1.1.30 Ensure 'Clear browsing data when Microsoft Edge closes' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This policy controls whether web browser data, such as forms, passwords and visited sites is deleted each time Microsoft Edge is closed.

Note: If this policy is enabled, do not enable the AllowDeletingBrowserHistory policy, because it will take precedence over the ClearBrowsingDataOnExit policy and all data will be deleted when Microsoft Edge closes, regardless of how AllowDeletingBrowserHistory is configured.

The Recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Deleting browser data on close will delete information that may be important for a computer investigation and investigators such as Computer Forensics Analysts may not be able to retrieve pertinent information to the investigation.

Impact:

Browsing data will not be deleted on closing and the user will not be able to change this setting.

Note: This setting will preserve browsing history that could contain a users personal browsing history. Please make sure that this setting is in compliance with organizational policies.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Disabled

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Edge\Clear browsing data when Microsoft Edge closes

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template MSEdge.admx/adml that can be downloaded from Microsoft here.

Default Value:

Disabled - But users can configure the Clear browsing data option in Settings.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3907