Skip to content
Follow
Browsers

How to Auto Clear Edge Browsing Data in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Dec 31, 2023 Updated Sep 15, 2026 2 min read
Enable Early Edge Releases: A Guide for Windows Insider Users
Enable Early Edge Releases: A Guide for Windows Insider Users

Automatic cache and history deletion in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 wipes your browsing data the second you close the browser window. This built-in privacy feature clears cookies, saved passwords, and visit history so you do not have to clean them up by hand.

Advertisement

You can turn on this setting in just 4 simple steps inside the Edge settings menu. Keeping this feature active protects your personal data from other people who share your PC and stops websites from tracking you.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Edge Settings, go to Privacy, search, and services, and enable the toggles for desired data types under “Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.” This will automatically delete selected browsing data when you exit the application.

Advertisement

How to Auto-Clear Browsing Data in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge lets you auto clear Edge browsing data every time you close the window by changing a few settings. This built-in privacy feature wipes your cookies, history, and cache automatically so you do not have to delete them by hand after every web browsing session.

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three dots (…) in the upper right corner. This opens the menu.
  3. Select Settings from the menu.

    micrsoft edge browser more option and settings
    micrsoft edge browser more option and settings
  4. On the left side, click Privacy, search, and services.

    microsoft edge browser privacy search and services page
    microsoft edge browser privacy search and services page
  5. Look for the box that says “Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.” Click it to expand the options.

    Microsoft Edge choose what to clear every time you close the browser
    Microsoft Edge choose what to clear every time you close the browser
  6. Turn on the toggle switches next to each type of data you want to delete. For example, turn on the switch for browsing history, cookies, and cached files.

    Microsoft Edge choose what to clear every time you close the browser options
    Microsoft Edge choose what to clear every time you close the browser options
  7. Close the Settings tab. You’re done!

What Happens Next? Every time you close Microsoft Edge, it will automatically delete all the data types you selected. You won’t see any messages or notifications. It just happens in the background.

Clear Browsing Data for All Users Using Registry Editor

Windows Registry Editor allows system administrators to enforce policy rules that auto clear Edge browsing data for every user account on the computer simultaneously. This configuration applies the same privacy settings across all profiles, ensuring that browsing history and cookies disappear automatically whenever anyone closes the browser.

⚠️ Admin privileges required for this section.

Advertisement
  1. Open the Registry Editor. Press the Windows key and type "regedit," then press Enter. Windows Registry Editor
  2. Navigate to this location:

    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

  3. Look for ClearBrowsingDataOnExit in the right panel. Double-click it to open it.

    Microsoft Edge choose what to clear every time you close the browser registry editor
    Microsoft Edge choose what to clear every time you close the browser registry editor
  4. Change the value to 1. This tells Edge to clear all browsing data when it closes for every user.
  5. Click OK to save the change.
  6. If you don't see ClearBrowsingDataOnExit, right-click in the empty space and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it ClearBrowsingDataOnExit. Then set the value to 1.
  7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Want to Turn It Off? Delete the ClearBrowsingDataOnExit item to restore the default behavior. Edge will stop clearing data automatically.

Summary

Automatically clearing your Edge browsing data regularly helps protect your privacy, frees up storage space, and can even improve your browser's speed and security.

Was this guide helpful?

Was this helpful?
Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.

Advertisement

📚 Related Tutorials

How to Turn Automatically Put Tabs to Sleep on or off in Microsoft Edge
Browsers How to Turn Automatically Put Tabs to Sleep on or off in Microsoft Edge
How to Clear Chrome Browsing Data on Exit
Browsers How to Clear Chrome Browsing Data on Exit
How to Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Settings on Windows 11
Browsers How to Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Settings on Windows 11
How to View and Delete Browser History in Microsoft Edge
Browsers How to View and Delete Browser History in Microsoft Edge

2 Comments

Leave a Comment

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