How to Browse with HTTPS-First Mode in Microsoft Edge

What HTTPS-First Mode Actually Does

Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First Mode helps keep you safer online by automatically trying to connect to websites using a secure HTTPS connection whenever possible. This mode protects your information while you browse the internet, ensuring your connection is private and secure.

By default, Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First mode shows warnings only for public websites. To increase caution for all websites, users can change this behavior. This ensures Edge warns about HTTP connections for both public and private company sites, not just public ones.

Checking If HTTPS-First Mode Is Enabled

Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First Mode is already turned on for you by default. This feature tries to use secure “https” connections for all websites without you needing to do anything.

Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-First Mode automatically protects your web browsing by trying to use secure connections, marked by “https,” for all websites. To confirm your settings, open Edge’s Settings menu and navigate to “Privacy, search, and services.” Then, locate the “Security” section and 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)

Microsoft Edge’s default HTTPS-First Mode setting warns you only when you visit public websites that aren’t using a secure HTTPS connection. This setting offers a good balance, as most websites now use HTTPS, so you’ll rarely see unnecessary warnings.

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 your data by always trying to connect using HTTPS, a more secure web connection than HTTP. This mode helps you when you often use the public internet, even older company websites that only use HTTP. Microsoft Edge automatically changes to HTTPS whenever possible.

Option 2Maximum Security Setting

Choosing the maximum security setting for HTTPS-First Mode means Microsoft Edge will warn you about insecure connections on both public and private websites. This gives you more control, but you will see more warnings and need to decide whether to proceed on less secure sites.

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 Edge’s Settings. Look for the two alert options below “Automatically switch to more secure connections with Automatic HTTPS.” Click the radio button next to your preferred security level to select it.

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, with default settings offering good security for most people. This mode helps ensure your browsing is secure by prioritizing HTTPS connections, and you can adjust it for even more security if needed.

Microsoft Edge’s HTTPS-first mode enhances your browsing security. 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.