Microsoft Edge has evolved into a powerful and feature-rich browser, especially for those who appreciate AI integration. However, with the increasing sophistication of online threats, it’s crucial to optimize your browser’s security settings. Let’s explore five effective ways to fortify Microsoft Edge’s defenses in 2025.
Enable Enhanced Security Mode
Enhanced Security Mode is a powerful feature that significantly bolsters Edge’s protection against potential threats.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner to access Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Security section.
Step 4: Toggle on “Enhance your security on the web”.
Step 5: Choose between “Balanced” and “Strict” modes. Balanced offers solid protection without impacting most websites, while Strict provides maximum security but may affect some site functionality.
This feature disables just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation on unfamiliar sites and enables additional operating system protections like Hardware-enforced Stack Protection and Arbitrary Code Guard (ACG). These measures make it significantly harder for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities.
Leverage Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen acts as a robust shield against phishing attacks and malware downloads.
Step 1: In Edge Settings, go to Privacy, search, and services.
Step 2: Scroll to the Security section.
Step 3: Ensure “Microsoft Defender SmartScreen” is toggled on.
Step 4: Also enable “Block potentially unwanted apps” for additional protection.
SmartScreen checks websites and downloads against a constantly updated list of known threats. It can prevent you from accessing malicious sites or downloading harmful files, providing real-time protection as you browse.
Optimize Tracking Prevention
Tracking Prevention limits how much of your browsing data websites can collect, enhancing both privacy and security.
Step 1: In Edge Settings, navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
Step 2: Under Tracking prevention, ensure it’s turned on.
Step 3: Choose your preferred level: Basic, Balanced, or Strict.
Balanced is a good starting point, blocking trackers from sites you haven’t visited while allowing some personalization. Strict offers maximum protection but may break some website features.
Implement Robust Password Management
Edge’s built-in password manager can be a convenient tool, but it’s crucial to use it securely.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
Step 2: Enable “Offer to save passwords” if you want to use Edge’s password manager.
Step 3: Turn on “Warn me when passwords appear in an online leak”.
Step 4: Regularly click “Password Monitor” to check for compromised passwords.
For enhanced security, consider using a dedicated password manager that offers features like two-factor authentication and secure password sharing.
Configure Automatic Browsing Data Clearance
Automatically clearing your browsing data can prevent unauthorized access to your online activities, especially on shared devices.
Step 1: In Edge Settings, go to Privacy, search, and services.
Step 2: Scroll down to “Clear browsing data”.
Step 3: Click on “Choose what to clear every time you close the browser”.
Step 4: Select the data types you want to clear automatically, such as browsing history, download history, cookies, and cached images and files.
This feature ensures that sensitive information isn’t left behind after your browsing sessions, reducing the risk of data exposure.
By implementing these security measures, you can significantly improve your privacy and security while using Microsoft Edge. Remember to keep your browser and operating system updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features. Regular security audits of your browser settings can help maintain a robust defense against evolving online threats.