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Disable Edge top sites and sponsored links on new tab page

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script disables the display of default top sites and sponsored links on Microsoft Edge's new tab page, enhancing privacy by eliminating commercial content and preventing the exposure of your frequently visited sites.

By default, Microsoft Edge displays tiles of frequently visited sites, known as top sites, on the new tab page 1. These sites, saved from your browsing history, facilitate quick access to frequently visited destinations 2. The display also includes sponsored links 3, which are advertisements.

Running this script will hide these default top site tiles and remove all sponsored quick links from the new tab page 3. Removing these links helps minimize tracking from your visits and interactions with ads, promoting a more private browsing environment. Microsoft recommends this script for users who favor a streamlined browser setup without unsolicited suggestions or interruptions 4.

Furthermore, removing these top sites and sponsored links protects sensitive browsing data from exposure to others, including friends, family, and potential attackers, maintaining your privacy and security.

This script configures the NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites Edge policy 1 3 4. Running this script does not require a browser restart for the changes to take effect 1.

Caution
  • This will display the message "Your browser is managed by your organization" on the settings page.
  • This locks settings and prevents them from being changed on the settings page.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Edge ads category. Overview - This category blocks several types of advertisements in Microsoft Edge, such as promotional suggestions, notifications, and recommendations. Impact - Provides a cleaner, less distracting browsing experience. Enhances privacy by reducing potential tracking mechanisms. Improves system... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Edge top sites and sponsored links on new tab page.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Configure "NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites" Edge policy
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Restore "NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites" Edge policy
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'NewTabPageHideDefaultTopSites' /f 2>$null"

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