How to Toggle Personalization in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge personalization settings let you control how the browser uses your browsing data for things like ads and news.
This feature allows Microsoft to collect information about your visits to websites, including which sites you go to, their web addresses (URLs), and when you visited them.
By default, if you simply click “Got it!” when prompted to personalize your web experience, you agree to this data collection for targeted advertising and content.
This guide explains how to find and change these personalization settings in Microsoft Edge to manage your privacy.
To enable or disable the Personalize Web Experience, open Edge Settings, navigate to Privacy, search, and services, and toggle the Personalization & advertising switch. Alternatively, use the Registry Editor to create or modify the PersonalizationReportingEnabled DWORD value under 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge.
Turn on or off Personalization & advertising in Edge
As mentioned, Microsoft uses your browsing data to provide a personalized web experience, including ads, search results, and more.
If you’d prefer Microsoft not to store your browsing data for web personalization, you can turn this feature off.
Conversely, you can turn it back on if you want your information used for web personalization.
Begin by opening the Microsoft Edge browser.
Next, click on Setting and more (Alt+F), which is the 3 horizontal dots button in the top right corner, and select Settings.
On the Settings page, click the Privacy, search, and services button in the left panel.
Select the "Personalization & advertising" tile on the right side.
Then, use the switch button to toggle the feature On or Off.
Close the browser settings once you're finished.
Enable or disable Personalization and advertising in Microsoft Edge via the Registry Editor
An alternative method to turn "Personalization & advertising" on or off involves using the Windows Registry editor.
To do this, open the Windows Registry editor, and navigate to the registry key shown below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
If you don't see the 'Personalization' folder (key), right-click on its parent key, and then create a new subkey named 'Edge'.
In the right pane of the Edge folder (key), right-click and select 'New' > 'DWORD (32-bit) Value'. Name this new item 'PersonalizationReportingEnabled'.
Double-click the item you just created (PersonalizationReportingEnabled) and update its 'Value data':
- To disable personalization & advertising, type 0.
- To enable Personalization & advertising, delete the PersonalizationReportingEnabled item created above.
By opting out of sharing this data, Microsoft will cease collecting and using your browsing activity for personalization of advertising or experiences from that point forward.
That's it. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
You can also manage data and additional advertising settings via your Microsoft account privacy dashboard.
Device-level advertising settings in Windows can also be controlled.
You're all set!
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Conclusion:
- In this article, you learned how to manage Personalization & advertising settings in the Microsoft Edge browser, including turning it on or off and hiding its prompts.
- By following the step-by-step guide, you can take control of your browsing data and tailor your web experience according to your preferences.
- Additionally, utilizing the Windows Registry editor provides an alternative method to enable or disable Personalization & advertising.
- You can also manage data and advertising settings through your Microsoft account privacy dashboard and device settings.
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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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