How to allow or block cookies in Microsoft Edge within Windows 10

[JamieKavanagh]

We have to strike a balance between allowing cookies in order to browse websites efficiently and blocking them to preserve privacy and enhance security. At what level we do that is all down to personal preference. So rather than tell you what to do, I will just show you how to allow or block cookies in Microsoft Edge within Windows 10.

Cookies are small text files used by websites for a range of reasons. Some will record when you last visited, what pages you browsed and what apps you use. Others will record your login for the site, password or other data. The vast majority of cookies are benign and improve your browsing experience. Others have slightly shadier purposes. Unfortunately, we can’t always tell which is which. That’s where cookie control comes in.

Allow cookies in Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings and then View Advanced Settings.
3. Scroll down to Cookies and click the radio button underneath.
4. Set it to ‘Don’t block cookies’.

Microsoft Edge will now not block all cookies regardless of where they come from.

Block cookies in Microsoft Edge
To block cookies in Microsoft Edge, you repeat the steps above but select either ‘Block all cookies’ or ‘Block third party cookies’. Third party cookies are those from on-page advertisements linked to the page. These can be perfectly safe but they can also track you and collect information.

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings and then View Advanced Settings.
3. Scroll down to Cookies and click the radio button underneath.
4. Set it to ‘Block all cookies’ or ‘Block third party cookies’.

I tend to block third party cookies as it seems to offer the best balance between privacy and usability. Your mileage may vary.

More Windows 10 tips can be found here:
How to re-register the Windows store in Windows 10
How to open the On Screen Keyboard in Windows 10 when your physical keyboard isn't working
How to change sync frequency of the Windows 10 Mail app

View all of our Windows 10 Tutorials