Re: Can anyone get Edge Copilot to work without logging in after July 2026?

Andy Burns wrote:
>> I just realized Edge uses a profile, whether or not you want it.
>>   Edge:3dots (top right) > Settings > hamburger (top left) > Profiles
>> 
>> Mine says "Profile 1", which I then pressed the trash can to delete.
>> It came back. edge://settings/profiles  {Default,Profile1}
>> 
>> Looking it up, you can't use Edge without a profile.
> 
> You can use a Guest instead of Profie1

Hi Andy,

I trust you, Chris, Paul and a few others because you're reliable.
I noticed you found out you were logged into an old MSA. 
I think a lot of people don't realize that.

I, for one, didn't realize I had a "Default" and "Profile1" profile.
So, to wipe them clean, I ran the tactical dirty nuclear bomb option:
 taskkill /IM msedge.exe /IM msedgewebview2.exe /IM crashpad_handler.exe /F
 rmdir /S /Q "%localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data"

Somehow it created on my otherwise clean desktop, a new icon for Edge
called "Microsoft Edge.lnk" with the target below that I never use:
 Target="C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe"
(all my targets are customized)

When I click it, I get a splash page:
 "Welcome to Microsoft Edge, the best-performing browser on Windows"
 "Let's start by signing you in and bringing over your passwords, 
  history, and more."
Buttons are:
  [Sign in to sync data]
  [Start without your data]
With a link below that
  Microsoft Privacy Statement <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839>

There is no guest option. I have no choice. I can't X the window away. 
I'll choose [Start without your data] where it now says:
  "Stay current with your browsing data
   Enjoy uninterrupted browsing in Microsoft Edge by always having access  
   to favorites, history, cookies, and more from your other browser."

There's a circle checked that says:
 "Bring over your data from other browsers regularly. 
  You can manage your preferences any time in Settings. 
  Manage (which brings you to options you can manage)

The only option I have is a button for [Confirm and continue].
(and the Microsoft Privacy Statement link)

Now it asks:
 "Help us make Microsoft experiences more useful to you
  Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, 
  favorites, web content, and other browsing data to personalize and 
  improve Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, 
  shopping, news, and Copilot."
To which I uncheck:
  Make your Microsoft experience more useful to you. Learn more
Again, I have no choice but to hit the button 
 [Confirm and start browsing]
Which brings me to Edge with two tabs open:
 edge://customize/
 https://explore.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/welcome?form=MT00LJ&form=MT004A&sg=0&OCID=MT004A&cs=3247653286

I have no idea what just happened. But let's look for profiles.
 Win+R >  %localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\ 
There is a "Default", created today, but no Profile1 in that location.
  %localappdata%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default

There are very dangerous options which are set on by default.
I think some of these are why people "think" they never logged in.

Settings > Import browser data > {chrome, IE11, Firefox, etc.)
Settings > Profile preferences > 
 Automatic sign in on Edge = yes/no (default is yes)
 Allow single sign-on for work or school sits = yes/no (default yes)
 Share browsing data with other Windows features = yes/no (def yes)

And of course, a myriad of settings that affect privacy which 
I won't list but all of which default to the wrong choice.such
as opting to send Microsoft data "to improve the experience".

One of the defaults I left was in Privacy, search, and services:
 Copilot and AI > Show Copilot button in toolbar = on (default)
 Copilot new tab page = off (default)

Going to  edge://settings/help it says 
 Updating Microsoft Edge Version 150.0.4078.99 (Official build) (64-bit)

I didn't see a "Guest" option yet though. Even in the Profile section.