Just like most other browsers, Microsoft Edge has a built-in feature called "Clear browsing data on Close" that automatically removes a selected set of browsing data whenever you close Edge. Things like cookies, cache data and browsing history. However, for some reason, this feature stops working, and whenever Edge closes, nothing is actually deleted. So follow along as this guide takes you through some steps that will get it working again.

Takeaways:

Why isn't Microsoft Edge automatically clearing browsing data when exiting even though the option is enabled?
Learn how to fix Edge not automatically clearing data when exiting.

Table of Contents

What is Clear Browsing Data on Close in Edge?

Clear browsing data on close is a Microsoft Edge privacy feature that allows users to automatically delete selected browsing information when the browser is closed. You can configure Edge to remove different types of data, including:

Browsing history
Download history
Cookies and other site data
Cached images and files
Site permissions
Hosted app data

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Clearing Browsing Data on Exit

This feature is especially useful for users who share a computer or want to maintain better privacy without manually clearing browser data every time. While this guide is for Microsoft Edge, you can find very similar fixes for any other browser you might be uses are the all have the feature and the same methods to solve it.

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Clearing Browsing Data on Exit

Synchronisation allows Edge to save and restore browser data across multiple devices. But there are instances where synced data can bug out the system, causing it to stop clearing data when Edge closes.

Open Microsoft Edge.
Click the three-dot menu and select Settings.
Go to the Profiles section.
Select Sync.
Turn off all synchronisation options.
Restart Edge and check if the issue is resolved.

On the odd chance that this doesn't work, you will need to try some other fixes.

Try a Different Edge User Profile

A damaged or incorrectly configured user profile can prevent Edge features from working properly. Creating a new profile can help determine whether the problem is limited to your current profile.

To create a new profile:

Open Edge Settings.
Go to Profiles.
Click Add profile.
Select Add.
Choose Start without your data.

Now enable Clear browsing data on close in the new profile and check if Edge removes the data after closing.

Close All Edge Background Processes

Sometimes Edge appears to be closed, but background processes continue running. If the browser does not completely shut down, it may not trigger the data deletion process.

Follow these steps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look for Microsoft Edge processes.
Select any Edge-related process.
Click End task.

After closing all Edge processes, reopen the browser and test the setting again.

Check Group Policy Settings

This solution applies mainly to users who have installed Microsoft Edge policy templates or use a managed work or school device. A Group Policy setting called Clear browsing data when Microsoft Edge closes controls this feature. If this policy is disabled, Edge will not delete browsing data when exiting. You won't be able to use this option if you are using the Home version of Windows 11, though. So if you are, skip this step and start the Registry option below.

To check the setting:

Search for Group Policy in the Windows search box.
Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Go to:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge

Find Clear browsing data when Microsoft Edge closes.
Double-click the setting.
Select Not Configured.
Click OK and restart your computer.

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Clearing Browsing Data on Exit steps

Check Registry Settings

If you don't have access to Group Policy settings because you're on the Home version of Windows, you can use the Registry editor instead. But before making changes, it's a good idea to create a System Restore Point.

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Look for a value named ClearBrowsingDataOnExit.
If it exists, delete it.
Restart your computer.
Open Edge again and test the Clear browsing data on close option.

Fix Microsoft Edge Not Clearing Browsing Data on Exit solution

Disable Edge Extensions

If you have any extensions running, disable them and check to see if the problem goes away. If it does, you need to figure out which extension is causing the problem. So enable them one by one and test after each. When you find the bad one, get rid of it.

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Clearing Browsing Data on Exit solution