How to Enable or Disable Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge for Windows 11 separates different parts of the browser to boost security.
This feature creates independent running spaces for various browser tasks, like tabs or extensions. If one of these spaces is compromised by malware or crashes, the rest of your browser and computer stay safe.
For instance, if a malicious website tries to attack one tab, Process Isolation prevents it from affecting your other tabs or accessing sensitive data from other applications.
- Reading private information that Edge is handling, like passwords or bank details.
- Changing things inside Edge’s running programs, which malware could use to take control.
- Accessing secret information that Edge uses for safe connections.
Tip: For most users, enabling Process Isolation provides an additional layer of online security without altering how Edge functions.
To enable Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge, open Registry Editor as administrator, navigate to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named ProcessIsolationEnabled, set its data to 1, and restart Edge. To disable, set the same value data to 0.
How to Turn On Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge
Ready to enhance your browser’s security? Let’s enable Process Isolation. We’ll be making modifications within a system tool known as the Registry Editor, but we’ll guide you through each step.
Step 1Open the Registry Editor
To change how Microsoft Edge handles security with process isolation, you first need to open the Registry Editor. This tool holds important Windows settings, so be careful when making changes. To open it, click the Start button, type regedit, and then right-click on Registry Editor in the results.
- Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type
regeditinto the search box. - You’ll see “Registry Editor” in the search results. Right-click on it.
- Choose “Run as administrator”. You need special permission to make the changes we’re about to do.
- If a box pops up asking “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”, click Yes.
Step 2Go to the Right Place in the Registry
Once the Registry Editor is open, you need to find the exact spot for Microsoft Edge’s settings. Think of it like finding a specific folder on your computer. You’ll navigate through folders on the left side of the window to reach the correct registry key for Edge.
Within the Registry Editor window, examine the left-hand pane. You’ll see a hierarchical structure of folders, referred to as keys.
You can expand folders in the registry editor by clicking the plus sign (+) next to each folder. This action opens the contents of that specific folder so you can see the files and subfolders within it. Following this method allows you to reach the intended registry path, for example, `🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge`.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
Step 3Create or Change the ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ Setting
You’ve found the right spot in the registry to manage Edge’s process isolation. To create the setting, right-click in the empty space on the right side of the window. Then, choose ‘New’ and select ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value’. Name this new item exactly ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ and press Enter.
- With the
Edgekey selected on the left side, look at the right side. - Right-click on an empty space on the right side.
- Choose New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- A new item will show up. Name it exactly:
ProcessIsolationEnabled - Press Enter to confirm the name.
- Now, double-click the new
ProcessIsolationEnabledvalue you just made. - A small window will appear. In the “Value data” box, type
1. - Make sure “Base” is set to Hexadecimal (it usually is already).
- Click OK.
Explanation:DWORD (32-bit) Value
This is a type of data within the Windows Registry. When set to 1, it instructs Microsoft Edge to enable Process Isolation.
Setting the ProcessIsolationEnabled value to 1 tells Microsoft Edge to turn ON Process Isolation.
Step 4Close the Registry Editor and Restart Edge
After making changes in the Registry Editor, you need to restart Microsoft Edge for them to take effect. Close the Registry Editor window. Then, make sure you close all open Edge windows completely. Finally, open Microsoft Edge again, and the new setting for process isolation will be active.
- Close the Registry Editor window by clicking the ‘X’ in the top-right corner.
- If Microsoft Edge is open, close it completely. Make sure all Edge windows are shut.
- Now, open Microsoft Edge again. The new Process Isolation setting will be active.
Warning: If you don’t close and reopen Edge, the change will not take effect until your computer is restarted and Edge is launched again.
How to Turn Off Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge
If you enabled Process Isolation and are experiencing issues with other applications, or if you decide you no longer need it, disabling it is a similar process.
Step 1Open the Registry Editor (as Administrator)
Follow the same steps as in Step 1 of the “Turn On ” section to open the Registry Editor with administrator privileges.
- Click Start, type
regedit. - Right-click on Registry Editor and choose “Run as administrator”.
- Click Yes on the UAC prompt if it shows up.
Step 2Go to the ‘Edge’ Registry Key
Navigate to the identical location as before:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
Ensure the Edge key is selected in the left pane.
Step 3Change the ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ Setting
To turn off process isolation in Microsoft Edge, you need to change the ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ value in the registry. Find this value on the right side of the editor and double-click it. In the box that appears, type 0 for the ‘Value data’ and make sure the ‘Base’ is set to ‘Hexadecimal’, then click OK.
- On the right side, find the
ProcessIsolationEnabledvalue. - Double-click on it.
- In the “Value data” box, type
0. - Make sure the Base is set to Hexadecimal.
- Click OK.
Explanation:0
Setting the ProcessIsolationEnabled value to 0 tells Microsoft Edge to turn OFF Process Isolation.
Tip: To completely remove the setting, you can right-click on ProcessIsolationEnabled in the right pane and select ‘Delete.’ This will revert Edge to its default behavior for this feature, which may be enabled or disabled depending on Microsoft’s current rollout strategy.
Step 4Close the Registry Editor and Restart Edge
Similar to when enabling the feature, you must restart Edge for the change to take effect.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Make sure all Microsoft Edge windows are closed.
- Open Microsoft Edge again. Process Isolation should now be off.
Setting it Back to Default (Not Configured)
Occasionally, you might prefer to let Microsoft manage the Process Isolation setting through its updates. This is achieved by setting the policy to “Not Configured.”
Step 1Open Registry Editor as Administrator
To change Process Isolation settings in Microsoft Edge, you must first open the Registry Editor and run that program as an administrator. This action allows you to make the necessary changes to system settings.
- Click Start, type
regedit. - Right-click on Registry Editor and choose “Run as administrator”.
- Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
Step 2Go to the ‘Edge’ Key
Navigate to the familiar path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
Ensure the Edge key is highlighted in the left pane.
Step 3Delete the ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ Setting
If you want to go back to the default setting for process isolation in Edge, you should delete the ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ registry value. Find ‘ProcessIsolationEnabled’ on the right side of the Registry Editor, right-click on it, and choose ‘Delete’. Confirm that you want to delete it when asked.
- On the right side, find the
ProcessIsolationEnabledvalue. - Right-click on
ProcessIsolationEnabled. - Choose Delete from the menu that appears.
- A warning will ask if you are sure you want to delete this value. Click Yes.
Explanation: By deleting the ProcessIsolationEnabled value, you remove the specific instruction given to Edge. Windows will then revert to its default behavior for this setting, which could mean it’s on or off, depending on Microsoft’s current deployment plan for this feature.
Tip: Deleting the value is the most effective way to reset it. This action ensures no manual setting is forcing Process Isolation on or off.
Step 4Close Registry Editor and Restart Edge
One final action is required to apply the change.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Close all Edge windows.
- Open Microsoft Edge again. Process Isolation will now be in its default, unconfigured state.
References:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-policies/processisolationenabled
Summary
Process Isolation in Microsoft Edge is a security setting that protects your data by separating browser parts. You control Process Isolation using the Windows Registry. To turn Process Isolation on, set 'ProcessIsolationEnabled' to 1. To turn Process Isolation off, set 'ProcessIsolationEnabled' to 0. To let Windows manage Process Isolation, delete the 'ProcessIsolationEnabled' value.
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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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