How to Block Third-Party Cookies in Microsoft Edge
Blocking third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge stops websites from tracking you as you browse the internet.
Third-party cookies are small files websites put on your computer. These aren’t from the site you are actually on, but from other sites, often advertisers who use them to see where you go online.
Microsoft Edge, the browser that comes with Windows 11, lets you turn these off easily. This makes your browsing more private and stops advertisers from building a picture of what you do online.
Turning off these cookies helps protect your privacy. However, some websites might not work correctly if you block them, like not remembering your login or settings.
Open Microsoft Edge, click the three dots, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Under Tracking prevention, choose Balanced or Strict to block most third-party cookies.
Allow or block third-party cookies in Edge
You can block third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge directly through the browser’s settings menu. This helps stop websites from tracking your activity across different sites. Open Edge, go to Privacy, search, and services, and then look for the Tracking prevention section to make your choice.
On the left menu, select Privacy, search, and services. Look for the Tracking prevention section.
Here are the three modes you can choose from:
- Basic: Blocks known harmful trackers but allows most cookies.
- Balanced: The default setting. It blocks trackers from sites you have not visited.
- Strict: Blocks most trackers across all sites. This provides the most privacy but is the most likely to break website features.
Allow or block third-party cookies in Edge via Registry
For more advanced users, blocking third-party cookies in Edge can also be done via the Windows Registry. This method is generally recommended for IT professionals or those managing computers in a business environment. You’ll need to open the Registry Editor and go to the specific path 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Edge to find the setting.
Users can block third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge by accessing the Windows Registry editor. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the specific path `🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Edge` to find the relevant settings. Modifying these settings allows for finer control over cookie behavior.
Computer\🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
Right-click the Edge folder, then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new entry `BlockThirdPartyCookies`. Set its value to `1` to block cookies, or `0` to allow them.
A computer restart may be needed to see the changes. Check the official documentation for more details: Microsoft.
Conclusion: Managing cookies helps you take control of your digital footprint. Choose the setting that balances your need for privacy with your need for a smooth browsing experience.
Should I turn off block third-party cookies?
If you allow third-party cookies: Related sites are allowed to access your activity to personalize content or keep you signed in across sites. If you block third-party cookies: It often prevents this kind of connection between sites.
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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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