How to Enable Enhanced Security Mode in Microsoft Edge

This post explains how to turn on or off enhanced security mode in the Microsoft Edge web browser.

The Microsoft Edge browser is the default browser in Windows 11. However, users can  switch to their preferred or favorite browser anytime. Edge is based on Chromium, which is the same technology used by Google Chrome and other modern browsers.

Why Use Enhanced Security Mode?

Microsoft Edge offers an enhanced security mode. This extra layer of protection helps keep you safe when browsing the web. It’s especially useful when visiting unfamiliar websites.

What Happens When You Enable Enhanced Security?

When enhanced security is turned on, you can choose from three security levels: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. The feature protects against memory-related vulnerabilities. It does this by disabling just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation. It also enables additional protections from your operating system.

You can manually add site exceptions. This automatically turns off the enhanced security mode for those specific websites.

Security Levels Explained

• Off (Default) — Feature is turned off.
• Basic (Recommended) — Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to less visited sites. Websites will work as expected.
• Balanced — Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to sites you don’t engage with often or are unknown to you. Websites you browse frequently will be left out. Most sites will work as expected.
• Strict — Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to all sites visited by default. Strict mode may impact your ability to complete normal tasks on the web because some parts of websites might not work as expected.

How to Enable or Disable Enhanced Security Mode

Method 1: Using Microsoft Edge Settings

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click the Setting and more button. This is the 3 horizontal dots on the top right corner. You can also press Alt+F.
3. Select Settings.

4. Click on Privacy, search, and services on the left panel.

5. On the Privacy, search, and Services page, find the Security section.
6. Toggle the button for Enhance your Security on the web to the On position to enable it.
7. To disable it, simply toggle the button back to the Off position.

8. Once enabled, you can choose the security level you need. Select from Basic, Balanced, or Strict.
9. Exit and restart Microsoft Edge for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Using Windows Registry Editor

⚠️ FLAG: This method requires admin privileges.

Alternatively, you can use the Windows Registry Editor to turn enhanced security mode on or off in Edge.

1. Open the Windows Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this folder key path:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

If you don’t see the Edge folder key, right-click on the Microsoft parent key. Then create a new subkey folder called Edge.

3. Right-click in the Edge folder’s right pane.
4. Select New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Type a new key name: EnhanceSecurityMode

6. Double-click the new value name EnhanceSecurityMode.
7. Enter the Value data:
   • Enter 1 to enable enhanced security mode in Edge.
   • Enter 0 to disable enhanced security mode in Edge.
8. Click OK.
9. Restart your computer for the changes to apply.

Summary

Enabling enhanced security mode in Microsoft Edge protects you against memory-related vulnerabilities. You have two simple ways to enable or disable it. You can use the Settings menu in Edge. Or you can use the Windows Registry Editor for more control. The feature offers three security levels to choose from: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. Choose the level that matches your browsing needs. Remember to restart Edge or your computer after making changes. This ensures the new settings take effect properly.

Reference:

Microsoft.com