The process is similar to blocking downloads in Chrome or Firefox browsers. You do not have to download third-party extensions or software since the Registry Editor and the Local Group Policy Editor can do the job for you.
How to prevent users from downloading files in Edge
To prevent users from downloading files in Edge using Registry, follow these steps- It is recommended to backup all Registry files before making any change. First, press Win+R, type regedit and press the Enter button. It should show the UAC prompt on your screen. If yes, click on the Yes button. Then, navigate to the following path- Right-click on Microsoft > New > Key and name it as Edge. Right-click on Edge > New > Key and name it as Recommended.
Right-click on Recommended > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it as DownloadRestrictions.
Now, double-click on it and set the Value data as mentioned below.
Block dangerous downloads: 1Block potentially dangerous and unwanted downloads: 2Block all downloads: 3
It is recommended to set the Value data as 3 and click the OK button to save the change. After that, you can’t download any file in your Edge browser. If you want to revert the change and download files, double-click on the DownloadRestrictions DWORD Value and set the Value data as 0.
How to allow or block file downloads in Edge using Group Policy
To allow or block file downloads in Edge, follow these steps- It is required to download Group Policy Templates for the Edge browser before going forward. To get started, search for gpedit.msc in the Taskbar search box and click on the respective result to open the Local Group Policy Editor. Following that, navigate to this path- On your right-hand side, you can see a setting called Allow download restrictions. By default, it is set as Not Configured. You have to double-click on it, select the Enabled option, choose the Block all downloads option, and click the OK button.
Alternatively, you can choose two more options-
Block dangerous downloadsBlock potentially dangerous and unwanted downloads
In case you want to continue downloading files in the Edge browser, choose the Not Configured option as it was before. Hope this tutorial helps.
