The “Discover” button on the Edge browser is designed to provide quick access to news articles, online shopping deals, and other curated content based on your browsing history. However, some users may find this feature intrusive or distracting. Fortunately, Microsoft provides options to customize your browsing experience, including removing the Discover button.
Before we dive into how to remove it, let’s understand why you might want to do so:
- Privacy Concerns: The Discover feature relies on data collected from your browsing activity. If you’re privacy-conscious, you may not be comfortable with this level of data collection, even if it’s anonymized.
- Distraction Factor: The curated content can sometimes be distracting, especially if you’re focused on a specific task or trying to maintain a clean browsing interface.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the presence or absence of the Discover button comes down to personal preference. Some people find it useful, while others simply don’t need it.
Now, let’s look at the steps involved in removing the Discover button:
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Open Edge Settings:
Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window and select “Settings.”
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Navigate to Appearance: In the settings menu, select “Appearance” from the left-hand sidebar.
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Customize Your Startup Page:
Within the Appearance settings, you’ll see an option labeled “Startup.” Click on it to reveal further customizations. Under “Startup pages,” you can choose what displays when Edge launches. -
Disable Discover Feed:
You have several options for your Startup pages. One of those options will be the “Microsoft Edge Discover” feed. Uncheck the box next to this option.
Removing the Discover button won’t prevent Microsoft from collecting browsing data altogether, but it does eliminate its direct display on your browser interface.
Further Customization Options
While disabling the Discover feed removes it from your startup page, there are other customization options available for fine-tuning your Edge experience:
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New Tab Page Options: The “New tab page” section under Edge settings lets you control what is displayed when you open a new tab. You can choose between a blank page, Microsoft Bing’s search results and images, or your own custom background image.
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Privacy Settings: To adjust how much data Edge collects about your browsing habits, navigate to the “Privacy, Search and Services” section in Edge settings. Here you can manage features like browsing history syncing, password saving, and site permissions.
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Extensions: While not directly related to removing the Discover button, Edge extensions offer a powerful way to further customize your browser and add functionality. For instance, privacy-focused extensions can block trackers, while other extensions may help with productivity or entertainment.
Beyond Customization: Exploring Alternatives
If you’re concerned about data collection in general, Microsoft Edge might not be the ideal browser for you. There are various alternative browsers available that prioritize user privacy. Some popular options include:
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Brave Browser: Known for its built-in ad blocker and tracker blockers, Brave focuses on securing your online privacy and providing a faster browsing experience.
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Firefox: Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Firefox is an open-source browser with a strong emphasis on user privacy. It offers various customization options and a vast library of extensions.
Remember, your browsing experience is highly individualized.
Here are some frequently asked questions about removing the Discover button in Microsoft Edge:
Q1: Why would I want to remove the Discover button?
A: Some users find it distracting, have privacy concerns about data collection, or simply prefer a clean browsing interface without curated content.
Q2: Will removing the Discover button stop Edge from collecting any of my data?
A: No, it won’t prevent all data collection by Edge. However, it removes the direct display of personalized content on your browser’s startup page and new tabs.
Q3: How do I get rid of the Discover feed from my Edge startup page?
A: Go to Edge Settings > Appearance > Startup, then uncheck the box next to “Microsoft Edge Discover” in the “Startup pages” section.
Q4: What other ways can I customize my Edge browser experience?
A: You can modify your new tab page content, adjust privacy settings, and explore additional extensions for specific features or functionality.
Q5: Are there any alternative browsers that prioritize privacy over personalized content?
A: Yes, some alternatives like Brave and Firefox offer enhanced privacy features and are known for their commitment to user data protection.
