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

[douglas9]

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/

[Scrivener7]

1. Better yet, use Firefox.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

3. +1

[canetoad]

7. Have a look at Waterfox

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.

[Scrivener7]

8. Thanks! I'll look into it.

[littlemissmartypants]

2. Thanks for sharing this. ❤

[MuseRider]

4. Have it, don't use it but thanks.

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!

[PortTack]

5. Thx... bookmarking

[Ron Obvious]

6. I only keep it around for when I need to use a browser without an adblocker

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.

[dalton99a]

9. Kick