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Microsoft Edge puts most browser privacy and security controls in one place: Settings and more (…) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services. You can also open that page directly by entering edge://settings/privacy in the address bar.
The important settings are not interchangeable. Tracking prevention limits cross-site tracking, clearing browsing data removes information already stored, SmartScreen checks sites and downloads against reputation data, and InPrivate mainly limits what remains on the device after the private windows are closed. The settings below explain what each control does, what it does not do, and when changing it can break a website.
Open Edge’s privacy and security settings
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Select Settings and more (…) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Open Privacy, search, and services.
For a quicker route, type edge://settings/privacy into Edge’s address bar and press Enter. The page is organized into sections such as Privacy, Services, and Security. The exact arrangement can change slightly between Edge versions or when an organization manages the browser.
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Tracking prevention controls how Edge handles trackers, such as advertising and analytics scripts that can follow activity across different websites. Go to Privacy, search, and services > Tracking prevention, turn the feature on, and choose one of the three levels.
#1 Best Overall
- Filter Dimensions: Width: 11 15/16" (304 mm), Height: 7 1/2" (190 mm), Diagonal: 14.1" (358.14 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
- Two Attachment Options - Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any screen. Option 2 uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the filter on and off the screen as needed.
- Superior Privacy and Anti Glare - Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces - Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- Package Contents - Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
| Level | What Edge blocks | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Potentially harmful trackers | Allows most other trackers, including many used for personalized advertising and content. Usually causes the fewest compatibility problems. |
| Balanced (Recommended) | Potentially harmful trackers and trackers from sites you have not visited | The normal compromise between privacy and website functionality. |
| Strict | Potentially harmful trackers and most cross-site trackers | Provides stronger blocking, but sign-ins, embedded content, payments, or videos may fail. |
Balanced is the sensible starting point for most Windows users. Strict is useful when privacy is more important than convenience, but it should not be treated as a universal “better” setting. If a website stops working, first test whether tracking prevention is responsible before deleting all browser data.
Add an exception for a broken website
To allow a particular site to work while keeping your selected tracking level elsewhere:
- Open Settings and more (…) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Tracking prevention.
- Open Exceptions.
- Select Add a site.
- Enter the site’s full URL and select Add.
You can also change the setting while visiting the site. Select View site information beside the address bar. Under Tracking prevention, select Off. This permits all trackers on that site, including potentially harmful ones, so use it only for a site you trust.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo see what Edge blocked on the current page, select View site information > Trackers.
Do Not Track: a request, not a blocker
Edge can send a Do Not Track request to websites. Find it at Privacy, search, and services > Privacy > Send “Do Not Track” requests.
This setting does not technically prevent tracking. It adds a request to the browser’s communication with a site, but websites are free to ignore it. Tracking prevention, cookie controls, and extensions that block known trackers provide the actual blocking behavior.
Clear browsing data without deleting the wrong thing
Open Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear. Select a Time range, choose the data types, and select Clear now.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Data type | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Browsing history | The list of pages visited in Edge. |
| Download history | The list of downloaded files. It does not delete the downloaded files from the Downloads folder. |
| Cookies and other site data | Stored site information, which can include sign-in state, preferences, location-related data, and media licenses. Clearing it can sign you out. |
| Cached images and files | Local copies used to make pages load faster. Clearing the cache can fix stale or damaged page resources. |
| Passwords | Saved passwords in the selected profile, subject to sync and account settings. |
| Autofill form data | Saved names, addresses, payment-related entries, and other form suggestions. |
| Site permissions | Permissions previously granted to websites, such as location, camera, microphone, and notifications. |
| Hosted app data | Data used by web apps installed or run through Edge. |
| Media Foundation data | Media licenses, certificates, keys, and related information. Edge clears this data after you restart the browser. |
If a website is malfunctioning, clearing only Cached images and files is less disruptive than clearing cookies. If you clear cookies, expect to sign in again and possibly reconfigure site preferences.
Rank #2
- Compatible Models: Width: 13 9/16" (13.5 inch/344 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (7.6 inch/194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) widescreen laptops which have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Not touchscreen compatible !!! Not fit for 16:10.Do NOT rely solely on your laptop’s diagonal size when ordering. Use a ruler to measure your screen’s visible area (excluding the black bezels). If the width reads 344mm and height reads 194mm, this filter is a perfect match for your device.
- Keep Information Privacy: Effective "black out" privacy from side views outside the 60-degree viewing angle. Designed for optical clarity when viewing from the front, a person not at the front of the screen can only see the dark side of the screen, so it protects buisness secrets and personal privacy
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 - 495nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain. Our laptop privacy screen also helps keep your screen safe from dust and scratches
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in high traffic areas such as open work spaces, airports, airplanes, commuter trains, coffee shops and other public places, etc
- Easy Installation: Choose between 2 simple Options; Slide-On/Off or Mounted. Not touchscreen compatible
Clear selected data whenever Edge closes
For automatic cleanup, open Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear every time you close the browser. Turn on the categories you want Edge to remove at shutdown.
Be careful with automatic cookie deletion if you depend on persistent logins or browser-based work tools. It can improve privacy on a shared Windows computer, but it also makes websites ask for authentication more often.
Control cookies and site permissions
Block third-party cookies
Go to Privacy, search, and services > Cookies, then turn on Block third-party cookies. Third-party cookies are set by a domain other than the site shown in the address bar and are commonly used for advertising, embedded services, and cross-site measurement.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBlocking them can improve privacy, but some websites may behave unexpectedly. Problems can include failed sign-ins, missing embedded video, broken shopping carts, or payment widgets that do not load. If only one service is affected, prefer a narrowly scoped site exception rather than turning cookie blocking off globally.
Review permissions granted to websites
Open Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions. The permission list includes controls for location, cookies, pop-ups, media autoplay, notifications, camera, microphone, and other browser features.
For location specifically, open Site permissions > All permissions > Location. Review which sites can ask for or use your location, and remove access for sites that no longer need it. You can also inspect permissions for the current website through the site-information control beside the address bar.
Keep Microsoft Defender SmartScreen enabled
SmartScreen is under Privacy, search, and services > Security > Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. The direct route is edge://settings/privacy, then scroll to Services and find the SmartScreen setting.
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SmartScreen is enabled by default. It checks website URLs and downloaded files against Microsoft reputation data and can warn about or block phishing pages, malware, and potentially unwanted applications. Reputation checks send relevant URL or file information to the Microsoft SmartScreen service over TLS.
Rank #3
- 【Instant Snap-on Magnetic Attachment】- The Patented Magnetic Privacy Screen – Protected by U.S. Patents 9,829,669 and D844,012. Simply place the privacy screen along the top of your MacBook and let the magnets attach along the top. No need for tricky placement, messy tape, or damaging adhesive. Easily remove and reattach when you need it.
- 【Filter Dimensions】: Width: 12 3/16" (310 mm), Height: 6 7/8" (175 mm), Diagonal: 14" (355.6 mm) - There are two different 14 inch screen sizes, please select the correct one. SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
- 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The Laptop Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes a magnetic privacy screen filter, magnetic stickers, a webcam privacy cover, a storage folder, and a cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
SmartScreen works in normal browsing, InPrivate, and Guest mode. Its user setting applies to all profiles in that Edge installation; it is not synced across devices. On a work or school PC, an administrator may control it through Group Policy or mobile-device management, in which case the option may be unavailable or revert after you change it.
Clearing the browser cache removes locally stored SmartScreen URL data. Clearing download history removes locally stored SmartScreen information about file downloads, but neither action makes a suspicious file safe. Treat a warning as a reason to verify the download source, publisher, and file type.
Turn on enhanced security for unfamiliar sites
Edge’s additional browser protection is at Privacy, search, and services > Security > Enhance your security on the web. It has three modes:
- Off (Default): Enhanced security is disabled.
- Balanced (Recommended): Extra protections are applied to unfamiliar sites and generally bypassed for sites you visit frequently.
- Strict: Extra protections are applied to all sites.
Enhanced security reduces the attack surface by running unfamiliar sites without JavaScript just-in-time compilation. It also enables protections such as Hardware Enforced Stack Protection, Arbitrary Code Guard, and Control Flow Guard. Microsoft documents WebAssembly support for enhanced security on x64 Windows and ARM64 systems, and on x64 macOS and Linux.
Some advanced web applications may have compatibility issues. If a trusted site fails, select the site-information or lock control beside the address bar. When Enhanced security is active for this site appears, use the option to turn it off for that site. Turning enhanced security off adds the site to the exception list.
Manage enhanced-security exceptions
To manage exceptions manually, open Enhance your security on the web > Manage enhanced security for sites > Add a site. Enter the full URL and select Add. The same screen lets you edit or remove individual exceptions, or remove all exceptions.
Use password-protection features
Edge can require device authentication before autofilling a saved password. This adds a useful privacy layer: someone with access to an unlocked browser session cannot automatically fill stored passwords without passing the device-authentication prompt.
This is not a traditional browser master password. Microsoft notes that malware already running under your Windows account may access data after Edge decrypts it in memory. Device authentication helps protect autofill from another person using the device; it is not a complete defense against malware.
Rank #4
- 【Instant Removable Snap-on Magnetic Attachment】- The Patented Magnetic Privacy Screen – Protected by U.S. Patents 9,829,669 and D844,012. Simply place the privacy screen protector along the top of your MacBook and let the magnets attach along the top. No need for tricky placement, messy tape, or damaging adhesive. Easily remove and reattach when you need it.
- 【Perfect Fit for 13.6" Liquid Retina】- The SightPro Magnetic Privacy Screen is designed to integrate seamlessly with your MacBook Air 13.6 Inch Year (2022, 2023*, 2024, 2025, 2026, M2, M3, M4, M5). (Model: A2681, A3113, A3240) Please note, the 13.6" MacBook Air is sometimes advertised as the 13" MacBook Air.
- 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The MacBook Air Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】 - Each package includes a magnetic privacy screen filter, a storage folder, and a cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
Understand sync before clearing data
Clearing data in Edge is not always a device-only operation. If sync is enabled, clearing synced items can remove them from other synced devices as well.
To clear data only from the current Windows computer:
- Open Settings and more (…) > Settings > Profiles > Sync.
- Select Turn off sync.
- Return to Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data and clear the required categories.
Microsoft data stored in the cloud is managed through the Microsoft privacy dashboard, not solely through Edge’s local clear-data page. Deleting information from the privacy dashboard does not delete the corresponding local copy on your Windows device.
To stop sharing Edge browsing data with other Windows features, open Settings > Profiles > Share browsing data with other Windows features and turn the setting off.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What InPrivate does—and does not do
Open an InPrivate window with Settings and more (…) > New InPrivate window. After all InPrivate windows close, Edge clears the session’s browsing history, download history, cookies and other site data, cached files, passwords, autofill data, site permissions, and hosted app data.
InPrivate does preserve favorites and downloaded files. It can also use the launching profile’s existing favorites, saved passwords, and form-fill information. Extensions may save browsing history during an InPrivate session if they are allowed to run there.
InPrivate is not anonymity software. It does not stop malware, add extra ad blocking, or hide activity from an employer, school, network administrator, or internet-service provider. It also uses the launching profile’s location-permission settings.
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Edge opens edge://settings, edge://favorites, and edge://history in a normal browsing window rather than displaying them inside InPrivate. InPrivate may be unavailable if Microsoft Family activity reporting or web filtering is enabled, or if an organization blocks it with policy.
Best Value
- 【Instant Snap-on Magnetic Attachment】- The Patented Magnetic Privacy Screen – Protected by U.S. Patents 9,829,669 and D844,012. Simply place the privacy screen along the top of your MacBook and let the magnets attach along the top. No need for tricky placement, messy tape, or damaging adhesive. Easily remove and reattach when you need it.
- 【Filter Dimensions】: Width: 13.56" (344.5 mm), Height: 8.49" (215.6 mm), Diagonal: 16" (406 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
- 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The Laptop Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes a magnetic privacy screen filter, magnetic stickers, a webcam privacy cover, a storage folder, and a cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
Review diagnostic-data controls
Diagnostic-data options can differ by Windows version and region. In the European Economic Area, on Windows 10 version 22H2 or later and Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, Edge diagnostic data has been collected separately from Windows diagnostic data since March 6, 2024. The Edge control is on Settings and more (…) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
On Windows 10 outside that documented Edge-specific configuration, Microsoft’s route for Windows diagnostic settings is Start > Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback. Therefore, do not assume that every Windows installation exposes identical diagnostic-data controls. Version, edition, region, and organization policy can change what is shown.
A practical privacy setup for most Windows users
- Leave Tracking prevention on Balanced.
- Leave Microsoft Defender SmartScreen on.
- Enable Enhance your security on the web in Balanced mode if your important sites continue to work correctly.
- Review Site permissions, especially location, camera, microphone, notifications, and pop-ups.
- Enable Block third-party cookies if you are willing to troubleshoot occasional site failures.
- Use automatic clearing for browsing history and cookies on shared computers, but avoid deleting passwords unless that is intentional.
- Use InPrivate for a temporary local session, not as a replacement for a VPN, antivirus protection, or anonymous browsing.
- Check whether sync is enabled before deleting history, cookies, passwords, or other synchronized data.
FAQ
What is the quickest way to open Edge privacy settings?
Enter edge://settings/privacy in the Edge address bar and press Enter. The normal route is Settings and more (…) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Recommended Free Tools
Which Edge tracking prevention setting should I use?
Use Balanced (Recommended) for the best general compromise. Strict blocks more cross-site trackers but can break sign-ins, videos, embedded content, and other site features.
Does Do Not Track stop websites from tracking me?
No. It sends a request asking the website not to track you, but a website can ignore that request. Tracking prevention and cookie controls provide the actual browser-level blocking.
Does clearing Edge download history delete downloaded files?
No. It removes only the list of downloaded files shown in Edge. The files remain in the Windows Downloads folder or wherever they were saved.
Does InPrivate hide browsing from my internet provider?
No. InPrivate mainly prevents Edge from retaining session data locally after the InPrivate windows close. Your employer, school, network administrator, or internet-service provider may still be able to see relevant activity.
Should Microsoft Defender SmartScreen be turned off?
Usually not. SmartScreen warns about or blocks known or suspicious phishing pages, malware, and potentially unwanted downloads. If it is managed by an organization, you may not be allowed to change it.
Why did a website stop working after I changed Edge privacy settings?
Strict tracking prevention or third-party-cookie blocking can interfere with sign-ins, embedded media, payment widgets, and other cross-site services. Check the site’s tracker information and add a narrowly scoped exception for a trusted site rather than disabling protection globally.
Will clearing Edge data remove it from my other devices?
It can if sync is enabled and the data type is synchronized. Turn off sync first when you want to remove data only from the current Windows computer. Cloud account activity is managed separately through the Microsoft privacy dashboard.
The Bottom Line
For most people, the strongest sensible baseline is Balanced tracking prevention, SmartScreen enabled, reviewed site permissions, and enhanced security in Balanced mode after checking compatibility. Use Strict settings selectively, because privacy controls that block more cross-site behavior can also block legitimate website features. Before clearing anything, check sync; before trusting InPrivate, remember that it limits local records but does not make you anonymous.
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Quick Recap
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