Edge doesn’t have its own “trusted sites” list. To add a trusted site in Windows 11, open Internet Options, click the Security tab, select Trusted sites, click Sites, type the address, and click Add. If you just want Edge to allow cookies, pop-ups or other permissions for one website, use Edge’s site permissions instead.
Which one you need depends on why you want to trust the site, and your work or school may tell you which to use. This guide covers both, plus Internet Explorer mode pages, following Microsoft’s articles on the Trusted sites zone, managing cookies in Edge, pop-ups in Edge and Internet Explorer mode.
Which Option Do You Need?
| If you want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Trust a work app, file link, or site in Internet Explorer mode | The Trusted sites zone in Internet Options |
| Stop a site from signing you out or complaining about blocked cookies | Edge cookie settings |
| Allow pop-ups, camera, location or other permissions for one site | Edge site permissions |
| Open an old site that only works in Internet Explorer | Internet Explorer mode pages in Edge |
How to Add a Site to the Trusted Sites Zone
- Click Start, type Internet Options, and open it.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click Trusted sites, then click Sites.
- Type the website address in Add this website to the zone and click Add.
- Click Close, then OK.
Result: The address is in the Trusted sites zone. Microsoft notes that if the address doesn’t start with https:, such as a file path, you must first uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone before you can add it.
To remove a site later, open the same Sites window, select it in the list, and click Remove.
How to Allow a Site to Save Cookies in Edge
- In Edge, click the Settings and more button (three dots), then Settings.
- Select Privacy, search, and services, then Cookies.
- Under Allowed to save cookies, select Add site, enter the site’s address, and add it.
Result: Edge lets that site save cookies even if you block cookies elsewhere, such as with Block third-party cookies turned on.
How to Allow Pop-Ups and Other Permissions for One Site
- In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions.
- Select the permission you want, for example Pop-ups and redirects.
- Under the allowed list (for pop-ups, Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects), select Add site. Our guide to turning off the pop-up blocker on Windows 11 covers the same setting in Chrome and Firefox.
- Type the address, starting with https://, and select Add.
Result: Only that site gets the permission. Everything else keeps your default setting.
How to Open a Site in Internet Explorer Mode
Some older business sites only work in Internet Explorer. Edge can open them in IE mode:
- Go to edge://settings/defaultBrowser.
- Under Internet Explorer compatibility, set Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) to Allow, then restart Edge.
- Back on the same Default browser page, find Internet Explorer mode pages, select Add a page, enter the address, and select Add.
- Reload the site.
Sites in IE mode use the security zones from Internet Options, so this is where adding the site to Trusted sites often matters. For more, see how to enable Internet Explorer in Windows 11.
If a Trusted Site Still Doesn’t Work
- Clear the cache in Edge and reload the page.
- Update Edge to the latest version.
- Restart Edge after changing settings.
- On a work or school PC, your IT department may control these settings, so check with them.
Manage a Specific Site’s Permissions in Chrome
Chrome does not have a general Trusted Sites list in Site settings. For a specific website, open it in Chrome, select the site-information icon beside the address, and choose Site settings. Review the permission relevant to the feature you need, such as pop-ups, and change only that setting; reload and check the feature. Google’s permission guide says these choices save automatically and can be reset there. The browser-wide overview is under Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings. Adding a Windows Internet Options Trusted sites entry does not create a blanket permission allowance for a modern Chrome website. Keep certificate warnings and browser protection separate from individual site permissions.
Enable JavaScript in Chrome, Edge or Firefox
JavaScript is a browser setting, rather than one Windows 10/11 switch. In Chrome, open More > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > JavaScript and select Sites can use JavaScript. Google documents this route in its supported-browser instructions. Review any site-specific blocked exception for the intended website, then reload it and check the previously failing interactive feature.
In Edge, open Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > JavaScript and check Allowed (recommended). Microsoft’s JavaScript guide documents this current menu. Older Edge layouts put the permission under Cookies and site permissions. Review an exception for the intended site if it remains blocked, then reload and test. A managed setting requires your administrator; adding the site to Windows Trusted sites does not override that policy.
Firefox enables JavaScript by default and has no ordinary Preferences > Privacy > Permissions JavaScript switch. If you use a script-blocking extension, inspect its allowance for the intended site first. For experienced users who previously changed the advanced preference, Mozilla’s JavaScript instructions explain opening about:config, reviewing its warning and finding only javascript.enabled. Its default is true; use that row’s Toggle or Reset control to restore true if it was false, then reload and test. Avoid changing unrelated advanced preferences. Enabling scripts is separate from installing Java, and it does not guarantee a faulty website will work or require restarting Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Edge use the Trusted sites zone?
Edge’s normal browsing mainly uses its own settings, such as cookies and site permissions. The Trusted sites zone matters most for Internet Explorer mode and for apps that rely on Windows security zones.
Is it safe to add a site to Trusted sites?
Only add sites you’re sure about, since trusted sites get looser security settings. Your work or school may give you a list to use.
How do I clear my history after testing?
See how to clear your search history in Microsoft Edge.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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