When a user launches the built-in Microsoft Edge browser under a new user profile, the First Run Experience is automatically invoked. This initial setup wizard presents several configuration screens and prompts the user with a series of onboarding questions. The user is prompted to import existing data from a Microsoft or Google account, migrate their browsing history from another browser, choose a visual theme, and configure other initial preferences. Most users find the initial setup wizard for Microsoft Edge annoying and prefer to skip it.
Administrators can use GPO to prevent the First-Run Experience screen from opening when Microsoft Edge is launched for the first time.
- Download the Microsoft Edge Group Policy ADMX templates here.
- Extract the archive, then copy the ADMX and the necessary language pack (ADML) files to the PolicyDefinitions directory (see how to install administrative GPO templates in Windows).
- Open the Group Policy Editor. Use the Local Group Policy Editor (
gpedit.msc) snap-in to the change settings on the current computer only, or use the Group Policy Management Console (gpmc.msc). - Go to Computer Configuration (if you want to apply the setting to all users of the computer) -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Edge. Enable the policy Hide the First-run experience and splash screen.
- After updating the GPO settings on a computer, users will no longer see the initial setup and splash screens when launching the Edge browser for the first time. Microsoft Edge now launches almost instantly, opening a new blank tab without delay.
If you don’t want to install the ADMX policy templates for the browser on a computer, you can disable the Edge first-run experience wizard through the registry. Create the HideFirstRunExperience parameter and set its value to 1:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v HideFirstRunExperience /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
If the first-run experience is disabled, Microsoft Edge will use the default import and sync settings:
- If the user signs in to a computer with an MSA or Entra ID (Azure AD) account, the Edge browser will automatically use that account.
- The MSN News channel feed and Inspirational design layout will be used for the new page tab
- Importing data from other browsers is disabled.
These settings can be overridden using separate GPO options:
- Browser sync settings via Microsoft account: GPO option
Disable synchronization of data using Microsoft sync services - Settings for importing data from other browsers:
Automatically import another browser’s data and settings at first run - Allow or disallow the sending of browser activity to Microsoft for personalization purposes (news, search, advertising, etc.):
Allow personalization of ads, Microsoft Edge, search, news and other Microsoft services by sending browsing history, favorites and collections, usage and other browsing data to Microsoft - Microsoft Edge telemetry settings:
Send required and optional diagnostic data about browser usage
