Microsoft Edge Diagnostic Data Collection & Privacy Settings Explained

Microsoft Edge, the web browser developed by Microsoft, collects diagnostic data to enhance user experience, maintain security, and ensure optimal performance. Understanding the types of data collected and how to manage these settings is crucial for users concerned about privacy.
Types of Diagnostic Data Collected
Microsoft Edge gathers two primary categories of diagnostic data:

• Required Diagnostic Data: This includes essential information necessary to keep the browser secure, up to date, and functioning correctly. It encompasses data about the browser's performance, security settings, and basic device information.
• Optional Diagnostic Data: This comprises additional details about how users interact with the browser, such as feature usage, visited websites, and crash reports. This data aids Microsoft in improving products and services.

Managing Diagnostic Data Settings
Users have control over the collection of optional diagnostic data:

• On Windows 10 and Windows 11: Diagnostic data settings are determined by the Windows diagnostic setting. To adjust these settings:
• Navigate to Start > Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback.
• On Other Platforms: Users can manage optional diagnostic data collection directly within Microsoft Edge:
• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Click on Settings and more (three dots) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
• Toggle the option for Help improve Microsoft products by sending optional diagnostic data about how you use the browser, websites you visit, and crash reports.

Data Usage and Privacy
Microsoft emphasizes data minimization, collecting only the information necessary for product improvement and maintaining security. The collected data is used to:

• Enhance browser performance and reliability.
• Develop new features based on user interactions.
• Identify and address security vulnerabilities.

For a comprehensive understanding of how Microsoft Edge handles diagnostic data, users can refer to the Microsoft Edge Privacy Whitepaper.
By staying informed about diagnostic data collection and managing settings appropriately, users can balance the benefits of personalized experiences with their privacy preferences.

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Source: Microsoft Support Learn more about diagnostic data collection in Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Support