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Disable Edge Collections feature

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 Collections feature in Microsoft Edge.

By default, if this script is not executed, users can access and use the Collections feature in Microsoft Edge 1. The Collections feature in Edge compiles and manages web content—articles, images, and videos—for activities like shopping, trip planning, or research 2 3. This feature syncs across devices when logged into Microsoft Edge, keeping your collections updated no matter where you access the browser 2. The Collections feature enables efficient collection, organization, sharing, and exporting of content, with seamless integration into Office 1 4. The feature lets users save and categorize web pages, text, images, and videos into groups for specific projects or interests 3. Additionally, it enhances saved items with thumbnails and metadata, such as price and star ratings 3.

This feature raises several privacy concerns:

  • Microsoft analyzes saved web pages to understand item names and primary images 3.
  • Data is stored on Microsoft servers once a user signs into Edge 2.
  • Microsoft analyzes data from Collections to personalize advertising and user experiences 5.

Authorities like The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) 4 recommend this script for enhanced security. DISA categorizes the absence of this setting as a medium severity security vulnerability 4.

Running this script prevents access to this feature 1 6, thereby mitigating associated privacy risks and adhering to security recommendations

This script configures the EdgeCollectionsEnabled Edge policy 1 4 6. This change only takes effect after restarting the browser 6.

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.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

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 Configure Edge category. This category contains scripts that adjust Microsoft Edge settings to enhance privacy, security, and potentially improve system performance This category is designed for Chromium-based Edge only, not for legacy Edge. Edge (Chromium) is the current version of Microsoft Edge, replacing Edge... 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 Collections feature.
  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 "EdgeCollectionsEnabled" Edge policy
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!EdgeCollectionsEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'EdgeCollectionsEnabled' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Suggest restarting Edge for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'For the changes to fully take effect, please restart Microsoft Edge.'; $warn =  $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"
  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 "EdgeCollectionsEnabled" Edge policy
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!EdgeCollectionsEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'EdgeCollectionsEnabled' /f 2>$null"
:: Suggest restarting Edge for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'For the changes to fully take effect, please restart Microsoft Edge.'; $warn =  $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"

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