How to Block Third-Party Cookies in Microsoft Edge

This guide explains how to manage third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge for 2026. Microsoft Edge is the standard browser for Windows 11 and 12. You can also  switch to their preferred or favorite browser if you prefer another option. Edge uses the Chromium engine, just like Google Chrome.

Why block cookies? Blocking third-party cookies stops advertisers from tracking your activity across different websites. What happens when done? Your privacy improves, but some websites may stop working or look broken because they cannot save your preferences.

For even better protection, you can turn on “Enhanced Security Mode” in your privacy settings. This provides a more robust defense against malicious scripts than manual cookie blocking alone.

Allow or block third-party cookies in Edge

You can control how Edge handles cookies through the browser settings. First, open the Microsoft Edge browser. Click the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.

On the left menu, select Privacy, search, and services. You will see a section for Tracking prevention.

Here are the three modes you can choose:

• 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.

If you need to allow cookies for a specific site, go to Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data. Click on Allow and add the specific URL of the website you want to exempt from your blocking rules.

Allow or block third-party cookies in Edge via Registry

Advanced users or IT administrators can use the Windows Registry to set these rules. Note: Registry edits are intended for enterprise environments. We suggest using the official Edge Policy templates instead of creating manual DWORD values.

If you must use the registry, open the Windows Registry and go to this path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Remember to back up your registry before making any changes, or create a System Restore point as a safety step.

Right-click the Edge folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it BlockThirdPartyCookies. Set the value to 1 to block cookies or 0 to allow them.

You may need to restart your computer 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.