Tracking prevention

Tracking prevention limits what recognized online trackers can do while you browse. Depending on your selected level, Microsoft Edge can restrict trackers' access to cookies and other browser storage and prevent some tracking resources from loading.

Trackers can collect activity on a website or across websites. Some also support features such as embedded content and social interactions, so blocking them can sometimes affect how a page works.

Balanced is the recommended setting for most people. Basic allows more tracking and personalization. Strict applies broader protections but is more likely to affect how some websites work

No. Tracking prevention doesn't block every tracker or remove every ad. Microsoft Edge applies protections to recognized trackers based on your selected level, and some resources may be allowed to help websites work properly.

Some website features depend on resources that tracking prevention may restrict. With Strict enabled, you might find that a video doesn't play or a sign-in experience doesn't work as expected.

Balanced includes compatibility safeguards for sites and services you regularly use. Microsoft Edge may relax some restrictions so features such as embedded content continue to work.

Yes. By default, InPrivate uses the same tracking prevention level as regular browsing. You can also turn on Always use "Strict" tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate in Privacy, search, and services settings.

A lower count doesn't necessarily mean less protection. Strict can prevent a tracking resource from loading, which may also prevent additional tracking requests that would otherwise be counted.