How to Enable or Disable QR Code Generator in Microsoft Edge

Sharing digital items has become easier as technology advances. From files to folders that you can easily transfer between devices via Bluetooth to media that you can upload to the cloud and download to another computer, the evolution of network computing and interconnected platforms has made seamless digital sharing accessible.

While simple, the Microsoft Edge QR code generator is one great example of this advancement. It’s a handy tool that allows Edge users to generate a scannable QR code for the current webpage’s URL, which is useful for quickly sharing web links. However, some may find this feature a threat to security, requiring them to turn it off. This guide will show you how to enable or disable QR code generator in Microsoft Edge.

Method 1: Enable or disable via Registry Editor

📌 Use Cases: This method is suitable for admins managing multiple systems.

📌 Prerequisites: 

• Microsoft Edge version: The steps for this method apply to Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) on Windows 11, version 84 or later.
• Administrator privileges: This method requires administrator rights.

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R. Type regedit and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
   💡NOTE: You can create the Edge key if it doesn’t exist.
   
3. Create or modify the following DWORD (32-bit) value:
   • Name: QRCodeGeneratorEnabled
   • Value:
     1. 1 = Enable the QR code generator
     2. 0 = Disable the QR code generator
4. Close the Registry Editor and restart Microsoft Edge to apply the changes.

Method 2: PowerShell script for automation

📌 Use Cases: This method is ideal for those who prefer command-line tools for scripting across multiple endpoints, deploying startup scripts via Group Policy, and automating tasks.

📌 Prerequisites: 

• Microsoft Edge version: The steps for this method apply to Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) on Windows 11, version 84 or later.
• Administrator privileges: This method requires administrator rights.

1. Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu. Type PowerShell. On the right pane of the search results, click Run as administrator. This will open an elevated PowerShell.
2. Run the following command:
   • To disable the QR code generator:
     

     New-Item -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge” -Force | Out-Null Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge” -Name “QRCodeGeneratorEnabled” -Value 0

   • To enable the QR code generator:
     

     Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge” -Name “QRCodeGeneratorEnabled” -Value 1

3. Restart Edge after running the script to apply changes.

Method 3: .reg File

📌 Use Cases: This method is useful for distributing the change across systems without scripting, typically for smaller environments.

📌Prerequisites: 

• Microsoft Edge version: The steps for this method apply to Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) on Windows 11, version 84 or later.
• Administrator privileges: This method requires administrator rights.

1. Open Notepad.
2. Paste one of the following into Notepad:
   • To disable the QR code generator:
     

     Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge] “QRCodeGeneratorEnabled”=dword:00000000

   • To enable the QR code generator:
     

     Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge] “QRCodeGeneratorEnabled”=dword:00000001

3. Click File > Save As.
4. In the Save dialog:
   • Choose a location like your Desktop.
   • Set Save as type to All Files.
   • Name the file something you can remember.
   • Ensure the file ends with a .reg file extension.
5. Double-click the .reg file you just created (depending on whether you want to disable or enable the QR code generator). This will open Registry Editor and prompt you to confirm the changes.
6. Click Yes when prompted to allow the changes.
7. Restart Microsoft Edge for the new setting to take effect.

Things to look out for

Why manage the QR code generator?

There are several reasons why users configure the QR code generator settings. Here are some of them:

• Privacy and security: Disabling the QR code generator in Microsoft Edge can help prevent unintended URL sharing in secure environments.
• UI decluttering: Turning the feature off can also reduce visual distractions, simplifying the browser’s UI by removing unused features.
• Content control: The absence of the QR code generator can enforce content control and reduce QR-based link sharing.
• Compliance: Managing this feature aids in aligning Microsoft Edge’s behavior with strict organizational compliance policies.

Additional considerations

Here are some factors you need to consider when configuring the QR generator in Microsoft Edge.

• Group Policy support: Use the Microsoft Edge ADMX templates to configure EnableSharingPageViaQRCode via GPO
• No effect on extensions: Changing the Edge’s QR code generator setting only affects the built-in QR generator in Microsoft Edge. It does not impact third-party tools or extensions from other browsers.
• UI location: The QR icon appears on the right side of the Edge address bar when enabled
• Feature visibility: Depending on the page type and other limitations set by the webpage, the QR code generator icon may not appear on internal or restricted domains.

Configuring the QR code generator in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge offers a quick way to share web links through the use of a QR code generator. This handy tool allows users to create a scannable QR code that can be utilized to open the same webpage on another device without manually typing the URL. While very useful in many instances, some users prefer to turn this feature off, mainly for privacy purposes. Understanding how to configure the settings for the QR code generator in Microsoft Edge helps ensure data security, whether you are an individual user or a system administrator who manages multiple devices across an organization.

Related topics:

• What Is a QR Code?
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