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Microsoft Edge - How to stop files from downloading but are set to auto-open

Ben Woodman 106 Reputation points
2021-12-15T08:09:11.727+00:00

Hi,

We have an issue where when users download a .msg or .doc file from our in house application using Edge it will download the file to the normal downloads area and then open.

However we do not want this as all of these files are confidential, we want it setup like it was in IE where we can set Edge to download the file to a temp location that clears at the close of Edge etc. this means that the file will still continue to auto open but save in a temp location or not download at all.

We are happy for it to not download at all but just open if that has to be the case as users can just file > save as...

I have tried both the GPO settings below but it is still downloading then opening so will not work:
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I did look at the post below but it only lists a temp location:

Updated Edge - Temporary Internet File Location - Microsoft Community

I even tried changing our default download location to that temp location but for some reason not sure if Group Policy can see it as it keeps defaulting to the downloads area even though in settings it is saying the temp location.

Would be greatful for some help, really we just want temporary internet files back in Edge like it was in IE. Or a way for all files to not download but still auto open - We do need these files to auto open and the setting below is not an option as staff cannot afford to keep clicking open each download, it should do it automatticly.

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Kind regards,

Ben

Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge
A Microsoft cross-platform web browser that provides privacy, learning, and accessibility tools.
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  1. Yu Zhou-MSFT 12,951 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-12-16T07:42:44.97+00:00

    Hi @Ben Woodman

    If the file type is .doc, you can open it directly in Edge. You can navigate to edge://settings/downloads and turn on Open Office files in the browser, then doc file can be opened automatically without downloading.

    158030-image.png

    For now, if it's not an Office file, you can't open it without downloading in Edge. I suggest that you can provide your feedback about your demands to Edge team by pressing Alt+Shift+I in Edge. They will check the feedback and improve the product continuously. Thanks for your understanding.

    Besides, if you can accept storing the download files in temp folder and deleting them regularly, you can refer to ¡Firedog's solution in this page.

    If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".
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    Regards,
    Yu Zhou