If you use a Windows PC at the office and a Windows laptop at home, you have likely noticed that Microsoft Edge tries to seamlessly bridge the two devices. If you are signed in with the same Microsoft account on both computers, Edge will automatically synchronize your browsing data across the internet. If you add a bookmark on your work computer, it instantly appears on your home laptop.
While this synchronization is incredibly convenient for most users, it can be a massive problem if you prefer to keep your personal life and professional life strictly separated. If you accidentally bookmark a recipe, a video game guide, or a personal banking website on your home computer, you do not want those bookmarks silently populating the favorites bar on your office workstation where your boss or coworkers might see them.
You can selectively disable the synchronization engine, allowing you to stay logged into your Microsoft account without Edge automatically merging your disparate bookmark libraries.
How to Turn Off Bookmark Syncing in Edge
You must dive into your Edge profile settings to manage the synchronization toggles.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click your Profile icon (the small circular picture of your avatar) in the top-right corner, next to the address bar.
- Click the Manage profile settings button (the gear icon).
- On the Profiles page, click on the section labeled Sync (it should be right under your email address).
- You will see a list of every data type that Edge is currently sending to the cloud. Locate the toggle switch for Favorites.
- Turn the Favorites toggle to the Off position.
Microsoft Edge will immediately stop uploading your new bookmarks to the cloud and will stop downloading bookmarks from your other devices. Your local favorites bar is now completely isolated, ensuring your personal links stay safely on your personal computer.