Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program integrated deeply into Microsoft Edge and Bing that incentivizes users to search the web, complete quizzes, and shop online in exchange for digital points. These points can be redeemed for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations. While this gamification model is effective for consumer engagement, it has absolutely no place in a professional, corporate environment. The constant prompts to earn points, the distracting dashboard pop-ups, and the general encouragement of non-work-related web browsing can significantly reduce employee productivity. Organizations require a clean, distraction-free browser designed solely for accessing enterprise web applications and conducting professional research.
This guide explains how to completely disable the Microsoft Rewards program system-wide in Microsoft Edge using Group Policy, removing all associated UI elements and telemetry tracking.
Disable Microsoft Rewards via Group Policy
To enforce a strict block that prevents the browser from integrating with the Rewards backend and locks the settings from user modification, we must deploy an administrative template. Note that this requires Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
- Log into Windows 11 with an Administrator account.
- Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type
gpedit.mscand press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor. - In the left-hand navigation pane, strictly follow this exact path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge - In the right-hand pane, locate the policy named Show Microsoft Rewards experiences.
- Double-click the policy to open its configuration window.
- Select the radio button next to Disabled.
- Click Apply, then click OK.
Verify the Configuration Lockdown
Group Policy changes require the browser to read the registry upon its next launch. Close all active instances of Microsoft Edge.
To verify the restriction is active, reopen Microsoft Edge. First, look at the top right corner of the browser toolbar, next to the profile picture; the medal icon denoting your current Rewards points balance will be completely gone. Next, navigate to edge://settings/profiles. Any options or toggles related to Microsoft Rewards will be hidden or greyed out. A briefcase icon will appear at the top of the settings page indicating that “Your browser is managed by your organization.” The browser will now provide a professional, strictly utility-focused experience.