In short. Context Clues browsing data is used for a request but Microsoft says it is not saved in Copilot conversation history.
Definition: Edge browsing context is information that Microsoft Copilot can use from the current browsing session when Context Clues is enabled. As of 12 August 2026, Microsoft says this context is not saved in conversation history, while the prompt and Copilot's response are saved.
Key facts
- Microsoft's Context Clues documentation says browsing context is never saved to conversation history, and identifies the saved items as the prompt and Copilot's response.
- Microsoft's separate Browse with Copilot documentation says text prompts, responses and a record of work are saved for that browsing feature, with screenshots handled separately.
- Microsoft's chat history documentation says a conversation can be revisited from the Chats list and deleted from chat history.
What counts as Edge browsing context?
Context Clues is the Edge setting that lets Copilot use information from the current browsing session. Microsoft's documentation says the shared data can include a URL, page title, page content or screenshots, and browsing history. When a question or request is submitted, browsing data is shared with Copilot as additional context for the response. The same documentation says that turning Context Clues off removes Copilot's access to browsing data and produces more generic suggestions and responses.
The documented control is an Edge setting:
More menu (…) > Settings > Copilot and AI >
Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web
The help page also says that closing tabs and clearing browsing history removes information from browsing context. Its example uses browsing data to help Copilot plan a trip, analyse or summarise a page, or create a podcast, study guide or quiz.
What is saved in the conversation?
For Context Clues, Microsoft's wording separates the input used for context from the chat record: browsing context is not saved, while the prompt and Copilot's response are. This means the URL, page title, page content or screenshot, and browsing history listed as context are not described as conversation-history fields in this feature's documentation.
Copilot chat history is a separate record of conversations. The chat history documentation directs readers to the Copilot app, the Chats list, and a selected conversation that can be read or continued. The same interface offers a Delete action for a conversation.
Does Browse with Copilot change the answer?
Yes, because Browse with Copilot is a separate Edge feature with its own storage description. Microsoft says screenshots taken while that feature performs an action are saved with the conversation, deleted when the conversation is deleted, and otherwise retained for up to 30 days. The same page says text prompts and Copilot's responses are saved with a record of the work Copilot did on the user's behalf.
FAQ
Does Edge save the page URL and content in Copilot history?
No for Context Clues. Microsoft lists the URL, page title, page content or screenshots, and browsing history as browsing context, then says that browsing context is not saved in conversation history.
Are Copilot prompts and responses saved?
Yes. For Context Clues, Microsoft says only the prompt and Copilot's response are saved in conversation history. Browse with Copilot also documents saved prompts, responses, and a record of the work done on your behalf.
Are screenshots ever saved?
Yes, in Browse with Copilot. Microsoft says screenshots from that feature are saved with the conversation and retained for up to 30 days unless the conversation is deleted sooner.
How can you stop Edge from sharing browsing context?
In Edge, open More menu, select Settings, select Copilot and AI, and turn off Allow Copilot to read context clues on the web. Microsoft says closing tabs and clearing browsing history can also remove information from browsing context.
Related terms
Sources
- Microsoft Support, "How Context Clues work in Copilot in Edge", 12 August 2026
- Microsoft Support, "Browse with Copilot", 12 August 2026
- Microsoft Support, "How Microsoft Copilot Chat history works", 28 September 2026
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