How to Allow or Block Sites for Browse with Copilot in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
You can allow or block specific websites for Copilot to interact with in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.
Browse with Copilot is a feature in Edge that lets the AI assistant perform actions like clicking and navigating on your behalf. You can create lists of websites that Copilot is allowed or blocked from accessing. This is a great way to protect your privacy and security.
Website blocking controls prevent Copilot from accessing sensitive locations on Windows 11. Adding "yourbank.com" to the block list ensures Copilot does not interact with the bank's website, protecting financial data. This feature maintains data security for users.
Once configured, Copilot will automatically interact with sites on your allow list and strictly avoid any on your block list.
Manage Copilot’s website access in Edge settings under Copilot and AI, then Browse with Copilot. Click “Manage what URLs can or cannot be accessed” to add sites to your allow or block lists. This prevents Copilot from interacting with unauthorized or sensitive websites.
Managing Sites via Settings
You can manage which websites Browse with Copilot visits directly from your Microsoft Edge settings. This website access control feature makes it simple for you to control the information Browse with Copilot can access, giving you peace of mind about Browse with Copilot's browsing activity.
1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the Settings and more (three dots) menu and choose Settings.
3. Select Copilot and AI from the left-hand menu, then click Browse with Copilot.
4. Click Manage what URLs can or cannot be accessed by Browse with Copilot.
5. Use the Add buttons to include specific websites in your allow or block lists. You can also move sites between lists using the three-dot menu next to each entry.
Administrative Configuration (For IT Admins)
Registry Configuration (Requires Admin Privileges)
You can use the Windows Registry to manage which sites Browse with Copilot can visit, but this requires administrator access. By editing specific keys, you can create lists of allowed or blocked websites for Browse with Copilot to use.
To set the allow list, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge and create a new string value named BrowseWithCopilotAllowedUrls. Add your URLs separated by commas.
To set the block list, create a string value named BrowseWithCopilotBlockedUrls in the same path.
Group Policy (GPO)
- Open the Group Policy Management Console. Requires Admin Privileges.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates, and finally Microsoft Edge.
- Locate Configure the allow list for Browse with Copilot or Configure the block list for Browse with Copilot.
- Enable the policy and input your desired URL patterns.
Summary
You can control Copilot’s access to websites through the Edge settings menu for personal use or via GPO for business environments. Always prioritize security by blocking sensitive sites and only allowing trusted domains. For more technical details, refer to the official Microsoft Edge policy documentation.
Can users override the block list set by IT administrators?
No, if an administrator enforces the block list via Group Policy or Registry settings, the end-user cannot override these restrictions within the browser settings. The policy is locked to ensure organizational security standards are maintained across all managed devices.
Does the block list apply to all profiles in Microsoft Edge?
Yes, when policies are applied at the machine level via GPO or the registry, the block list applies to all user profiles on that specific computer. This ensures that no matter which account is signed in, the restricted sites remain inaccessible to Copilot.
How do I verify if the policy has been applied successfully?
You can verify the policy by typing edge://policy into the address bar of your browser. This page displays all active policies currently applied to your instance of Microsoft Edge. Look for the BrowsingWithCopilot entries to confirm your configured lists are active.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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