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How to Control Copilot’s Access to Context in Microsoft Edge

Richard
Written by
Richard
Nov 18, 2024 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
How to Control Copilot’s Access to Context in Microsoft Edge
How to Control Copilot’s Access to Context in Microsoft Edge

Limiting what Copilot can see in Microsoft Edge stops the built-in AI from reading your open tabs and browsing history. Browsing context is the personal data that Copilot pulls from web pages you visit to answer questions and write text.

Turning off this feature keeps your private web activity away from Microsoft’s AI servers. You can change these privacy settings in Edge within a few clicks to block Copilot from checking your active pages.

⚡ Quick Answer

You control Copilot’s context access in Microsoft Edge via its settings. Navigate to Settings, then Copilot and sidebar, and toggle “Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web” on or off to manage its access to your browsing information.

Turn off “Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web” in Edge

Stopping Copilot from reading web pages in Microsoft Edge requires toggling its context clue setting off. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right, then choose Settings. Select “Copilot and sidebar” from the left menu to find the option.

First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.

Then, click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more, or Alt+F) in the top right corner and select Settings.

micrsoft edge browser more option and settings
Microsoft Edge browser has more options and settings

Select “Copilot and sidebar” on the Settings page on the left.

Copilot and sidebar in Microsoft Edge
Copilot and sidebar in Microsoft Edge

Under "App and notification settings," click the Copilot tile to expand it.

Copilot and sidebar settings
Copilot and sidebar settings

Find the “Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web” option and toggle its button to turn it on or off.

Copilot allow to read context clues
Copilot allow to read context clues

Close the Settings page when finished.

Your changes take effect immediately.

Reference:

Microsoft

Managing how Copilot accesses browsing information in Microsoft Edge controls privacy levels. Here is a quick recap:

  • Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11 and leverages browsing context to enhance the Copilot experience.
  • Users can turn the "Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web" feature on or off according to their preferences.
  • The process involves navigating Settings > Copilot and sidebar > App and notification settings, then toggling the relevant option.
  • Disabling this feature can help users maintain a more private browsing experience by preventing the use of browser history and preferences for prompt responses.
  • Always ensure that your Edge browser is up to date to access the latest features and settings.

Customizing the Copilot experience and enhancing browsing privacy involves following these steps to regulate data access.

How to give Microsoft Copilot context?

Giving Microsoft Copilot context happens through the URL context feature. Copilot Chat references information directly from chosen web pages by pasting a URL into the prompt.

How do I remove Copilot from Edge context menu?

Removing Copilot from the Taskbar requires right-clicking the Taskbar, selecting “Taskbar settings,” and toggling Copilot to “Off.”

Can Copilot scrape a website for MS Edge?

Copilot in Edge extracts data from web pages 🌐💡 The Copilot pane works on open tabs to scrape data 📊 for comparison ⚖️ and summarization 📝.

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Richard

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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