Microsoft Edge 146 Enhances IP Privacy and InPrivate Browsing

Internet browsers are among the most important tools for online transactions and interactions. Its importance also placed a significant responsibility on them to ensure their users are protected from online risks. A single security flaw exploited in even a lesser-known browser could pose a significant security risk to millions of users worldwide.

Browsers are regularly updated to improve security and protect users’ private data from unauthorized access. As online attacks evolve, browsers should keep up with the latest security challenges to ensure protection and privacy.

Microsoft Edge 146 Ups the Ante On IP Address Privacy

The Microsoft Edge stable update released on March 13, 2026, included improvements protecting users’ IP address privacy. Specifically, their security update announcement enabled unified security features for Edge’s InPrivate browsing feature. Edge also made improvements to the Private IP service.

Microsoft’s Edge “Incognito” browsing feature, called InPrivate, received a user-friendly update. Before, users could choose what tracking to allow in both regular browsing and InPrivate mode. With the latest release, a user’s tracking preference is implemented in both regular and InPrivate mode. This update is necessary to prevent user confusion on their security implementation features while using the browser.

It should be remembered, however, that InPrivate sessions do not hide the user’s IP address from websites. InPrivate mode—especially on Strict—improves local privacy by deleting temporary data when the browser is closed.

While InPrivate offers local browsing security, Private IP helps users secure their online activity by hiding their IP address, working like a VPN.

Their announcement of the Private IP feature perfectly describes what it does for an average user:

Trackers embedded in websites often monitor browsing activity and infer location from IP addresses. Private IP uses Tracking Prevention block list to reroute known trackers through Secure Network, helping obscure the user's IP address.

Enabling Edge’s Private IP Feature

Microsoft Edge’s Private IP feature is available through Microsoft Edge Secure Network. This can be activated by going to Settings > Privacy > Security and toggling the Microsoft Edge Secure Network.

While it helps secure users' IP addresses, this security feature comes with limitations. When activated, it will only work with the browser. Those who want to use the service to bypass geolocation restrictions will be disappointed with Private IP because it does not allow any changes to its location.

According to its basic guide, Private IP through Microsoft Edge Secure Network is only a limited service. The security feature should be used only for important online transactions because users are limited to 5GB per month. This VPN-like service is possible with the company’s partnership with Cloudflare. They also explicitly stated they are not sharing or storing information with Cloudflare.

Microsoft Edge is a strong choice for secure, private transactions. The Microsoft Edge Secure Network has been improved and now works without complex setup or extra costs. Because of its limited bandwidth offer, Microsoft’s Private IP should be used sparingly. It’s a feature with world-class protection against IP address snooping at no extra cost. Private IP is being rolled out gradually, but the feature should be available worldwide soon.