Microsoft Edge is a Chromium browser, so it shares most of Chrome's privacy controls — but it adds a layer of Microsoft account data collection and a few default-on conveniences that leak more than you might expect. Paths below were verified on Edge for Windows (version 130.x) in August 2026.
1. Set tracking prevention to Strict
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Tracking prevention → Strict. Microsoft provides three levels: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. The Strict level blocks most trackers and known fingerprinters. A few sites may break; if that happens, you can add exceptions for specific sites using the shield icon in the address bar.
2. Turn off "Send optional diagnostic data"
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Optional diagnostic data → Off. Required diagnostic data keeps Edge secure and stable; the optional data includes browsing history, usage patterns, and crash reports that Microsoft uses for product improvement. The optional tier sends far more than necessary.
3. Disable "Improve your products" surveys
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Improve your products → Off. A separate toggle that periodically asks you to rate features and submit feedback. Disabling it stops those prompts entirely.
4. Turn off "Personalize your web experience"
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Personalize your web experience → Off. This toggle lets Microsoft use your browsing history from Edge to personalize ads, search, and news. Off means Edge stops sharing your history for this purpose.
5. Disable shopping features
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Shopping → Save time and money with Shopping in Microsoft Edge → Off. Edge's shopping feature compares prices and applies coupons — useful for some, but it shares your browsing data with Microsoft to find deals. If you prefer not to share, turn it off.
6. Block third-party cookies
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies and site data → Block third-party cookies. Edge, like Chrome, now blocks third-party cookies by default. Verify the toggle is on.
7. Review site permissions
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → All permissions. Review camera, microphone, location, and notifications. Set your defaults to "Ask" (never "Allow" by default). For notifications, the safest default is to block them entirely.
8. Turn off "Discover" and "Copilot" integration
Settings → Sidebar → Copilot → Off. Edge's sidebar with Copilot / Bing chat sends your queries to Microsoft's servers and is deeply integrated into the browser. If you do not use it, turn it off. You can also disable the Discover button via Settings → Appearance → Show discover button → Off.
9. Use the "Clear browsing data" on exit
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Choose what to clear every time you close the browser. Toggle on Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files. This keeps tracking cookies from building up between sessions.
10. Review and manage extensions
Edge extensions are managed the same way as Chrome: Settings → Extensions or edge://extensions/. Remove anything you do not use, and review permissions — see how to check extension permissions for the details.
What we could not verify for you
Edge settings labels change with each major update, and some options (especially around Copilot and the sidebar) depend on your region and Edge version. If an option above does not exist in your build, check Microsoft's current documentation. Paths were re-tested in August 2026 on Edge for Windows.
Quick answers
Will these settings break Edge features? Some will — turning off shopping features removes coupon pop-ups, and disabling Copilot removes the sidebar. All are reversible.
Does Edge still collect data if I turn off optional diagnostics? Required diagnostic data stays on, but it is limited to security and stability information. The optional tier is what sent browsing history and usage patterns.
Is Edge more private than Chrome? Both are Chromium-based and share similar controls. Edge adds Microsoft-specific data collection, so with the settings above applied, it is comparable to Chrome.
Can I still use Microsoft Rewards with privacy settings on? Some rewards activities depend on data collection. If you use Rewards, you may need to balance the settings above against the program's requirements.
Related reading
Sources
Written by Hassan Arshad, founder of UsefulOrbit. Last updated August 31, 2026. Settings re-tested on Edge for Windows, version 130.x.