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Disable Edge external connectivity checks

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 automatic use of a web service for resolving navigation errors in Microsoft Edge.

By default, Microsoft Edge contacts a web service to diagnose connectivity issues, especially in public networks such as those in hotels and airports 1 2. This functionality can unintentionally reveal network-related information, potentially including sensitive personal data 2.

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) recommends deactivating this feature to prevent potential privacy breaches and security threats from network data leaks 2.

Running this script ensures that Edge relies solely on native APIs to handle network connectivity and navigation errors, enhancing privacy by not transmitting data to external services 1 2. It ensures that all navigational errors are managed locally without external web services, maintaining the resolution process entirely within the system 1 2.

This action does not impede Edge's ability to resolve connectivity issues using its native capabilities 1 2.

This script configures the ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService Edge policy 1. 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 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 external connectivity checks.
  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 "ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService" Edge policy
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$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 "ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService" Edge policy
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'ResolveNavigationErrorsUseWebService' /f 2>$null"

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