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douglas9

(4,474 posts)
Wed Dec 22, 2021, 08:40 AM Dec 2021

Microsoft Edge may be sending search results to Microsoft! Here is how you turn that off

Microsoft Edge may send search results from any search that is run in the browser to Microsoft by default. The feature is not limited to Bing Search, it will inform Microsoft about searches on all search engines, including Google, DuckDuckGo, or StartPage, that users of Edge make, if the setting is enabled.

If you are using Microsoft Edge, either as the main browser on the system, as a secondary browser, or only when it is open as the default browser for certain links on the system, then you may want to check the settings of the browser to find out if search data is being sent to Microsoft.

When I opened Microsoft Edge today, Assistance from Microsoft Edge displays a popup shortly after start. It told me that I could help Microsoft make search better and that Microsoft "will collect results from searches that you perform in the browser to improve Microsoft products and services". The data that is collected by Microsoft is "never associated" with the user or the device, Microsoft added reassuringly.

https://www.ghacks.net/2021/12/22/microsoft-edge-send-search-results/

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Microsoft Edge may be sending search results to Microsoft! Here is how you turn that off (Original Post) douglas9 Dec 2021 OP
Better yet, use Firefox. Scrivener7 Dec 2021 #1
+1 50 Shades Of Blue Dec 2021 #3
Have a look at Waterfox canetoad Dec 2021 #7
Thanks! I'll look into it. Scrivener7 Dec 2021 #8
Thanks for sharing this. ❤ littlemissmartypants Dec 2021 #2
Have it, don't use it but thanks. MuseRider Dec 2021 #4
Thx... bookmarking PortTack Dec 2021 #5
I only keep it around for when I need to use a browser without an adblocker Ron Obvious Dec 2021 #6
Kick dalton99a Dec 2021 #9

canetoad

(18,079 posts)
7. Have a look at Waterfox
Sun Dec 26, 2021, 07:02 PM
Dec 2021

Based on Firefox, same add-ons.

Firefox became too tricky for it's own good. I learned about Waterfox from someone in this group; it's a really good alternative.

MuseRider

(34,352 posts)
4. Have it, don't use it but thanks.
Wed Dec 22, 2021, 10:00 AM
Dec 2021

I will check it out to make sure it is on that setting. I believe I did that when it showed up at the very first but will check it out.

Thank you!

 

Ron Obvious

(6,261 posts)
6. I only keep it around for when I need to use a browser without an adblocker
Wed Dec 22, 2021, 02:38 PM
Dec 2021

I like Microsoft (disclaimer: I worked there 11 years), but the Edge-nagging is both desperate, offensive and inappropriate.

I'd rather see that sort of behaviour regulated out of existence.

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