Microsoft Edge Configuration Policy

Body

The Information Technology Services department has implemented a new policy for Microsoft Edge browser settings on college-owned Windows computers. This policy does not affect Edge on personal computers or mobile devices, even if signed into a college account. Here are the key changes:

  • Home Page and Launch Behavior: Edge will always open to www.cpcc.edu as the home page.
  • New Tab Content: The new tab page will be free of recommended content and news feeds.
  • Ad and Download Blocking: Intrusive ads and known malicious downloads are blocked.
  • Feature Recommendations: Edge will not make feature recommendations to users.
  • Import Restrictions: Importing browser data (like history, bookmarks, saved form data, and cookies) from other browsers is disabled. Note: This will be allowed for a short time period to allow users to import bookmarks.
  • Ad Customization: Browser data (bookmarks, browsing history, searches) won't be shared with Microsoft for customized ads.
  • Feedback and Payment Methods: Users cannot submit browser feedback to Microsoft, and websites cannot access saved payment methods.
  • Bing Search Results: Ads and sponsored results are blocked in Bing searches.
  • Cookies and History: Third-party cookies are blocked, and automatic clearing of browsing history and cookies upon closing Edge is disabled.
  • Privacy Mode: InPrivate mode (Incognito) option is not available.
  • Sync Settings: When signed in from multiple locations, only bookmarks are synced with cloud services.
  • Sign-In Restrictions: Only college Microsoft accounts can be used to sign into Edge.
  • AutoFill: Edge will not save address, payment, username, or password information for later use by AutoFill.
  • History and Download Clearing: Users cannot clear browsing and download history but can still clear browser cache and cookies.
  • Security Warnings: Users will receive warnings when interacting with form fields on unsecure websites (HTTP).
  • First Run Screen: The first run welcome screen is disabled.
  • Built-In Support and Insider Program: Access to built-in support and prompts for the Microsoft Insider program are disabled.
  • Update Frequency: Edge checks for updates every 12 hours. If a user does not relaunch the browser within a day to apply an update, it will relaunch automatically.
  • Shopping Features: Built-in online shopping features like coupon searches, rebates, and express checkout are disabled.
  • IE Compatibility and Suggestions: The ability to reload websites in Internet Explorer mode and suggestions for alternate sites if a website cannot be reached are disabled.
  • Google Casting: Google casting features are disabled.
  • Automatic Downloads and Geolocation: Websites are prevented from automatically triggering downloads, and geolocation data is not shared with any website.
  • Typo Protection: Enabled to correct typos for websites known to have malicious typo sites.
  • SmartScreen: Windows Defender SmartScreen integration is enabled, providing warnings about possible phishing and malicious sites.
  • SafeSearch: SafeSearch settings for the Bing and Google search engines are restricted so users cannot turn off SafeSearch.

These changes are aimed at improving security, privacy, and user experience on college-owned devices.

Glossary of Technical Terms

  • InPrivate Mode (Incognito): A browsing mode that doesn't save your browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered in forms. It's useful for keeping your session private from other users of the same device.
  • Google Casting: A feature that allows you to cast or mirror your browser content to a Google Chromecast device connected to a TV or other display.
  • Third-Party Cookies: Cookies that are set by a website other than the one you are currently visiting. These are often used for tracking and advertising purposes.
  • AutoFill: A browser feature that automatically fills in forms with saved information like addresses, payment details, and login credentials.
  • HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): The protocol used for transferring web pages on the internet. Sites using HTTP are not encrypted, making them less secure than sites using HTTPS.
  • Windows Defender SmartScreen: A security feature that helps protect your device from phishing and malware by warning you about potentially dangerous sites and downloads.
  • Bing: Microsoft's search engine, similar to Google.
  • Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode: A feature that allows modern browsers to display websites as they would appear in the older Internet Explorer browser.
  • Typo Protection: A feature that corrects common misspellings of website addresses to prevent users from being directed to malicious sites.
  • SafeSearch: This feature filters out explicit content from search results. It can help protect users from potentially disturbing content, such as pornography, graphic violence, nudity, and sex-oriented content.

These terms will help you understand the technical aspects of the new Edge policy changes.

Details

Details

Article ID: 19844
Created
Tue 6/11/24 9:13 AM
Modified
Mon 9/9/24 2:59 PM