How to Browse with HTTPS-First Mode in Microsoft Edge

What HTTPS-First Mode Actually Does

Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First Mode helps keep your online activity safe by automatically trying to use a secure HTTPS connection for websites whenever it can.

Checking If HTTPS-First Mode Is Enabled

Good news, Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First Mode is turned on by default, so your browser is probably already protecting your connections automatically.

Microsoft Edge's HTTPS-First Mode automatically protects your web browsing. This mode tries to use secure connections, marked by "https," for all websites. To confirm your settings, open Edge's Settings menu. Under "Privacy, search, and services," locate the "Security" section. Ensure "Make secure connections only" is turned on to guarantee your browsing stays safe from the start.

1. Open Microsoft Edge. Launch the browser from 🖥️ your taskbar or ⊞ Start menu.
2. Click the menu button in the upper-right corner. This is the three-dot icon (labeled “Settings and more”) at the top right of your browser window.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. This opens your Edge preferences in a new tab.
4. Navigate to Privacy, search, and services. Look for this option in the left sidebar of ⚙️ the Settings page.
5. Scroll down to the Security section. This is where all your connection security options live.
6. Look for “Automatically switch to more secure connections with Automatic HTTPS.” This toggle controls whether Edge warns you about unsafe sites. It should be turned on (the switch should be blue and to the right).

The Security section within Microsoft Edge settings controls HTTPS-First Mode. On smaller screens, this Security section may appear lower and out of view. Users must scroll down to find the Security section to activate HTTPS-First Mode, which uses encrypted connections for safer browsing.

Choosing Your Security Level

Once you’ve confirmed that alerts are enabled, you can decide how aggressive you want HTTPS-First Mode to be. Microsoft Edge gives you two options. Which one you choose depends on your specific situation.

Option 1Default Setting (Recommended for Most People)

The default HTTPS-First Mode setting in Microsoft Edge is set up to warn you only when you visit public websites that aren’t using a secure HTTPS connection.

This setting balances security with practicality. Most public websites support HTTPS now. So you’ll rarely see warnings. You also avoid unnecessary alerts when accessing private networks or older services that haven’t been upgraded to HTTPS yet.

HTTPS-First Mode secures user data by always attempting to connect using HTTPS, a more secure web connection than HTTP. This mode benefits users who frequently access the public internet, even older company websites that only use HTTP. Microsoft Edge automatically changes to HTTPS whenever possible.

Option 2Maximum Security Setting

If you choose the maximum security setting for HTTPS-First Mode, Microsoft Edge will warn you about insecure connections on both public and private websites.

The trade-off is that you’ll see more warnings overall. Every insecure connection gets flagged. So you’ll need to make conscious decisions about whether to proceed or not.

HTTPS-First mode in Microsoft Edge version 115 offers maximum protection. This security mode is recommended for users in security-sensitive fields, individuals handling sensitive personal or financial data, and anyone wanting top-level protection over convenience.

How to Change Your Setting

1. Stay in the Security section of Settings. You should already be here from the previous steps.
2. Find the two alert options below “Automatically switch to more secure connections with Automatic HTTPS.” You’ll see radio buttons next to each option.
3. Select the radio button next to your preferred security level. The default option is selected by default. But you can click to switch to the more aggressive setting if you prefer.
4. Close ⚙️ the Settings tab when you’re done. Your preference saves automatically.

To change your HTTPS-First Mode setting, stay in the Security section of Microsoft Edge’s settings where you can choose your preferred level of protection.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/secure-your-web-browsing-with-https-first-mode-in-microsoft-edge

Summary

Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First Mode is designed to protect you automatically, and its default settings offer good security for most people.

Microsoft Edge's HTTPS-first mode offers enhanced security for browsing. For most users, the default settings provide adequate protection. However, individuals handling sensitive data can select a more protective option. Activating this mode will increase the frequency of the padlock icon appearing, signaling that your internet connection uses encryption for better privacy.