Microsoft Edge is a web browser that runs on Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. It has a number of features that make it an attractive choice for users who want to use the internet on their computer. One of these features is its Enhanced Security Mode, which helps to protect your computer from potential threats by adding security measures such as two-factor authentication and anti-virus protection. Enhanced Security Mode is available in both the main window and in the context menu of a web page. When you enable it, Microsoft Edge sets up some security measures that are specific to that page or web document. For example, it adds two-factor authentication so that you can’t access your computer if you don’t have your first factor authentication code or your second factor code handy. It also adds anti-virus protection so that your computer can’t be infected with malware. If you’re not sure whether Enhanced Security Mode is enabled on your computer, you can check by going to the following location: C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\USERNAME.NETWORKS\MEMORY_ADMIN.NETWORKS\MEMORY_LOCAL.NETWORKS\MEMORY_REMOTE.NETWORKS If you’re using an account on a remote network, then this location may be different depending on the network settings for your account. In either case, open the System32 folder and look for the file named “edge.” If this file doesn’t exist, then Enhanced Security Mode isn’t enabled on your computer.
The internet is a scary place with all kinds of exploits that can cause serious harm to your devices. Microsoft knows this, and it has released a new mode for Edge that provides another layer of security to protect you from these issues.
To take advantage of the new browsing mode, you’ll need to make sure you’ve updated Edge to version 98.0.1108.43. Once updated, you’ll need to enable a group policy to get it up and running. Group Policy isn’t designed for home users, so it’s only available on Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise versions of Windows.
“Enhance your security on the web. This is a browsing mode in Microsoft Edge where browser security takes priority, giving users an extra layer of protection when browsing the web,” reads the patch notes.
Basically, when this mode is turned on, it helps protect against in-the-wild exploits (also known as zero-days), which means you’ll have an extra layer of protection between you and any unfixed exploits. It’s not a mode that everyone will want to use, but it’s something to consider if you’re among the more security-conscious.
Microsoft has a detailed breakdown of the policy and how to enable it. You will need to have administrative privileges and be on Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise to turn it on.
This version of Edge also adds personalized multi-profile experiences. You can set Edge to change profiles automatically when you visit certain websites, which is an excellent convenience to have.
RELATED: How to Use Multiple User Profiles in Microsoft Edge
