New generation of browsers offer more and more control over how consumers can configure Privacy settings. Thanks to privacy initiatives around the world, this has become a goal for many, and Microsoft Edge is not late. Microsoft offered many privacy settings in its operating system, and the same goes for Microsoft Edge (chrome). In this article, we will explain how you can configure privacy settings in Microsoft Edge.
Data collection in Microsoft Edge
Before I start talking about how you can configure privacy, I wanted to share a little bit about how data collection works in Microsoft Edge. In short, how well the new browser can collect data. Some of them are important for improving product performance. This helps them to understand how we use the browser. Here is the list of data collected by:
- Crash reports.
- Information about how a person uses the browser and the websites they visit.
- Installation, use of features, performance and use of Edge memory.
- Site loading time, page URL, page content, etc.
Configure privacy settings in Microsoft Edge
Microsft Edge has all of its privacy settings available in one place so you can manage them easily. Open Edge, click on three dots> settings > settings > Confidentiality and services. A list of parameters is available here. I will break them down in a way that you can understand.
- Prevention of follow-up
- Management of browser data usage
- Control what Edge returns to Microsoft
- Clear browsing data
- Website tracking
- Help improve the Microsoft Edge section
- Personalize your web experience
- Services
1]Prevention of follow-up
When you visit a website, it marks you. These labels are robust and can identify that they are the same person. It is used to serve you advertisements or information. Some trackers collect and send your information to sites that you have not visited. If you want to remain anonymous, you must use a VPN or use the tracking prevention settings. Be sure to enable it if it is disabled, and then configure it. Microsoft Edge offers three types of settings from the start
- Basic: Allows almost all trackers.
- Balanced: Block trackers from sites you haven’t visited, minus personalized ads.
- Strict: Blocks the majority of trackers, minimal customization information for content and ads.
The common feature of all of these profiles is that they block all known harmful trackers. The difference is that in strict mode, some websites may not work as expected. If you are sure that certain trackers must be authorized, you have two options:
- Blocked trackers: you can choose to delete the trackers you trust or maybe you
- Exceptions: allow all trackers from a trusted site.
Related: What is web tracking? What are trackers in browsers?
2]Management of browser data usage
Like any other browser, Microsoft Edge stores your browsing data, passwords, form data, etc. Among these, cookies and browsing history information are sent to Microsoft. This allows them to make the experience as rich, fast and personal as possible. Now, I’m sure you won’t like this, and Microsoft leaves you in full control.
Control what Edge returns to Microsoft
- Open Windows 10 settings (WIN + I)
- Go to Confidentiality> Diagnostics and comments
- Go from full to basic
When you choose the basic option, it will only send information about your device, settings, capabilities, error reports and performance details. The Full option sends information about the websites you browse, how you use your apps, and all that is available under the basic option. Make sure to restart the browser after making the change. We suggest that you read the Windows 10 Privacy Guide to control more aspects.
AT delete data already collected by Microsoft, go to Windows 10 Settings> Privacy> Diagnostics and Comments. Select Delete under Delete diagnostic data to delete all of them from Microsoft servers.
Clear browsing data
The second option is to erase all of your browsing data. Go to Edge settings> Privacy and services. Here you must first configure what you plan to delete. Click the arrow at the end of the option—Choose which items to clear each time you close the browser.
Activate options that include browsing data, download history, cookies and other site data, and more. Once configured, click on the Choose the button to delete to delete this data. If you have enabled synchronization on Microsoft Edge, data from other devices will also be deleted.
4]Website tracking
Although we have already talked about blocking trackers, the tracking section of the website offers some additional settings.
- Send “Do Not Track” requests: This is an official request sent by browsers on behalf of the user, but websites can dishonor it.
- Allow sites to check if you’ve saved payment information: If you are on a payment gateway and do not want websites to check if you have payment data, deactivate it.
5]Personalize your web experience
Disable the setting here to prevent Microsoft from using your browsing history to personalize advertising, search, news, and other Microsoft services. You can manage your data stored in the Microsoft cloud and change the settings for announcements from the Microsoft privacy dashboard.
6]Services
These are there to improve your browsing experience only, and I highly recommend using them, except that they never allow extensions to modify the search engine, new tab page, or browser settings. home page.
- Use a web service to resolve navigation errors: useful when trying to connect to public WIFI where a connection is required.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: It blocks malicious sites, downloads and PUAs.
- Address bar: It allows you to search directly from the address bar, and this is possible when you activate search and site suggestions.
Related: How to search for a website from the address bar
This concludes our guide to configure privacy settings in Microsoft Edge. Also be sure to go through Windows 10 privacy settings to fully set privacy on Windows 10.