UPDATE: This controversial image enhancement feature now seems to have been removed by Microsoft, following privacy concerns.
Don’t be mistaken, we still like Microsoft Edge, but lately, something has come to our attention that we needed to share with our community.
I mean.. it’s generally a good idea to be aware of what your browser is doing behind the scenes. Right? So here it is… there’s an active Edge setting that quietly sends all of the images you view online… to Microsoft.
While this might not seem like a big deal – it’s done to enhance the images – some business owners might be concerned about the privacy implications. After all, you never know who might be looking at your browsing history.
The good news is that it’s easy to disable this setting if you’re concerned about it. Here’s how:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots (aka “More actions”) in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- From the drop-down, select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Privacy, search, and services.”
- Under the “Services” section, turn off the toggle switch next to “Improve your web experience by allowing Microsoft to use information about websites you browse to improve search suggestions or to show you more relevant advertising.”
That’s it! With just a few clicks, you’ve disabled the feature that sends images to Microsoft.
Of course, there are other settings in Edge that you might want to explore as well, like the ones that control your data collection preferences or the ones that limit pop-ups and redirects.
Why should you spend a few minutes to check your browser settings? Simply put… it can help protect your privacy and security online. By being aware of what your browser is really doing, you can make informed decisions about what data to share (and what to keep private).
Plus… exploring your browser settings can be a fun and educational experience in its own right. Who knows… you may discover new features or a few hidden gems you never knew existed.
And don’t worry; you don’t have to be a geek to understand these settings. In fact, Microsoft has done a semi-decent job of making them simple and straightforward, with clear explanations and helpful tips along the way.
Of course, if you ever get stuck, our team is happy to help. Let us know!
