Starting version 114, Microsoft Edge, no longer offers “reset sync” button that deletes data from Microsoft Servers. The button has been replaced with “Re-sync now” option. So if you’re privacy conscious, beware, there is no way to remove your Edge browsing data from Microsoft’s cloud now.
Like Google Chrome, when you signed into Microsoft Edge, it synchronizes your browsing data such as favorites, settings history, passwords, open tabs, extensions, auto-fill form entries, Payment info and other types of data across all signed-in devices.
You may want to reset sync in Edge to fix syncing issues any you’re having or intentionally you may want to remove data from Microsoft Cloud.
Update:Microsoft Edge restores the Sync data Reset option after criticism
Microsoft Edge’s missing Reset Sync option
Including Microsoft Edge 113, Edge allowed to get rid of data from Microsoft Servers when you hit “reset sync” button by visiting Settings > Profiles > Sync.
What happens here when you click button is, Edge deletes browsing sync data from Microsoft servers and stops syncing on all other devices you’re signed into. Browsing data on your device won’t be deleted, after that, you need to turn on sync on each device you run Edge.
Now, Edge has things changed in version 114.
Edge’s new Re-sync data feature
Microsoft has replaced “Reset Sync” button with “Re-sync data to this device” feature. What this does is it merges your local browsing data with your sync data stored on Microsoft Servers.
This may make users unhappy.
While Reset deletes sync data from Microsoft servers and re-syncs local browsing data with cloud when you turn on sync. Now, Re-sync just combines Edge’s local browsing data with sync data stored on Microsoft Servers.
Workaround to clear Edge Sync Data from Microsoft Servers
It looks like Microsoft is aware of this and is working on, meanwhile you can use the below method to get the thing done.
- Open Edge
- Visit edge://sync-internals/
- Click on “Disable Sync (Clear Server Data)”
What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments below. [Thanks to Sumit]
Final words: You can no longer reset or delete Microsoft Edge data in the cloud.
Is it possible to ask Microsoft what percentage of users asked for this change, what was the sample size and which independent organisation carried out the survey?
Alternatively, what are the names and email addresses of the individuals within Microsoft who made the decision? They really should not be allowed to hide from their users and we really ought to be able to communicate with them directly to tell them what we think of them. Or are they too cowardly?
Anymore Microsoft is almost as bad as Google about retaining personal data. I would think that deleting a password in Edge would translate to deleting in the cloud as it would sync?