A free, open-source script is quietly helping users evict AI features from mainstream browsers, restoring a leaner, privacy-forward experience with a single run. In testing across Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, the tool called Just The Browser removed most built-in assistants, writing aids, and recommendation modules while dialing back background data collection—no deep settings hunts required.
Why Push AI Out Of The Browser Experience
Browsers have become crowded with AI sidebars, new tab prompts, and “smart” suggestions that send signals back to vendors. Surveys from organizations like Pew Research Center show many users are more concerned than excited about AI’s growing footprint, particularly around data use. Privacy advocates at the Electronic Frontier Foundation have also warned that telemetry, even when anonymized, can expand the surface area for tracking.
Given Chrome’s dominant desktop share—StatCounter puts it around the mid-60% globally—plus Edge and Firefox’s combined single-digit share, a simple repeatable way to suppress AI in these browsers has outsized impact on everyday privacy and clutter.
What The Script Actually Changes In Your Browser
Just The Browser applies vendor-supported enterprise policies to shut off AI and related extras at the source. In practice, that means disabling assistant sidebars (such as Copilot/Discover in Edge), AI writing helpers and generative themes in Chrome, and new AI chat integrations and sponsored recommendations in Firefox. It also disables Pocket recommendations and aggressive suggestion systems where policies allow.
The script leans on official policy switches that vendors expose for organizations. Because these are enforced at the system level, they’re harder for routine updates to undo than a simple checkbox or hidden flag. In many cases, model downloads and background calls that power on-device or hybrid AI features are blocked entirely.
How It Works Under The Hood On Each Platform
On Windows, the tool writes to the registry and local Group Policy paths used by Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla to manage settings. On macOS, it installs signed configuration profiles that appear under System Settings in Device Management, enumerating which features are locked down. Linux users can typically achieve the same outcomes by placing managed JSON policy files in the standard system directories; the project documents those paths, though the one-click script focuses on Windows and macOS.
This “policy-first” approach mirrors what IT departments deploy at scale. Google’s Chrome Enterprise policies, Microsoft’s Edge policies, and Mozilla’s Enterprise policies all include toggles for assistants, metrics reporting, search and shopping suggestions, experiments, and extension controls. The script bundles sane defaults so individuals don’t have to learn each vendor’s policy matrix.
Results From Real-World Testing Across Browsers
Edge: Copilot panels and chat entry points vanished from the interface, and policy pages clearly reflected assistant features as disabled. One exception remained: an AI prompt box still appeared on the default new tab page, which is served remotely and not fully governed by local policy. Functionally, though, Copilot mode was gone, which made the browser notably quieter.
Chrome: AI additions like help-me-write prompts, generative themes, tab organizer, and AI hints in the address bar disappeared after policy enforcement. However, some telemetry-adjacent toggles—such as “Make searches and browsing better” and “Improve search suggestions”—were still enabled in Settings. Those can be toggled off manually; they’re separate from the AI stack and, in some regions, default to on. The takeaway: the script excels at stripping AI, while telemetry may still need a quick manual pass depending on your profile.
Firefox: The AI chat sidebar and sponsored suggestion features were disabled via policies, alongside studies and data collection controls. Pocket cards and new tab recommendations were also suppressed where supported. Mozilla’s documentation notes telemetry is used to improve performance and reliability; the policies disable that channel for users who prefer a stricter stance.
Privacy Gains And Trade-Offs To Consider Carefully
Because the tool uses enterprise-level controls, you’ll likely see a “Managed by your organization” message in browser settings. That’s expected—it signals that policies are in effect. Some convenience features tied to suggestions or experiments may be reduced. And while cutting AI and telemetry limits data sharing, disabling certain protections (for example, enhanced spell check or extended safe browsing) can trim security signals you may want to keep. The project’s profiles are conservative, but you can remove or adjust them at any time.
Reversibility is straightforward: delete the macOS profile from Device Management, remove the Windows policies or registry entries, or delete the managed JSON policy files on Linux. The browser reverts to user-level settings immediately.
Who Should Use It And When This Tool Makes Sense
If you want a browser that behaves like a browser—no AI nudge, fewer background pings, and less visual noise—this script delivers a quick win. It’s equally useful for small teams and families that want consistent settings across devices without deploying full-blown device management.
With Chrome commanding a majority of desktop usage and Edge and Firefox rounding out a significant slice of the remainder, a one-time setup can clean up the browsing experience for most households and offices. In a year when AI features are arriving by default, opting out shouldn’t require a scavenger hunt. This script makes it a single, predictable step.
