Microsoft Edge now limits videos from playing automatically

Microsoft Edge Update Dev New2
Microsoft Edge Update Dev New2 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The latest version of Microsoft Edge limits videos from playing automatically by default.
  • Previously, the browser had an option to limit autoplay videos, but it was disabled by default.
  • You can block videos from playing automatically in Microsoft Edge, but you have to enable a flag to see the option.

Microsoft Edge received an update to version 92 last week. The latest build of the browser brings new password health features and a handful of other new options. It also changes the default setting to limit videos from playing automatically (via GHacks).

Starting with Edge 92, the browser limits videos from playing automatically by default. With this setting enabled, the browser will allow some videos to automatically play while limiting others. It determines which videos to play based on how you've visited and interacted with websites in the past. For example, if you go to YouTube regularly, the browser should continue to play videos automatically.

This functionality was available before Edge 92, but it was disabled by default.

If you want to block videos from playing automatically, there's also an option for that. You have to enable it through edge://flags:

  1. Go to edge://flags in the latest version of Microsoft Edge.
  2. Search for "autoplay".
  3. Switch the setting for "Show block option in autoplay settings" to "enabled".

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Restart Microsoft Edge.

After you've enabled this option, you can block videos from playing automatically. To edit autoplay settings:

  1. Open Settings in Microsoft Edge.
  2. Search for "autoplay".
  3. Scroll down to Media autoplay (you can also go to edge://settings/content/mediaAutoplay directly).
  4. Select Allow, Block, or Limit.
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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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