If you like using Microsoft's Edge browser, but feel it may be sharing too much information with Microsoft, here are some recommended settings to help keep your private stuff, well, a bit more private.
Paste each one into the URL Address bar, and modify:
edge://settings/privacy/privacy
- Send "Do Not Track" requests: ON
- Send optional diagnostic data to improve Microsoft products: OFF
- Help improve Microsoft products by sending the results from searches on the web: OFF
- Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favorites, web content... : OFF
edge://settings/startHomeNTP?search=Preload
- Preload your new tab page: OFF
edge://settings/system/manageSystem
- Startup Boost: OFF
- Continue running background extensions and apps when Edge is closed: OFF
edge://settings/privacy/sitePermissions/allPermissions/backgroundSync
- Allow recently closed sites to finish sending and receiving data: OFF
- Background sync and Preload pages : OFF
edge://settings/profiles/sync
- Feature usage: OFF
- History: OFF
- Open Tabs: OFF
edge://settings/privacy/services
- Suggest similar sites when a website can't be found: OFF
- Save time and money with Shopping in Microsoft Edge: OFF
- Save content using Collections in Microsoft Edge: OFF
- Organize your tabs: OFF
edge://settings/privacy/services/search
- Search engine used in the address bar: Google (Default)
- Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar: Address bar
edge://settings/privacy/services/search/searchFilters
- Customize suggestions: More history
* If you're using Win11 Pro, You can do more by adding the Edge ADMX policy files and controlling the browser's settings via GPedit.msc:
1. Download the MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates.CAB file (click on "Download Windows 64-bit Policy").
2. Using 7-Zip, Extract the MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates ZIP.
3. Using 7-Zip, open the ZIP file and navigate to: MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates\windows\admx\
Extract the following ADMX files (and the language files folder 'en-US') to C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\
msedge.admx
msedgeupdate.admx
msedgewebview2.admx
4. Restart gpedit.msc if it's already open, and navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge
Now you have control over Edge's settings (for all users).
Note that changing settings here will block changing them in Edge's settings.
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# If you're using a domain (AD DS)
If you were installing for a domain controller, you'd place the ADMX/ADML files in the Central Store:
\\<domain>\SYSVOL\<domain>\Policies\PolicyDefinitions\