Like many modern browsers, Microsoft Edge includes a built-in telemetry engine. By default, Edge is often configured to automatically send “Optional diagnostic data” back to Microsoft’s servers in the background. This data can include your full browsing history, search terms, and crash reports, all of which Microsoft claims is used to improve the product and personalize your Windows experience.
While this data is anonymized, many privacy-conscious users do not feel comfortable having their entire web browsing history actively beamed to a corporate server every time they open a new tab.
You can severely restrict the telemetry engine and stop Edge from sending anything beyond the bare minimum required to keep the browser updated and secure.
How to Disable Optional Diagnostics in Edge
You can turn off this data collection directly in the Edge privacy settings.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of the toolbar.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, click on Privacy, search, and services.
- Scroll down the right pane until you find the section labeled “Diagnostic data.”
- Look for the toggle switch labeled Help improve Microsoft products by sending optional diagnostic data about how you use the browser (this specifically includes browsing history).
- Turn the toggle to the Off position.
Once disabled, Microsoft Edge will instantly stop harvesting your search history and web page visits. The only data it will continue to send is “Required diagnostic data,” which is strictly limited to hardware configurations and crash logs necessary to keep the browser functioning.