Privacy setup for SRWare Iron on Windows

Cookies & site data

Block third‑party cookies, clear site data on exit only if you know the impact, and use exceptions for trusted sites that require persistent sessions.

Permissions hygiene

Review camera, mic, location, notifications, background sync, and clipboard access. Deny by default; allow per site when necessary.

Search & suggestions

Pick a search engine you trust. Disable URL prediction/suggestions that share usage data if you prefer less typing telemetry.

Safer cookie defaults

• Block third‑party cookies globally; add exceptions for services that need them (e.g., federated login).
• Disable cross‑site tracking and limit background access where applicable.
• Clear cookies and other site data manually for sites you no longer use.

Profiles and site isolation

• Use separate browser profiles for work, personal, testing. This reduces cross‑site data mixing.
• Consider a dedicated profile or portable copy for sensitive tasks.
• Incognito is useful for short sessions, but it’s not anonymity.

Deny by default

Set camera, microphone, location, and notifications to Ask or Block by default. Grant per site only when necessary and review the list regularly.

• Disable background sync if you don’t need web apps to refresh in the background.
• Limit clipboard and file system access to trusted apps only.
• Turn off intrusive UI features (pop‑ups, auto‑downloads) unless explicitly required.

Content controls

• Restrict autoplay for audio/video.
• Disable payment handlers and federated identity integration if not used.
• Review site‑specific exceptions: remove stale or overly broad grants.

Enable DoH in the browser

DNS over HTTPS encrypts DNS lookups to compatible resolvers. Choose a reputable resolver and enable DoH to reduce passive network observation of domains you visit.

• Prefer system DoH when configured at OS level, or set a provider in the browser.
• If some networks block DoH, keep a fallback path or disable per network environment.

OS‑level and router considerations

Configuring DoH at the Windows or router level covers all apps, not just the browser. Align browser settings with system policy to avoid double resolution paths.

Choose a provider you trust

Pick a search engine whose privacy policy and region settings you accept. You can disable URL autocompletion and suggestions for fewer server‑side requests while typing.

Address bar hygiene

• Limit suggestion sources (history, bookmarks) if you share the PC.
• Clear history periodically or keep it per profile.
• Consider a separate profile for sensitive research to reduce cross‑pollination.

Content blockers

Use one reputable blocker to reduce ads/trackers. Avoid stacking multiple blockers to prevent breakage.

HTTPS enforcement

Prefer HTTPS when available. Many sites already upgrade automatically; an extension can help on legacy domains.

Password managers

A trusted manager helps create and store strong passwords. Review what data the extension can access.

Cookie & permission helpers

Automate cookie prompts and trim persistent storage. Ensure the helper doesn’t over‑collect usage data.

Privacy utilities

Tools for limiting cross‑site tracking or isolating storage. Test with your critical sites to avoid login loops.

Audit regularly

Remove unused extensions; review permissions after updates. Keep the set minimal.

Separate contexts

• Create distinct profiles for work, personal, banking, testing.
• Use different icons/colors to avoid confusion.
• Sync features are optional; review what is being synchronized.

Portable considerations

• Keep the portable folder on trusted storage (USB, encrypted disk).
• Back up the profile before major changes or updates.
• Remember that filesystem access policies are governed by Windows.

Full guide: Portable on Windows.

Monthly

Review extension list and permissions. Clear cookies/site data for unused sites. Export important bookmarks.

Quarterly

Audit profiles: remove stale ones, rotate profile passwords, clean large caches and downloads.

When issues arise

Toggle extensions off to isolate conflicts; test in a fresh profile; consult Troubleshooting.