How to Harden Microsoft Edge by Reviewing Permissions and Extensions

What Causes This?

Microsoft Edge can become less secure over time when websites keep broad permissions like camera, microphone, notifications, location, or pop-ups that you no longer need. Risky or outdated extensions can also introduce tracking, inject ads, change search settings, or expose browsing data. In many cases, the issue builds up gradually as permissions are granted during normal browsing and extensions are installed “just to try” and then forgotten.

Common Symptoms

• Edge shows too many notification prompts or unwanted pop-up messages
• Your homepage, new tab page, or default search engine changes unexpectedly
• You see extra ads, coupon pop-ups, or redirects while browsing
• Websites ask for camera, microphone, or location access more often than expected
• Edge feels slower, crashes more, or opens suspicious tabs on its own

How to Fix It Manually

1. Open Edge settings

   • Open Microsoft Edge.
   • Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
   • Select Settings.

2. Review site permissions

   • In the left sidebar, click Cookies and site permissions.
   • Check these categories one by one:
     • Location
     • Camera
     • Microphone
     • Notifications
     • Pop-ups and redirects
     • Automatic downloads
     • Background sync
   • For each category:
     • Review the Allow list.
     • Remove sites you do not fully trust by clicking the trash icon or three dots next to the site.
     • Set sensitive permissions like camera, microphone, and location to Ask before accessing whenever possible.
     • For Notifications, remove spammy sites and consider turning notifications off entirely if you do not use them.

3. Check tracking and security settings

   • In Edge Settings, click Privacy, search, and services.
   • Under Tracking prevention, set it to Balanced or Strict.
   • Scroll to Security and make sure these are enabled if available:
     • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
     • Block potentially unwanted apps
     • Enhance your security on the web
   • These settings help block malicious downloads, scam sites, and unsafe scripts.

4. Review installed extensions

   • In Edge, click the three-dot menu > Extensions > Manage extensions.
   • Go through the list carefully.
   • Remove anything you do not recognize, no longer use, or did not intentionally install:
     • Click Remove under the extension.
   • For extensions you keep:
     • Click Details
     • Review what permissions they have
     • Turn off options that allow access on all sites unless truly necessary
   • Be especially cautious with coupon tools, PDF converters, video downloaders, and “search helper” extensions.

5. Reset startup and search settings if they were changed

   • In Settings, click Start, home, and new tabs and confirm the pages listed are the ones you want.
   • Then click Privacy, search, and services > scroll to Address bar and search.
   • Make sure your preferred search engine is selected.
   • If you see an unfamiliar provider, remove or replace it.

6. Run a Windows security check

   • Press Windows key, type Windows Security, and open it.
   • Click Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
   • If Edge settings keep changing after cleanup, run a Full scan to check for adware or unwanted software affecting the browser.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your PC for weak browser settings, suspicious extensions, and other common security issues that make Edge easier to abuse. Instead of checking every permission and startup setting manually, it helps you find risky changes faster and clean them up safely.

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