How to Manage Website Notifications in Microsoft Edge

You can manage website notifications in Microsoft Edge by accessing the browser’s settings to control which sites can send you alerts and how those alerts appear.

Website notifications are pop-up messages from websites that you’ve granted permission to send updates directly to your desktop, even when Edge is closed.

In Microsoft Edge version 119, you have granular control over these alerts. You can block all notifications, allow them on a site-by-site basis, or even set them to ask for permission each time.

This control helps you reduce digital clutter and focus on the information that matters most to you.

What Are Website Notifications?

Before we start, let’s understand what these notifications are. Website notifications are small messages that appear on your screen, usually in the bottom-right corner. They can also be found in your system’s Notification Center. This is a good place to see anything you missed.

When you allow a website to send notifications, they can keep showing up even after you close Microsoft Edge, which is why managing them is important. These are system alerts from websites you’ve visited, not pop-up ads inside your browser – those are a different beast we’ll touch on briefly.

Notifications vs. Pop-ups

It’s important to know the difference. Pop-ups are usually ads or offers that open in a new window or tab. Website notifications are meant to inform you about content from a specific site. They show up as system messages.

If you are dealing with lots of ads, you need to block pop-ups. This is a separate step. Today, we are only talking about website notifications.

How to Block Notifications in Edge Settings

This section is where you control all your site permissions, including notifications, and you can make big changes here.

1. Open Edge Settings

   First, open Microsoft Edge’s settings. Click the three dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner. From the menu, choose Settings.

2. Go to Site Permissions

   In the Settings menu, look at the left sidebar. Click on Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down and click on Site permissions. This page lets you manage permissions for different website features.

3. See All Sites

   On the Site permissions page, find and click on All sites. This shows a list of every website that has asked for or been given permissions on your computer.

4. Find the Website

   You’ll see a long list of websites you can scroll through. If you know the site you’re looking for, type its name in the search bar at the top of the ‘All sites’ list to find it faster.

5. Block Notifications for That Site

   Find the website in the list and click on its name. This will show the specific permissions you gave it. Look for the Notifications setting. Click the dropdown menu next to it and choose Block.

   Tip: You can also turn notifications back on here. Go back to this menu and change the dropdown from Block to Allow.

How to Manage Notifications from the Address Bar

Sometimes, you might be on a website and realize you are getting too many notifications. You can manage it right there without going into settings.

1. Visit the Website

   Open Microsoft Edge and go to the website you want to manage notifications for. This works best when you are on the site.

2. Click the Site Information Icon

   Look to the left side of your browser’s address bar. You will see a small icon. It might be a padlock if the site is secure, or a globe. Click this icon. This is the View site information button.

3. Find the Notifications Permission

   A small panel will appear with website details and permissions. Look for ‘Permissions for this site,’ and you should see Notifications listed there.

4. Choose to Block

   Next to Notifications, there is a dropdown menu. Click it. You will see options like Allow or Block. Choose Block to stop this site from sending notifications.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/manage-website-notifications-in-microsoft-edge

Summary

Dealing with unwanted website notifications can interrupt your focus and clutter your digital life. By following these simple steps in Microsoft Edge, you can take control. You can decide which websites can send you alerts. You can manage everything from the main settings or make quick changes from the address bar. Now you can create a quieter and more productive browsing experience.