Browsers

How to Enable or Disable ‘Add Profile’ in Microsoft Edge

Richard
Written by
Richard
Apr 23, 2024 Updated Apr 20, 2026 3 min read

Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11. However, users can  switch to their preferred or favorite browser anytime. Edge is based on Chromium, similar to Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers today.

The BrowserAddProfileEnabled policy controls whether people can create new profiles in Microsoft Edge. By default, this option is turned on. That means users can add new profiles whenever they want. If you turn it off, people won’t be able to create new profiles.

Why Would You Want to Change This?

You might want to disable the “Add Profile” option if you’re sharing a computer with others and want to prevent them from creating new user profiles in Edge.

What Happens When You Disable It?

When you disable this option, users cannot add new profiles from the Identity menu or the Settings page in Edge.

How to Enable or Disable the Add Profile Option in Edge

  1. Close all Microsoft Edge windows first.
  2. Open the Windows Registry editor as administrator. ⚠️ Admin privileges required
  3. Navigate to the registry key below:
    💻Code
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
  4. To disable “Add Profile,” type: 0
  5. If you don’t see the “BrowserAddProfileEnabled” item, right-click in the empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it “BrowserAddProfileEnabled,” and enter: 0
  6. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
  7. Double-click the BrowserAddProfileEnabled item in the right pane to open it.
Registry Editor window showing the BrowserAddProfileEnabled key for Microsoft Edge

How to Turn It Back On

To allow the “Add Profile” option again, simply delete the “BrowserAddProfileEnabled” item you created. Then restart your computer.

Summary

Controlling the “Add Profile” option in Microsoft Edge is easy. Just open the Windows Registry editor and change the BrowserAddProfileEnabled value. Type 0 to turn off profile creation, or delete the entry to turn it back on. Remember to restart your computer after making changes. For more help, visit Microsoft.com

How do I enable the 'Add Profile' option in Microsoft Edge?

To enable the 'Add Profile' option in Microsoft Edge, open the Windows Registry editor as an administrator. Navigate to ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdge and set the BrowserAddProfileEnabled value to 1.


What happens if I disable the 'Add Profile' option in Edge?

If you disable the 'Add Profile' option in Microsoft Edge by setting the BrowserAddProfileEnabled value to 0, users will no longer be able to create new profiles from the Identity flyout menu or the Settings page.


Where can I find the BrowserAddProfileEnabled setting?

The BrowserAddProfileEnabled setting can be found in the Windows Registry editor under the key ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdge. If it doesn't exist, you can create it as a new DWORD (32-bit) value.


Do I need to restart my computer after changing the Edge profile settings?

Yes, after modifying the BrowserAddProfileEnabled setting in the Windows Registry, you may need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.


How can I restore the default 'Add Profile' option in Edge?

To restore the default 'Add Profile' option in Microsoft Edge, simply delete the BrowserAddProfileEnabled entry from the Windows Registry. This will revert Edge to its original settings, allowing users to add profiles again.

Was this guide helpful?

Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version