Any · Security

Tighten up Edge and Firefox

The Chrome pass only covers one browser. Edge ships on every Windows PC whether you use it or not, and Firefox is the main alternative — both deserve the same ten minutes.

DifficultyEasy
Time10 min
RiskLow
ReversibleYes
PlatformAny
UpdatedAug 18, 2026

Written and tested by emdottech

What that means

Low risk. This fix only checks things, or changes settings you can switch back in the same place. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

The Edge and Firefox privacy pass — Edge tracking prevention strict with shopping and sidebar extras off, Firefox ETP strict, and HTTPS-Only Mode on in both

Steps

01
- Edge:SettingsPrivacy,search and servicesset Tracking prevention to Strict, and switch off 'Personalise your web experience'
02
- Edge: further down that same page, turn off the shopping, sidebar and Rewards extras — they're the noisiest part of the browser and none of them are load-bearing
03
- Firefox:SettingsPrivacy & SecurityEnhanced Tracking ProtectionStrict, and tick 'Tell websites not to sell or share my data'
04
- Both: enable HTTPS-Only Mode, then audit your extensions and remove anything you don't recognise or haven't used in a month

How to verify the fix

Tracking prevention shows Strict, HTTPS-Only Mode is on, and only extensions you recognise remain installed.

If this didn't fix it

A site breaks under Strict protection — lower that one site's tracking level in settings rather than reverting everything.

Next stop: the related fixes below, or start a guided diagnosis.

Still stuck? Diagnose my problem Browse all Windows fixes

Tighten up Edge and Firefox

Steps

✓How to verify the fix

!If this didn't fix it

Related fixes

How to verify the fix

If this didn't fix it