there are two solid options.

Option A: In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows over itself, repairing all core system files and restoring default apps including the Microsoft Store — without wiping your personal files, apps, or settings. I have a full guide on how to perform an in-place upgrade on Windows that walks through the process step by step. It takes about 30 minutes and is one of the most thorough repair options available without doing a clean install.

Option B: Reinstall Store via Winhance

If you have Winhance installed, it includes a built-in option to reinstall the Microsoft Store with a single click. Open Winhance, go to the Apps section, find Microsoft Store under Windows Apps, and use the reinstall option. This handles the PowerShell commands in the background so you don’t have to do them manually. If you previously used Winhance to remove the Store and now want it back, this is the easiest restoration path.

You can also check the consolidated guide on reinstalling a missing Microsoft Store for additional methods and scenarios, including cases where the Store was removed intentionally through debloating and needs to be restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?

No. Uninstalling the Microsoft Store app itself does not remove any apps you already have installed on your PC. Your games, tools, and apps stay exactly where they are. You just lose access to the Store interface until you reinstall it.

Why did the Microsoft Store stop opening in the first place?

The most common causes are corrupted app files from a failed Windows update, an interrupted Store update, or third-party cleanup tools that accidentally removed files the Store depends on. It can also happen after using certain debloating scripts that strip out core app components without accounting for dependencies. Running Winhance instead of unverified scripts is a safer way to debloat because it tracks what’s removed and provides restore options.

Can I install apps while the Store is broken?

Yes. Most apps can be downloaded directly from the developer’s website or installed using WinGet from the command line. WinGet is a package manager built into Windows 10 and 11 that lets you install thousands of apps without needing the Store at all. If you need apps that are Store-exclusive, the reinstall steps above are the way to go.

What if the PowerShell uninstall command returns an error?

The most common cause is not running PowerShell as Administrator. Right-click the PowerShell or Terminal icon and confirm you selected “Run as administrator” before entering the command. If you see an access denied error even as admin, try restarting Windows first and then running the command again from a fresh admin terminal.

Does Microsoft Store not opening affect other Windows features?

In most cases, no. The rest of Windows continues working normally even when the Store is broken. However, some built-in Windows apps (like the Xbox Game Bar) do rely on Store infrastructure and may behave unexpectedly if the Store’s underlying components are corrupted. Fixing the Store usually resolves those secondary issues too.

This post How to Fix Microsoft Store Not Opening on Windows 10 & 11 (4 Methods) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To prevent New Outlook from installing on Windows 11, delete the OutlookUpdate registry key at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe. Removing that key strips out the Windows Update instruction that silently pushes New Outlook onto your PC. If New Outlook is already installed, you can remove it with a reg delete command as well.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: May 27, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 silently installs New Outlook through Windows Update using a registry key called OutlookUpdate under the UScheduler_Oobe path — deleting it removes the installation instruction.
• On Windows 10, the block works differently: instead of deleting the key, you create a BlockedOobeUpdaters string value inside OutlookUpdate and set it to ["MS_Outlook"].
• If New Outlook is already installed, a reg delete command targeting the OutlookUpdate key followed by uninstalling from Settings will cleanly remove it.
• Microsoft can recreate the OutlookUpdate key through future update packages — if New Outlook reinstalls, simply repeat the fix.
• Winhance can automate this block and handle other unwanted app installations in one place, without manual registry edits.

Quick Steps

1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe
3. Right-click the OutlookUpdate subkey in the left panel and click Delete, then confirm with Yes
4. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC
5. Or run the one-liner below in an elevated Command Prompt to do it in one step

In This Guide

This guide covers two scenarios for stopping New Outlook:

• Method 1: Block New Outlook from Installing — Remove the Windows Update instruction key before New Outlook appears. (Most common case)
• Method 2: Remove New Outlook If Already Installed — Uninstall New Outlook and prevent it from coming back.

Why Does Windows 11 Keep Installing New Outlook?

Microsoft uses Windows Update to silently push certain apps onto your PC, and New Outlook is one of the most persistent examples of this. It gets bundled into regular update packages and installs itself in the background — no prompt, no choice, it just appears. I’ve seen this on dozens of machines, including fresh installations that hadn’t even been used yet.

The mechanism is a registry key called OutlookUpdate inside the Windows Update Orchestrator’s UScheduler_Oobe folder. This key acts as an instruction to Windows Update: install New Outlook next time updates run. Deleting the key removes the instruction entirely. It’s the same tactic Microsoft uses for Dev Home — I covered how to block Dev Home installation using an identical approach.

If you want a broader solution that blocks multiple unwanted apps and keeps your system clean after updates without digging through the registry each time, Winhance is a free tool I built that handles all of this in one place. But for just stopping New Outlook, the steps below are quick and reliable.

Method 1: Block New Outlook from Installing

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter. If a User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes to open Registry Editor with administrator privileges.

Step 2: Navigate to the UScheduler_Oobe Path

Click in the address bar at the top of Registry Editor and paste the following path, then press Enter:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe

This takes you directly to the folder containing the OutlookUpdate key. Always paste rather than navigating manually — it’s faster and avoids the wrong branch.

Step 3: Delete the OutlookUpdate Key

In the left panel, look for the OutlookUpdate subkey. Right-click on it and click Delete. A confirmation dialog will appear — click Yes. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC. After the restart, Windows Update no longer has the instruction to install New Outlook.

One-Liner Alternative (Command Prompt)

If you prefer to skip the manual registry navigation, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run this single command to delete the key immediately:

reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe\OutlookUpdate" /f

Windows 10 Note: On Windows 10, deleting the key may not be enough. Instead, select the OutlookUpdate key (don’t delete it), right-click the empty right panel, and create a new String Value named BlockedOobeUpdaters. Set its value data to ["MS_Outlook"]. This explicitly tells Windows Update to skip the Outlook installer. The registry path is the same.

You can also use the reg add command to set the Windows 10 block in one step:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe\OutlookUpdate" /v BlockedOobeUpdaters /t REG_SZ /d "[\"MS_Outlook\"]" /f

Method 2: Remove New Outlook If Already Installed

If New Outlook is already on your PC, the registry fix above won’t remove it — it only blocks future installations. Here’s how to fully remove it and prevent it from coming back.

Step 1: Uninstall from Settings

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, search for Outlook (new), click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Uninstall. Confirm when prompted.

Step 2: Delete the Registry Key to Block Reinstallation

After uninstalling, delete the OutlookUpdate registry key as described in Method 1 above. If you skip this step, Windows Update will reinstall New Outlook the next time it runs. The reg delete one-liner below handles both removal confirmation and key cleanup in sequence:

reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe\OutlookUpdate" /f

Run this in an elevated Command Prompt after uninstalling from Settings. The key may not exist if Windows Update hasn’t queued the next installation yet — that’s fine, the command will report a not-found error which you can ignore.

Tip: If you’re dealing with multiple unwanted apps — Dev Home, New Outlook, Cortana, and others — the Windows 11 bloatware removal guide covers how to remove them all cleanly. You can also use Winhance to manage all of this in one interface.

Common Issues & Solutions

The OutlookUpdate key doesn’t exist. This key only appears when Windows has queued New Outlook for installation but hasn’t installed it yet. If it’s absent, New Outlook may already be installed — uninstall it from Settings and then check back after the next Windows update cycle to see if the key reappears.

New Outlook came back after a Windows update. Microsoft can recreate the OutlookUpdate key through update packages. If it returns, just repeat the deletion. It’s an ongoing issue with how Microsoft pushes these apps — the fix itself is quick each time.

Registry Editor shows “Access Denied.” You need administrator rights. Right-click the Start button, open Terminal (Admin), type regedit, and press Enter to launch Registry Editor with the right permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this method work on Windows 10?

The registry path is the same on Windows 10, but the fix works slightly differently. On Windows 10, you should not delete the OutlookUpdate key — instead, create a new String value inside it called BlockedOobeUpdaters and set its data to ["MS_Outlook"]. This explicitly flags the Outlook installer as blocked. See the Windows 10 note in Method 1 above for the reg add one-liner.

Will this affect my existing Outlook or Microsoft 365 installation?

No. This only blocks the new standalone Outlook app that Microsoft pushes through Windows Update. Classic Outlook installed via Microsoft 365 or Office is completely separate and will not be affected by this registry change.

Can I undo this change later?

Yes. If you want New Outlook back, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store, or simply let Windows Update run — Microsoft will recreate the OutlookUpdate key through future update packages, and New Outlook will install again. To restore the Windows 10 block, just delete the BlockedOobeUpdaters value you created.

Is it safe to delete registry keys like this?

Yes, as long as you only delete exactly what’s described. Before making any registry changes, it’s a good habit to export a backup first — in Registry Editor, go to File > Export to save a copy. The specific key being deleted here is a Windows Update installer instruction, not a system-critical key.

Can I block other unwanted apps from being pushed by Windows Update?

Yes — the Windows Update Orchestrator uses the same UScheduler_Oobe folder for other apps too. I used the same approach to block Dev Home from installing automatically. For a more comprehensive solution that manages multiple apps and Windows settings at once, Winhance handles all of this through a clean interface without manual registry work.

This post How to Prevent New Outlook from Installing on Windows 11 (2 Methods) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To restore Classic Outlook after Microsoft 365 replaces it with the new Outlook for Windows, download it from the Microsoft Store using this direct link: apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp9mhd8pgh9n47. The app does not appear in Store search results, but installing it from that link pulls the classic version back onto your PC — your existing mail profile, PST files, and accounts load automatically when you open it.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) with Microsoft 365 / Office 2021 / Office 2024 | Last updated: April 19, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft is silently replacing Classic Outlook with the free, ad-supported New Outlook for Windows during clean Microsoft 365 installations and some updates to existing installs.
• Classic Outlook is still available on the Microsoft Store, but you cannot find it through Store search — you need the direct link.
• Your existing mail profile is not deleted when Outlook disappears. Reinstalling Classic Outlook restores all accounts, PST files, and signatures exactly as they were.
• POP3 accounts and PST files are only fully supported in Classic Outlook — the new Outlook still does not read PST files as of April 2026.
• Three registry keys (NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting, UseNewOutlook, DoNewOutlookAutoMigration) prevent Microsoft from swapping Classic Outlook for the new app again.

Quick Steps

1. Open the Microsoft Store link for Classic Outlook: apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp9mhd8pgh9n47.
2. Click Get in Store app, then Install in the Microsoft Store window that opens.
3. Launch Classic Outlook — your mail profile, PST files, and accounts reappear automatically.
4. (Optional) Uninstall the New Outlook for Windows app from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
5. (Optional) Run three reg add commands in an elevated terminal to block Microsoft from replacing Classic Outlook again.

In This Guide

This guide walks through two things: restoring Classic Outlook, and preventing it from disappearing again.

• Why Classic Outlook disappears from Microsoft 365 — the two scenarios I have seen in the repair shop.
• POP3 vs. IMAP, and why this matters — the reason the disappearance is a real problem, not just an annoyance.
• Restore Classic Outlook from the Microsoft Store — the working fix.
• Prevent the swap from happening again (registry) — three registry keys to lock it in.

Why Classic Outlook Disappears from Microsoft 365

Microsoft is migrating users from the paid desktop version of Outlook to the free New Outlook for Windows app. I first hit this at the repair shop with a client who had a clean Microsoft 365 installation: every Office app — Word, Excel, PowerPoint — installed correctly, but Classic Outlook was nowhere to be found. A Windows search returned nothing, and the usual C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 folder did not contain OUTLOOK.EXE.

A few days later, a different client called in panicking: their Outlook had “completely vanished” overnight on a PC that had been working fine for years. That one was an existing Microsoft 365 installation — the New Outlook for Windows had replaced Classic Outlook during a silent update. They had four POP3 accounts with years of client data in PST files, and none of it was accessible through the new app.

The swap happens in two scenarios:

• Fresh installs of Microsoft 365 — Classic Outlook is simply not included.
• Existing installations — a background update removes Classic Outlook and installs the New Outlook app in its place.

In both cases the mail profile is left intact on disk. That is why the fix below works so smoothly — you are not re-adding accounts, just putting the Classic Outlook binary back.

POP3 vs. IMAP, and Why This Matters

Classic Outlook and the New Outlook for Windows handle email storage differently, and that difference is the whole reason this swap is painful for business users.

POP3 (supported in Classic Outlook with PST files):

• Emails are downloaded to a PST file (Personal Storage Table) on your local disk.
• Every email is a true offline copy — you can read them with no internet connection, even years later.
• You control when (or if) messages are removed from the server. If someone gains access to the mail server and deletes everything, your local PST copy is untouched.

IMAP (used by both Classic and New Outlook, with OST files):

• Emails are synchronised to an OST file (Offline Storage Table) that mirrors the server.
• Only the most recent messages are truly offline. Older emails often need to be re-downloaded from the server when you open them.
• Delete on the server = delete in Outlook, and vice versa. Good for multi-device workflows; bad if the server is compromised or the account is closed.

As of April 2026 the New Outlook for Windows still does not support opening PST files. For anyone with years of client correspondence stored in a PST — freelancers, small-business owners, accountants — losing Classic Outlook means losing read access to all of that history. That is why “just use the new app” is not a real answer.

Free download: I made a one-page infographic summarising all of this (PST vs. OST, POP3 vs. IMAP, what each Outlook version supports). Grab it from Gumroad — enter 0 as the amount for a free download.

Restore Classic Outlook from the Microsoft Store

Here is the fix that worked in both cases I dealt with in the shop. It is the same fix the Reddit sysadmin community landed on when this started rolling out.

1. Open the direct Microsoft Store link for Classic Outlook: apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp9mhd8pgh9n47. Do not try to search for it inside the Store — it will not come up, and all you will get are results for the New Outlook for Windows.
2. Click Get in Store app. When the Microsoft Store window opens, click Install. The download is small and finishes in under a minute.
3. Launch Outlook (classic) from the Start menu. Your mail profile loads automatically — all accounts, PST files, folders, signatures, and rules return exactly as they were before.
4. Verify that older emails in your PST files are readable. Open a message from years ago; if it displays instantly with no “downloading from server” prompt, you are fully back on Classic.
5. (Optional) Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Outlook (the New Outlook entry, often labelled “Outlook for Windows”), and uninstall it to avoid confusion between the two icons.

If the Microsoft Store itself is missing from the PC (which can happen after aggressive Windows debloats), reinstall it first using my guide on how to reinstall the missing Microsoft Store on Windows 10 & 11, then come back and follow the steps above.

Prevent the Swap From Happening Again (Registry)

Once Classic Outlook is back, three registry keys block Microsoft from migrating users to the New Outlook for Windows again. These were surfaced by the r/sysadmin community and they have held up in my own testing over several Microsoft 365 update cycles.

Before you continue: Registry changes can break things if mistyped. Create a restore point (Create a restore point in the Start menu search, then click Create) before running the commands below.

Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click the Start button and choose the “(Admin)” variant), then run these three commands one by one:

reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences" /v NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences" /v UseNewOutlook /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General" /v DoNewOutlookAutoMigration /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

What each one does:

• NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting = 0 — blocks the user-level migration prompt that pushes you from Classic to New Outlook.
• UseNewOutlook = 0 — forces Classic Outlook as the default when both are installed.
• DoNewOutlookAutoMigration = 0 — disables the automatic background migration that Microsoft runs during Office updates.

If you are on Windows 11 and want a similar registry tweak to stop the New Outlook from being installed at all, see my post on how to prevent New Outlook installation on Windows 11.

Why This Matters (A Quick Rant)

Classic Outlook is part of the paid Microsoft 365 suite. It cannot be purchased standalone. The Office licenses that include it cost noticeably more than the ones that do not. Some of my clients buy Office specifically because they need Classic Outlook — Word and Excel have excellent free alternatives; Outlook does not.

Microsoft replacing a paid app with a free, ad-supported app that lacks key features — silently, without consent — is not an acceptable migration path. If the goal was to simplify, the honest route would have been to make Classic Outlook free and hand out the New Outlook as a separate download. Until that changes, the workaround in this guide is the only way to get the version you paid for back.

Related Guides

• Prevent New Outlook Installation on Windows 11 (Registry)
• Keep Attachments When Replying in Microsoft Outlook
• Install Missing Microsoft Store on Windows 10 & 11
• Winhance — my free Windows optimisation utility

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft replacing Classic Outlook with the new Outlook app?

Microsoft is consolidating Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and the Mail app in Windows 11 into one unified codebase — the New Outlook. The trade-off is that the new app is still missing features Classic users rely on, most notably PST file support and full POP3 handling.

Will my PST files and accounts be wiped when Outlook disappears?

No. The Outlook mail profile and PST files sit in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook and are untouched by the migration. Reinstalling Classic Outlook from the Microsoft Store picks everything back up automatically — nothing needs to be re-added.

Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use Classic Outlook from the Store?

Yes. Even though you download it from the Microsoft Store, the app will not run without a valid Microsoft 365, Office 2021, or Office 2024 license. It is the same paid application — the Store is just a new distribution channel for it.

Does the new Outlook for Windows support PST files yet?

As of April 2026, no. Microsoft has said PST support is on the roadmap, but there is no public release date. If your workflow depends on PST files, stay on Classic Outlook.

Can I run Classic Outlook and the new Outlook side by side?

Yes, both can be installed at the same time — they register as separate apps. I recommend uninstalling the New Outlook once Classic is working, because the two Start menu icons look similar and users frequently open the wrong one. If you keep both, pin only the Classic shortcut to your taskbar.

This post How to Restore Classic Outlook When Microsoft 365 Replaces It first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To install or reinstall the missing Microsoft Store on Windows 10 or 11, open PowerShell as administrator and run wsreset -i — this downloads and installs the Store directly from Microsoft’s servers. If that does not work, you can use WinGet (winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP), the Xbox app’s built-in dependency installer, or my free tool Winhance which handles everything through a simple interface.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: March 31, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The wsreset -i command is the fastest way to reinstall Microsoft Store — one command in PowerShell, no extra tools needed
• WinGet can reinstall the Store with winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP on both Windows 10 and 11 (WinGet comes pre-installed on Windows 11, may need manual install on Windows 10)
• Winhance provides a one-click GUI that handles WinGet installation and Microsoft Store reinstallation automatically
• The Xbox app method works as a fallback — install the Xbox app from Xbox.com and use its Settings to install the Store as a dependency
• All methods work on LTSC, IoT, and modified Windows editions like UnattendedWinstall where the Store is not included by default

Quick Steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and open PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
2. Type wsreset -i and press Enter
3. Wait 2-3 minutes for the Store to download and install
4. Check your Start menu — Microsoft Store should now be listed
5. If wsreset -i fails, try winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP instead

In This Guide

This guide covers four different methods to reinstall the missing Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11:

• Method 1: wsreset — The fastest option. A single command that re-registers the Store.
• Method 2: WinGet — Install the Store from the command line using Windows Package Manager.
• Method 3: Winhance — A GUI option that installs the Store with a few clicks.
• Method 4: Xbox App — Installing the Xbox app forces the Store to come along with it.

Why Does the Microsoft Store Go Missing?

From years of working in computer repair, I can tell you the most common reasons the Microsoft Store disappears: someone removed it intentionally using a PowerShell command, it got corrupted during a Windows update, or you are running a Windows edition that does not include it by default (like IoT Enterprise LTSC or a customized installation).

Whatever the reason, Windows does not give you a straightforward “reinstall” button in Settings. That is why I have put together every reliable method I know of in this guide. Start with Method 1 and work your way down if needed.

Method 1: Reinstall Microsoft Store With wsreset (Fastest)

The wsreset tool is built into Windows and can silently download and install the Microsoft Store from Microsoft’s servers. This is the quickest method because it requires no extra software — just a single PowerShell command.

1. Right-click the Start button and select PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

wsreset -i

3. Wait a few minutes — there is no progress bar, but the Store is downloading in the background
4. Open the Start menu and look for Microsoft Store in your app list

Tip: Make sure you are connected to the internet before running this command. Without a connection, wsreset -i will fail silently.

If wsreset -i does not work on your system, move on to Method 2 below.

Method 2: Use WinGet to Install the Microsoft Store

WinGet is Microsoft’s official package manager for Windows. The Microsoft Store has its own WinGet package ID, so you can install it with a single command. I stumbled upon this method while building Winhance, and it has become my go-to recommendation because it works consistently across every Windows version I have tested.

Check if WinGet is installed

On Windows 11, WinGet is pre-installed. On Windows 10, you may need to install it first. Open PowerShell and type:

winget

If you see a list of WinGet commands, it is ready to go. If you get an error saying the command is not recognized, you need to install WinGet first.

Install WinGet on Windows 10

Run this PowerShell command (provided by Microsoft on the official WinGet documentation page) to install WinGet on Windows 10:

$progressPreference = 'silentlyContinue'
Write-Host "Installing WinGet PowerShell module from PSGallery..."
Install-PackageProvider -Name NuGet -Force | Out-Null
Install-Module -Name Microsoft.WinGet.Client -Force -Repository PSGallery | Out-Null
Write-Host "Using Repair-WinGetPackageManager cmdlet to bootstrap WinGet..."
Repair-WinGetPackageManager
Write-Host "Done."

Install Microsoft Store with WinGet

Once WinGet is available, right-click the Start button, open Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin), and run:

winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP

When prompted to accept the package agreements, type Y and press Enter. The installation takes about a minute. Once it finishes, you will see a success message and the Microsoft Store will appear in your Start menu.

Note: 9WZDNCRFJBMP is the official Microsoft Store package ID. This is the same package WinGet uses internally — it is completely safe.

Method 3: Use Winhance to Install the Microsoft Store (GUI)

If you prefer not to use the command line, my free Windows enhancement utility Winhance can handle the entire process through a graphical interface. Winhance automatically installs WinGet if it is missing (common on Windows 10) and then uses it to install the Microsoft Store. You do not need to touch PowerShell at all.

1. Download Winhance from winhance.net and install it
2. Open Winhance and navigate to the Windows apps and features section
3. Find Microsoft Store in the list — it will have a red indicator if it is not installed
4. Select it and click Install Selected Items
5. Click Yes to confirm

Winhance will handle everything automatically. Once it is done, the status indicator turns green and the Microsoft Store is ready to use from your Start menu.

Tip: If you see a SmartScreen warning when running Winhance, click “Run anyway.” The application is safe — you can verify the source code on GitHub.

Method 4: Install via the Xbox App

The Xbox app for Windows lists the Microsoft Store as a required dependency. This means you can install the Xbox app first and then use it to pull in the Store. This method is especially useful if both WinGet and wsreset are not working on your system.

1. Open your browser and go to Xbox.com (or search “Xbox app for Windows”)
2. Scroll down and click Download the app
3. Run the installer, accept the terms, and click Install
4. When the Xbox app opens, click Browse the Catalogue
5. Look for a banner at the top about missing components — click Review Now
6. If no banner appears, click the sign-in area, then go to Settings > General
7. Find Microsoft Store in the dependency list and click Install
8. Wait for the notification confirming the Store has been installed

You do not need a Microsoft account to use this method — just skip the sign-in and go to Settings directly. Once the Store is installed, you can uninstall the Xbox app through Settings > Apps if you do not plan on using it.

Tip: If the Xbox app installer will not run, right-click the downloaded file and choose Run as administrator. If it still fails, you can install it through UniGetUI instead — search for “Xbox” in the Discover Packages tab.

How to Fix the Microsoft Store if It Is Installed but Not Working

If the Microsoft Store is present on your system but will not open or keeps crashing, the methods above are for reinstalling a missing Store. For a broken Store, try these troubleshooting steps in order.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Open the search bar and type “Troubleshoot.” Select Troubleshoot Settings, then click Additional Troubleshooters (or Other troubleshooters on Windows 11). Find Windows Store Apps and run it. This tool checks for common issues and applies fixes automatically.

Re-register the Store with PowerShell

If the troubleshooter does not fix it, open PowerShell as admin and run this command to re-register the Microsoft Store for all users:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Then reset the Store cache by running:

wsreset.exe

The Microsoft Store should open automatically after the reset completes. The wsreset.exe command clears the Store cache without changing your account settings or deleting installed apps.

Uninstall and reinstall the Store completely

If the Store is still broken after re-registering, remove it completely and install it fresh. Open PowerShell as admin and run:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Then use any of the installation methods from earlier in this guide (I recommend winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP) to install a clean copy of the Store.

Last resort: In-place upgrade

If nothing else works, an in-place upgrade will repair your entire Windows installation without affecting your files or apps. This reinstalls all system components including the Microsoft Store. Download the Windows ISO from Microsoft’s website, mount it, and run setup.exe — choose to keep your files and apps when prompted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work on Windows 10 LTSC and IoT editions?

Yes. All four methods work on LTSC, IoT Enterprise, and other editions where the Microsoft Store is not included by default. I have tested these methods on IoT Enterprise LTSC specifically and they work reliably.

Will reinstalling the Microsoft Store delete my existing apps?

No. Reinstalling the Store does not touch any apps you already have installed. The Store is just the platform — removing and reinstalling it does not affect what was downloaded through it.

Do I need to restart my computer after installing the Microsoft Store?

No. The Microsoft Store is available immediately after installation completes. You can open it right away from the Start menu without a restart.

What if WinGet is not recognized on my Windows 10 system?

WinGet is pre-installed on Windows 11 but may be missing on Windows 10. You can install it using the PowerShell script in Method 2, or use Winhance (Method 3) which automatically installs WinGet for you before proceeding with the Microsoft Store installation.

Can I use these methods to fix an existing broken Microsoft Store?

Yes. If your Store is installed but not working, check the troubleshooting section above. Start with the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, then try re-registering with PowerShell, and if that does not work, uninstall and reinstall it completely using the methods in this guide.

This post How to Install the Missing Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11 first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To uninstall Microsoft Edge from Windows 10 or Windows 11, use Winhance to remove it in one click and permanently prevent it from reinstalling. Outside the EU, the uninstall button is grayed out in Windows Settings, so you need a third-party tool. Winhance, the Chris Titus Windows Utility, and HiBit Uninstaller all work — this guide covers all three methods.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2), Windows 10 LTSC/IoT LTSC, and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Winhance is the recommended method — it removes Edge in one click and sets up scheduled tasks that automatically uninstall it again if Windows updates try to reinstall it.
• The Chris Titus Windows Utility temporarily sets your region to the EU, then uses Microsoft’s own built-in uninstall function to remove Edge cleanly.
• HiBit Uninstaller force-removes Edge and cleans up leftover files and registry entries for users who prefer a manual approach.
• Always install an alternative browser before removing Edge. Uninstalling Edge also breaks the Windows 11 Widgets feature.
• The Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime should stay installed — apps like Adobe products depend on it.

Quick Steps (Winhance Method)

1. Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, etc.).
2. Download and install Winhance.
3. In the Software and App section, select Microsoft Edge.
4. Click Remove Selected Items and confirm.
5. Edge is now uninstalled and will stay off your system permanently.

In This Guide

This guide covers three different methods to uninstall Microsoft Edge:

• Method 1: Winhance — One-click removal with permanent auto-reinstallation prevention. (Recommended)
• Method 2: Chris Titus Windows Utility — Uses the EU region trick to unlock the built-in uninstall option.
• Method 3: HiBit Uninstaller — Manual force removal with leftover file cleanup.

Method 1: Remove Microsoft Edge With Winhance (Recommended)

I created Winhance to help people take back control of their Windows installation. One of its most popular features is the ability to completely remove Microsoft Edge and keep it off permanently.

Step 1: Download and Install Winhance

You have two options to install Winhance:

• PowerShell command (quick install) — open PowerShell as admin and run:

irm "https://get.winhance.net" | iex

• Manual download — download the installer from winhance.net

Step 2: Select and Remove Microsoft Edge

When you open Winhance, you will see the Software and App section. Find Microsoft Edge in the list and select it. You can select other bloatware to remove at the same time if you want, but for this guide I am focusing on Edge only.

Click Remove Selected Items, confirm the removal, and wait about 30 seconds. Once it finishes, Microsoft Edge is completely uninstalled from your system.

How Winhance Keeps Edge Off Permanently

What makes Winhance different from the other methods is that it does not just do a one-time uninstall. It sets up scheduled tasks in Windows Task Scheduler that automatically check for and remove Edge whenever it reappears — whether from a manual reinstall or a Windows update.

The removal script runs when you log into your user profile. So if Edge gets reinstalled during an update and you restart your computer, within a few seconds of logging in Winhance’s scheduled task will kick in and remove it again automatically. You do not need to open Winhance or do anything.

Tip: If you want to use Edge again later, open Winhance, go to the Software and App screen, and click the Help button. You will see the Winhance status screen showing active removal tasks. Click the Microsoft Edge icon to disable the scheduled task, then reinstall Edge normally.

Method 2: Remove Microsoft Edge With the Chris Titus Windows Utility

The Chris Titus Windows Utility is a popular community tool for debloating and optimizing Windows. Its Edge removal script temporarily sets your computer’s region to an EU country, which unlocks the standard uninstall button that Microsoft provides to EU users under the Digital Markets Act.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin). Click Yes on the UAC prompt.

Step 2: Launch the Utility

Paste the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:

irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex

The utility GUI will open. If it does not fit your screen, double-click the title bar to maximize it.

Step 3: Run the Remove Edge Tweak

Go to the Tweaks tab, find Remove Microsoft Edge, select it (and nothing else), then click Run Tweaks. The script will temporarily change your region to an EU country, uninstall Edge using Microsoft’s built-in uninstaller, and then switch the region back.

Once finished, check your Start menu and Settings > Apps > Installed apps to confirm Edge is gone. The Edge Update component may still appear in the list but it will not reinstall Edge.

Note: Unlike Winhance, this method does not automatically prevent Edge from being reinstalled by future Windows updates. If Edge reappears after an update, you would need to run the utility again.

Method 3: Remove Microsoft Edge With HiBit Uninstaller

HiBit Uninstaller is a portable tool that can force-remove programs that Windows does not let you uninstall normally. This is a good option if you prefer a manual approach and want to clean up leftover files and registry entries.

1. Download the portable version of HiBit Uninstaller from hibitsoft.ir. Extract the ZIP and launch the app.
2. Find Microsoft Edge in the program list, right-click it, and select Force Removal.
3. Check both cleanup boxes and click Scan, then Finish.
4. Go to Tools > Windows Store Apps Manager, find Microsoft Edge, and click Uninstall Selected. Create a system restore point when prompted.
5. Restart your computer. Edge will be fully removed.

Note: Like the Chris Titus method, HiBit does not prevent Edge from being reinstalled by future Windows updates. For permanent removal, use Winhance instead.

What Happens After Removing Microsoft Edge?

There are two things to be aware of after uninstalling Edge:

Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime stays installed. This is normal and expected. WebView2 is a separate component that many applications depend on, including Adobe products. Do not remove it — it does not include the Edge browser itself.

Windows 11 Widgets will stop working. The Widgets panel depends on Microsoft Edge. If you use Widgets regularly, you will need to keep Edge installed. For most users this is not a concern since the Widgets panel is rarely used.

How to Reinstall Microsoft Edge

If you change your mind and want Edge back, you can download it from microsoft.com/edge or install it through the Microsoft Store. You can also use the Chris Titus utility or Winhance’s External Software section to reinstall it.

If you used Winhance to remove Edge, remember to disable the auto-removal task first (Help button > click the Edge icon) — otherwise the scheduled task will uninstall it again the next time you log in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Microsoft Edge without any third-party tools?

Only if you are in the EU. The European Digital Markets Act requires Microsoft to provide an uninstall button for Edge in EU countries. Outside the EU, the uninstall button is grayed out and you need one of the methods described in this guide.

Will removing Microsoft Edge break Windows or cause problems with updates?

No. Removing Edge does not break Windows or interfere with Windows updates. The only feature affected is the Windows 11 Widgets panel, which depends on Edge. Everything else — including other browsers, Microsoft Store, and system updates — continues to work normally.

Will Windows Update reinstall Microsoft Edge after I remove it?

It can happen. Some Windows updates include Edge as part of the update payload. If you used Winhance, the scheduled removal task will automatically uninstall it again after you log in. If you used the Chris Titus utility or HiBit Uninstaller, you would need to run the removal process again manually.

Should I remove Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime too?

No. WebView2 is a separate component that many desktop applications depend on, including Adobe Creative Cloud apps. It does not include the Edge browser and uses minimal resources. Removing it will break applications that rely on it.

What browser should I install before removing Edge?

Any browser you prefer — Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Opera, or Vivaldi are all popular choices. Make sure you have at least one other browser installed before removing Edge so you still have a way to access the internet. If you forgot to install one first, Winhance’s External Software section can install a browser for you without needing Edge.

This post How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10/11 (3 Methods) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To open Internet Explorer without Microsoft Edge redirecting you, save a one-line VBScript file called Internet Explorer.vbs containing CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application").Visible=true, then double-click it. The script calls the legacy InternetExplorer.Application COM object, which launches the real IE11 engine on Windows 10 and on Windows 11 builds where the IE Mode runtime is still present. Microsoft Edge stays completely out of the way.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2). Windows 11 only works if the legacy IE11 COM object is still installed (enterprise images or older builds). Last updated: April 19, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Launching iexplore.exe directly on Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 now redirects to Microsoft Edge. The VBScript trick opens the real IE11 renderer by calling the COM object instead of the executable.
• The entire script is one line: CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application").Visible=true. Save it with a .vbs extension and make sure “Save as type” is set to All Files.
• IE11 was officially retired on June 15, 2022 and no longer receives security patches. Use this only for legacy intranet sites or software you cannot run in Edge’s IE Mode.
• On newer Windows 11 builds (24H2 and later) the COM object is being progressively removed. If the script silently fails, the InternetExplorer.Application registration has been stripped.
• For modern compatibility with legacy sites, Microsoft Edge’s IE Mode is the supported and safer replacement — it runs the IE engine inside Edge without exposing the standalone browser.

Quick Steps

1. Open Notepad.
2. Paste: CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application").Visible=true
3. Go to File > Save As, set Save as type to All Files, name the file Internet Explorer.vbs, and save it to your Documents folder.
4. Right-click the .vbs file > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
5. Right-click the shortcut > Properties > Change Icon, pick the Internet Explorer icon, then apply.
6. Double-click the shortcut — Internet Explorer opens directly, with no Edge redirect.

Why Internet Explorer Keeps Opening in Edge

As part of retiring Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft rewired iexplore.exe. When you click the Internet Explorer shortcut or run the executable directly, Windows intercepts the call and opens Microsoft Edge instead — usually in IE Mode for compatibility.

The standalone IE11 browser itself is still on disk on Windows 10 (22H2) and on many Windows 11 installations, which is why the COM-object trick works. The script creates an instance of the InternetExplorer.Application ActiveX object — the same underlying runtime Trident/MSHTML uses — and tells it to show its window. Because you go through the COM API, Windows does not run the redirect logic bolted onto iexplore.exe.

Step 1: Create the VBScript in Notepad

Press the Start button, type Notepad, and open it. Paste exactly this line:

CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application").Visible=true

That is the entire script. One line, no other characters, no Dim statements needed. The COM call creates the IE instance and the .Visible=true property makes the browser window show up on screen.

Step 2: Save the Script as a .vbs File

In Notepad, go to File > Save As. Two settings matter here, and getting either one wrong turns the file into a plain text file that will not execute:

• Set Save as type to All Files. If this is left on Text Documents (*.txt), Windows appends a hidden .txt to your filename.
• Name the file Internet Explorer.vbs — the .vbs extension is what makes Windows Script Host handle it instead of Notepad.

I save mine into the Documents folder so it is easy to find later, but any folder works.

Step 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut and Swap the Icon

Open File Explorer and browse to where you saved Internet Explorer.vbs. You could run the script from there directly, but a desktop shortcut with the proper icon is far cleaner.

1. Right-click the .vbs file and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
2. On the desktop, right-click the new shortcut, pick Rename, and drop the “.vbs” from the end so it just reads “Internet Explorer”.
3. Right-click the shortcut again and pick Properties. On the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon….
4. Windows will warn that the file contains no icons — click OK to open the default icon library. Scroll through until you find the Internet Explorer “e” logo, select it, then click OK > Apply > OK.

If the default Windows icon cache does not contain an IE icon (common on stripped-down Windows 11 installs), browse to C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe — it still contains the original IE icon, even on newer systems where the browser has been redirected.

Step 4: Test the Shortcut

Double-click the shortcut. A fully functional Internet Explorer window should open — title bar, address bar, menu bar, the whole thing. From here you can browse to legacy intranet pages, older banking portals, or any internal web app that still depends on ActiveX, Silverlight, or pre-Chromium rendering.

Warning: Do not use this IE instance to browse the public internet. IE11 has not received security patches since June 2022 and is an easy target for drive-by exploits. Keep it scoped to the internal or legacy application you need it for.

What to Do If the Script Does Nothing

On some Windows 11 builds the double-click does nothing and no window appears. That means one of two things:

• The COM object is gone. Microsoft is removing the InternetExplorer.Application registration on newer Windows 11 builds. Check by opening PowerShell as admin and running:

New-Object -ComObject InternetExplorer.Application

If that command throws “invalid class string” or “not registered,” the runtime has been stripped and there is no way to bring it back short of restoring from an older image.

• Windows Script Host is disabled. Some corporate policies and some debloating scripts turn WSH off. To test, open PowerShell as admin and run:

reg query "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows Script Host\Settings" /v Enabled

A value of 0 means WSH is disabled. Re-enable it with:

reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows Script Host\Settings" /v Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

The Modern Alternative: Edge IE Mode

For any site you actually need to use long-term, Microsoft Edge’s IE Mode is the supported replacement. It runs the IE11 engine inside an Edge tab, receives security updates, and is officially supported by Microsoft through at least 2029.

To enable it, open Edge, go to edge://settings/defaultBrowser, set Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode to Allow, and restart Edge. Then on any page, click the three-dot menu > Reload in Internet Explorer mode. You can pin specific sites so they always open that way.

Use the standalone IE trick in this guide for one-off testing, debugging, or a single legacy application. Use IE Mode for anything you plan to open more than occasionally.

Related Guides

• How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10/11 — if you want to remove Edge entirely after setting up this IE shortcut.
• Winhance — my free Windows utility, includes one-click Edge removal via scheduled task.
• Chrome and Firefox Alternatives — for general browsing, use a modern browser instead of IE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Internet Explorer still installed on Windows 11?

The IE11 engine (MSHTML / Trident) is still on Windows 11 to power Edge’s IE Mode, and the InternetExplorer.Application COM object is present on most builds. The standalone iexplore.exe has been redirected to Edge since June 15, 2022 — that is what the VBScript in this guide works around.

Is this method safe to use?

The script itself is safe — it is a single COM call provided by Microsoft. The risk is Internet Explorer itself: it has been unpatched since mid-2022. Keep its use scoped to trusted, internal, or legacy applications. Do not use it for general web browsing.

Will this break or affect Microsoft Edge?

No. The VBScript creates a separate IE11 process using the underlying COM runtime. Microsoft Edge, its settings, and your Edge profile are not touched.

Can I pass a URL to the script so it opens a specific page?

Yes. Replace the one-liner with this two-liner, saving it the same way:

Set ie = CreateObject("InternetExplorer.Application")
ie.Visible = true
ie.Navigate "https://example.com/legacy-app"

Swap the URL for whatever legacy page you need to open automatically.

How do I undo this?

Delete the .vbs file and the desktop shortcut. Nothing is added to the registry or installed as an app — both files are self-contained, and removing them leaves the system exactly as it was.

This post How to Open Internet Explorer Without Microsoft Edge first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

Microsoft Outlook does not include a way to keep the original attachments when you reply to an email — you have to install a free third-party add-in. The most reliable option is Reply with Attachment by IvaSoft (ivasoft.com/replywithatt). After installing and enabling it, the original attachments are automatically included whenever you click Reply, Reply All, or Forward.

Applies to: Classic Outlook for Microsoft 365 / Outlook 2021 / 2019 on Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: May 4, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Outlook does not include this feature — by design, replies do not carry attachments forward; you need an add-in to change that
• Reply with Attachment by IvaSoft is the long-running solution and works on classic Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, 2019, and 2016
• The free demo works indefinitely — it shows a small reminder pop-up each time you reply, but never expires
• This add-in only works in classic (desktop) Outlook — the New Outlook for Windows and the web version do not support COM add-ins
• Requires .NET Framework — the installer downloads it automatically if your PC does not already have it

Quick Steps

1. Download replywithatt-demo.zip from ivasoft.com/replywithatt.shtml
2. Right-click the ZIP and choose Extract All
3. Run the extracted setup, accept the licence, and let it install .NET Framework if prompted
4. Close Outlook completely, then reopen it
5. Confirm Reply with Attachment Demo shows up under File > Options > Add-ins
6. Open an email with attachments and click Reply or Reply All — attachments are included automatically

Why Outlook Drops Attachments on Reply

This is one of the longest-running complaints about Outlook, and it is intentional behaviour, not a bug. Microsoft removes the original attachments from replies and reply-alls to reduce mailbox bloat — every reply that re-attached the same files would multiply storage use across the conversation. The trade-off is that for genuine workflows where the recipients need to see the same file with your reply attached, you have to do something Outlook does not support natively.

The fix is a COM add-in that hooks into the reply event and re-attaches the original files automatically. The one I recommend, and the one I have used myself for years, is Reply with Attachment from IvaSoft.

Step 1: Download the Reply with Attachment Add-In

Open your browser and go to the official IvaSoft Reply with Attachment page. Click the replywithatt-demo.zip link to download the installer ZIP — it is small, around 2 MB.

Alternative: A different developer ships a similarly-named add-in at replywithattachment.com. It works much the same way and is worth trying if the IvaSoft installer fails on your system.

Step 2: Extract and Run the Installer

Open your Downloads folder, right-click replywithatt-demo.zip, and choose Extract All. Pick a location and click Extract. Open the new folder and double-click the .exe setup file inside.

Click Accept on the licence agreement. If your PC does not already have the right version of .NET Framework, the installer downloads and installs it for you — let it finish before continuing. Once .NET is sorted, click Next through the remaining wizard screens and let the installation complete.

Click Close when the wizard finishes.

Step 3: Restart Outlook and Verify the Add-In

If Outlook is open, close it completely and reopen it — add-ins are only registered at startup. After the restart, the new Reply with Attachment button appears on the ribbon when you have an email selected.

If the button is not visible, check that the add-in is enabled. Go to File > Options > Add-ins. Under Active Application Add-ins, you should see Reply with Attachment Demo. If it is in the Disabled or Inactive section, change the Manage dropdown at the bottom to COM Add-ins, click Go, tick the box next to it, and click OK.

Step 4: Reply to an Email and Keep the Attachments

Open any email that has attachments. Click Reply, Reply All, or Forward. The original attachments are automatically copied into the new message — no extra clicks required.

Because this is the demo version, a small reminder window appears each time you reply, suggesting you upgrade to the paid licence. The pop-up is mildly annoying but the demo itself is fully functional and never expires. If you reply to attachment-laden emails dozens of times a day, the paid version is worth the cost just to be rid of the prompt.

How to Uninstall the Add-In

If you decide you no longer need it, removal is a normal app uninstall. Right-click the Start button and choose Installed apps on Windows 11, or Apps and Features on Windows 10. Scroll to Reply with Attachment Demo, click the three-dot menu, choose Uninstall, and confirm.

Restart Outlook after uninstalling and the add-in is gone. If anything stubborn lingers, see my guide on force-deleting undeletable files.

Related Outlook Guides

• How to restore Classic Outlook in Microsoft 365 — necessary if Microsoft has switched you to New Outlook
• Prevent the New Outlook from installing on Windows 11 — registry tweak to keep Classic Outlook in place

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Reply with Attachment work in the New Outlook for Windows?

No. The New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web do not support COM add-ins. This add-in only works in classic Outlook (the desktop version installed with Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, 2019, and 2016). If you have been moved to New Outlook, follow my guide on restoring Classic Outlook first.

Is the Reply with Attachment demo really free forever?

Yes. The demo never times out. Every reply you send shows a small pop-up reminding you the paid version exists, but the actual attachment-keeping feature works without restriction. If the pop-up bothers you, the paid licence is a one-time purchase per machine.

What if the Reply with Attachment button does not appear after I install it?

Close Outlook completely (check Task Manager to confirm no Outlook process is running) and reopen it. If the button still does not appear, go to File > Options > Add-ins, change the Manage dropdown to COM Add-ins, click Go, tick Reply with Attachment Demo, and click OK. If it is in the Disabled list, click Disabled Items and re-enable it from there.

Which versions of Outlook does this work with?

Classic Outlook for Microsoft 365 (current channel), Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 2016. It does not work with the New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web (OWA), Outlook Mobile, or Outlook for Mac.

Are there alternatives to Reply with Attachment?

Yes. Reply With Attachment by another developer offers a similar feature set and is worth trying if the IvaSoft version does not work on your build of Outlook. There are also a few VBA macros floating around that do the same job, but they require trusting macros and are fiddly to set up — an add-in is the cleaner route.

This post How to Keep Attachments When Replying in Microsoft Outlook first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

You can disable or fully remove the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 10 and 11 in three ways: toggle it off in Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar, block it from running in the background under Apps → Installed apps → Xbox Game Bar → Advanced options, or uninstall it completely with Winhance or HiBit Uninstaller. Microsoft does not expose a direct uninstall button for Game Bar, which is why a third-party tool is needed for full removal.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 17, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Disable ≠ uninstall. The Settings toggle stops Win+G from opening Game Bar, but the service and background processes still exist on disk.
• Windows hides the uninstall option for system apps. Xbox Game Bar is classified as a system component, so the Uninstall button in Installed apps is greyed out.
• Winhance removes Xbox Game Bar cleanly via a single toggle in the Software & Apps view. It is my preferred method because it integrates with the rest of the Xbox/Game Bar debloat you probably want anyway.
• HiBit Uninstaller works as a standalone alternative — portable, free, and handles Game Bar’s two package entries correctly.
• You can reinstall Game Bar anytime from the Microsoft Store, so removal is not permanent or destructive.

Quick Steps

1. For a quick disable: Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar → toggle off.
2. To stop background activity: Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Xbox Game Bar → Advanced options → Background apps permissions → Never.
3. For a full uninstall (recommended): install Winhance, open Software & Apps → Xbox Features, toggle Xbox Game Bar off.
4. Alternative uninstall: run HiBit Uninstaller portable, open Tools → Windows Store Apps Manager, select both Game Bar entries, click Uninstall Selected.

In This Guide

This guide covers three methods for handling the Xbox Game Bar, from least to most thorough:

• Method 1: Disable Xbox Game Bar in Settings — fastest, reversible, leaves files on disk.
• Method 2: Block Background Activity — stops Game Bar from running in the background even if disable does not fully quiet it.
• Method 3: Fully Uninstall with Winhance (Recommended) or HiBit — removes the app packages entirely. Use this if disabling alone is not enough.

Method 1: Disable Xbox Game Bar in Settings

The built-in Settings toggle stops Win+G from opening Game Bar and prevents it from showing capture notifications. The app package still exists, but it will not launch unless something explicitly invokes it. This is the right option if you just want Game Bar out of your way without removing it entirely.

Windows 11

1. Right-click Start → Settings.
2. Open Gaming → Xbox Game Bar.
3. Toggle Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller to off.

Windows 10

1. Right-click Start → Settings.
2. Click Gaming → Xbox Game Bar.
3. Toggle Enable Xbox Game Bar for things like recording game clips, chatting with friends, and receiving game invites to off.

Method 2: Block Xbox Game Bar Background Activity

Even with the main toggle off, Game Bar components can still run in the background on first login or after updates. The background-permissions setting forces the app to stay dormant until you explicitly open it.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Scroll to Xbox Game Bar, click the three-dot menu, select Advanced options.
3. Under Background apps permissions, change the dropdown to Never.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Background apps.
2. In the Choose which apps can run in the background list, toggle Xbox Game Bar to off.
3. Alternatively, toggle Let apps run in the background to off to disable background activity globally.

Method 3: Fully Uninstall Xbox Game Bar

If you want Game Bar gone from disk, Windows does not expose a direct uninstall button — the system-app classification greys it out. You need a third-party tool. I recommend Winhance because it removes Game Bar alongside the rest of the Xbox stack in a single pass, and it persists the removal across future Windows updates.

Option A: Winhance (Recommended)

1. Download Winhance from winhance.net and run the installer.
2. Launch Winhance and open the Software & Apps view.
3. Scroll to the Xbox section. Toggle off Xbox Game Bar (and any other Xbox components you do not need).
4. Click Apply. Winhance removes the relevant Appx packages, clears scheduled tasks that would reinstall them, and logs the changes.

If Windows Update ever restores Game Bar (Microsoft sometimes reinstalls system Appx packages during feature upgrades), re-run Winhance and the same toggle removes it again.

Option B: HiBit Uninstaller (Standalone)

If you do not want to install Winhance, HiBit Uninstaller is a free portable tool that handles Appx packages cleanly.

1. Download HiBit Uninstaller portable from the HiBit website.
2. Extract the ZIP, open the folder, and run the portable executable. If SmartScreen warns, click More info → Run anyway.
3. Go to Tools → Windows Store Apps Manager.
4. Scroll to Xbox Game Bar. Select both entries you see — Game Bar ships as two linked packages (Gaming.App + Game Bar core).
5. Click Uninstall Selected and confirm.

Verify the removal by reopening Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Xbox Game Bar should no longer appear. Press Win+G — nothing happens, because the app no longer exists.

Reinstall Xbox Game Bar If You Change Your Mind

Removal is reversible. If you decide you want Game Bar back later (for instance, to use its screen-capture feature without installing OBS), open the Microsoft Store and search for Xbox Game Bar — the listing is still available even after removal. Click Install and the default Win+G shortcut starts working again.

If you removed Game Bar via Winhance and want to reinstall, turn the Winhance toggle back on before reinstalling through the Store, otherwise Winhance’s background watchdog will remove it again on the next run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing Xbox Game Bar affect game performance?

Removal usually improves performance slightly because you eliminate the background service that Game Bar keeps running to watch for capture shortcuts. Gains are small on modern PCs but measurable on low-end hardware. Game audio, input, and rendering are unaffected — Game Bar is a standalone overlay, not a game subsystem.

Can I reinstall Xbox Game Bar after removing it?

Yes. Search “Xbox Game Bar” in the Microsoft Store and click Install. The Win+G shortcut works again immediately. If you removed it via Winhance, turn the Winhance toggle back on first so the watchdog does not undo the reinstall.

Is HiBit Uninstaller safe to use?

Yes. HiBit Uninstaller is a long-standing free utility with broad community trust. The portable version runs without install and does not bundle other software. The only caveat: only uninstall components you recognize — HiBit exposes deep system apps that are trivial to remove but painful to restore.

Why can’t I uninstall Xbox Game Bar the normal way?

Microsoft classifies Xbox Game Bar as a system application, which greys out the uninstall button in Installed apps. This is a policy choice, not a technical limitation — the app removes cleanly once you use a tool that bypasses the UI restriction (Winhance, HiBit, or Get-AppxPackage | Remove-AppxPackage in PowerShell).

What if Xbox Game Bar does not appear in my Installed apps?

It is already removed or never installed on that build. Press Win+G — if nothing happens, you are done. If a “Get Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store” prompt appears, it was uninstalled previously and Windows is offering to reinstall it. Close the prompt.

This post How to Remove Xbox Game Bar on Windows 10/11 (3 Methods) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory