Autocomplete search term deletion not working

Question

I have an autocomplete search term in the drop-down (based on a previous search) that I would like to delete. The cross next to it doesn't work. Shift + Del doesn't work. I have cleared browsing history which deletes autocompletions in the address bar fine, but when I close Edge and relaunch it they are all back. How can I permanently delete the particular search autocompletion?

Answer 1

Autocomplete entries in the Edge address bar come from two places:

1. Local browsing data on the device
2. Browsing history stored in the Microsoft account and used for personalization

Because clearing local history only removes them temporarily and they reappear after restart, they are being repopulated from cloud‑stored history/personalization. To remove them permanently, both local and cloud data must be cleared and/or collection disabled.

Follow these steps:

1. Clear local browsing data in Edge
   1. In Edge, select Settings and more (⋯) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
   2. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
   3. Choose an appropriate Time range (e.g., All time if unsure when the search was made).
   4. Select at least Browsing history and Cached images and files (and other categories if desired).
   5. Select Clear now.
2. Clear browsing history stored by Microsoft (cloud history)
   1. Go to the Microsoft privacy dashboard while signed in with the same account used in Edge.
   2. View and delete the browsing history associated with the account.
3. Turn off sharing of browsing data with other Windows features (to stop repopulation on the device)
   1. In Edge, select Settings and more > Settings > Profiles.
   2. Select Share browsing data with other Windows features.
   3. Toggle this setting off.
4. Turn off use of browsing activity for personalization (to stop repopulation from the cloud)
   1. In Edge, select Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
   2. Under Privacy, turn off the setting Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favorites, web content, and other browsing data to personalize Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping and news.
5. Optionally clear diagnostic/search data at Windows level (if suggestions are still influenced by diagnostic data)
   1. Open Start > Settings.
   2. Go to Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
   3. Under Delete diagnostic data, select Delete.

After performing these steps, restart Edge. The unwanted autocomplete search term should no longer reappear, and new searches will not be reused for personalization if the collection settings are left disabled.

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References:

• Microsoft Edge, browsing data, and privacy
• User data and privacy in Microsoft Edge
• Microsoft Edge browsing activity for personalized advertising and experiences
• View and delete browser history in Microsoft Edge
• Use a screen reader to clear browsing data in Microsoft Edge