This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable always use "Strict" enhanced security mode when browsing InPrivate in Microsoft Edge for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The Microsoft Edge web browser is based on Chromium and was released on January 15, 2020. It is compatible with all supported versions of Windows, and macOS. With speed, performance, best in class compatibility for websites and extensions, and built-in privacy and security features.
Microsoft Edge offers Enhance your security on the web, an optional browsing mode that provides an extra layer of protection when browsing the web and unfamiliar sites.
Enhanced security in Microsoft Edge helps safeguard against memory-related vulnerabilities by disabling just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation and enabling additional operating system protections for the browser. These protections include Hardware-enforced Stack Protection and Arbitrary Code Guard (ACG). With these protections in place, Microsoft Edge helps reduce the risk of an attack by automatically applying stricter security settings on unfamiliar sites while adapting to your browsing habits over time.
When enhanced security is turned on, you can select from two levels of browsing security: Balanced and Strict. You can manually add site exceptions. Sites added to the exception list will have the feature turned off by default.
You can turn on or off to always use Strict level of enhanced security when browsing InPrivate.
| Off | Feature is turned off. |
| Balanced (Recommended) | Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to sites that you don’t engage with often or are unknown to you. Websites you browse frequently will be left out. Most sites will work as expected. |
| Strict | Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to all sites visited by default. Strict mode may impact your ability to complete normal tasks on the web because some parts of websites might not work as expected. |
EXAMPLE: What to expect when enhanced security is turned on
When this feature is turned on you will see Added security to the left of your browser’s address bar. This indicates that Microsoft Edge is applying enhanced security to this specific website.
Here's How:
1 Open Microsoft Edge.
2 Click/tap on the Setting and more (Alt+F) 3 dots button, and click/tap on Settings. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Privacy, search, and services in the left pane. (see screenshot below)
4 Under Security on the right side, turn On or Off (default) Always use "Strict" level of enhanced security when browsing InPrivate for what you want.
Always use "Strict" level of enhanced security when browsing InPrivate requires Enhance your security on the web to be turned on.
If you selected Strict for Enhance your security on the web, then Always use "Strict" level of enhanced security when browsing InPrivate will always be turned on and grayed out.
If you turn off Always use "Strict" level of enhanced security when browsing InPrivate, InPrivate will use the same level by default you set for Enhance your security on the web.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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