Enable Bing SafeSearch in Microsoft Edge

This article explains how to force Bing SafeSearch in Microsoft Edge Browser when using Windows 10.

By default, when you search Bing, all relevant information related to the keyword is displayed without any filters. Content that is not appropriate for children may also appear.

With the new Microsoft Edge, you can filter content and limit Bing search results to show only safe content. This feature ensures that all Bing web searches are performed with SafeSearch set to the specified value, and users are unable to change this setting.

Turn on SafeSearch via Windows Registry

One effective method to ensure all users on a Windows system utilize SafeSearch is through the Windows registry. While there are several options available in Windows, modifying the registry is the simplest and most effective solution.

To enable, press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run command box. Or use the search function to search for the Run app.

In the command box, type the commands below and press Enter.

regedit

Then the registry opens; navigate to the path below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft

Right-click on the Microsoft folder and select New ==> Key. Name the key Edge.

After that, right-click the Edge key you created and select the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option to create a REG_DWORD value.

Name the new DWORD value as:

ForceBingSafeSearch

After saving the DWORD above, double-click it to open. Then, enter the value of 1 to enable.

Policy options:

• BingSafeSearchNoRestrictionsMode (0) = Don’t configure search restrictions in Bing
• BingSafeSearchModerateMode (1) = Configure moderate search restrictions in Bing
• BingSafeSearchStrictMode (2) = Configure strict search restrictions in Bing

Or you can simply delete the Edge key to undo the abovementioned changes.

If you configure this policy to ‘BingSafeSearchNoRestrictionsMode‘, SafeSearch in Bing search returns to the bing.com value.

If you configure this policy to ‘BingSafeSearchModerateMode‘, the moderate setting is used in SafeSearch. The moderate setting filters adult videos and images but not text from search results.

If you configure this policy to ‘BingSafeSearchStrictMode‘, the strict setting in SafeSearch is used. The strict setting filters adult text, images, and videos.

If you turn off this policy or don’t configure it, SafeSearch in Bing search isn’t enforced, and users can set the value they want on Bing.com.

That’s it!

Conclusion:

To summarize, enabling Bing SafeSearch in the Microsoft Edge browser for Windows 10 ensures a safer browsing experience for users, especially children. By following the steps outlined, you can effectively restrict search results to kid-friendly content. Here are the key points:

• Safety First: SafeSearch filters out inappropriate content, providing a safer online environment for kids.
• User Control: This setting prevents users from altering SafeSearch, ensuring consistency across all accounts.
• Registry Modification: The Windows Registry provides an effective method to enforce SafeSearch settings system-wide.
• Policy Options: You can choose between no restrictions, moderate, or strict search filters based on your preference.
• Easy Reversal: Changes can be undone simply by deleting the Edge key in the Registry if needed.

By implementing these measures, you can ensure a more appropriate and secure online experience for everyone.