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Swif Edge Extension: Installation & Overview

Updated over a month ago

The Swif Edge Extension provides the same powerful functionality as our Chrome and Firefox extensions—helping organizations manage web access, enforce IT governance, and ensure team-wide compliance while using Microsoft Edge on Windows. With features like custom blocklists/allowlists, Shadow IT detection, and team access controls, the Edge extension delivers robust security and productivity tools in a single, easy-to-use package.

1. Key Features

  1. Team Access Reading

    • AI Vision & Shadow IT Dashboard: The Edge extension observes web app permission tables and usage patterns, automatically sending that data to the Shadow IT dashboard.

    • No Grant/Restrict Option: Focuses on monitoring AI-related usage data; it does not explicitly allow or block page access.

  2. Prevent Shadow IT Sign-Ups

    • Automated Detection: Identifies sign-up attempts to unapproved SaaS or AI services in Microsoft Edge.

    • Risk Reduction: Minimizes the chance of employees introducing high-risk or unauthorized tools into your environment.

    • Learn More »

  3. Custom Blocklists & Allowlists

    • Organization-Wide Enforcement: Decide which websites and services are permitted or restricted across your company’s Edge users.

    • Real-Time Alerts: Receive instant notifications when a user attempts to access newly flagged or blocked sites, enabling prompt action to ensure compliance.

    • Learn More »

  4. Complete Visibility & Control

    • Track & Display Usage Frequency

      • Monitor how often AI tools (web-based or local) are accessed, presenting the data visually via counts, charts, or color-coding.

    • Improve Visibility & Insights

      • Aid admins in identifying frequently used AI tools and spotting usage trends or potential concerns.

      • Integrate seamlessly with the existing Shadow IT layout and Swif design system.

    • Support Actionability

      • Flag AI tools for review or blocking.

      • Explore which teams or departments utilize these tools most frequently.

    • Learn More »

  5. Startup Page by a New Tab

    • Custom Launch Experience: Optionally configure Microsoft Edge to open a new tab page on startup, ensuring quick access to key resources.

  6. Reset Device Account Password

    • Employee-Initiated Resets: Employees can reset their device user account passwords directly via the Swif Edge Extension.

    • Enhanced Security: Simplifies password resets while reducing risks from compromised credentials.

2. System Requirements

  • Microsoft Edge (latest version recommended)

  • Windows (for full policy management detailed below)

  • A valid Swif account for sign-in and administration

Note: Edge also runs on macOS and Linux, but Edge Extension Policy for Windows is specific to enterprise-managed Windows environments.

3. Installation Steps

3.1 Recommended Method: Use Swif Policy

The preferred way to install Swif Edge Extension on multiple devices is to use the Swif policy method, which ensures all targeted endpoints receive the extension automatically. This approach centralizes management, simplifies updates, and enforces consistent security policies across your organization. See Section 5 below for detailed instructions.

3.2 Manual Installation (For Testing or Single-Device)

If you need to test the Swif Edge Extension on a single device—or don’t have access to centralized deployment just yet—you can install it manually:

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store

  2. Search for “SWIF Access Discovery”

    • In the store’s search bar, enter SWIF Access Discovery.

  3. Add to Edge

    • Locate the Swif Edge Extension in the results.

    • Click Get or Add to Edge.

    • When prompted, select “Add extension” to confirm.

  4. Confirm Installation

    • Once installed, the Swif icon appears in the Edge toolbar.

    • If not visible, open the Extensions menu (puzzle piece icon) and pin the Swif icon.

  5. Sign In or Create an Account

    • Click the Swif icon to launch the extension.

    • Sign in with your Swif credentials or create a new account if you’re new to Swif.

4. Using the Swif Edge Extension

  1. Configure Organizational Settings

    • If you have admin privileges, sign into your Swif dashboard to set up organization-wide rules—such as blocklists, allowlists, and Shadow IT alerts.

  2. Team Access Reading

    • Grant or restrict webpage access for specific teams or departments.

    • Keep a record of which pages are accessible to maintain consistent productivity and policy adherence.

  3. Prevent Shadow IT

    • Enable real-time alerts or blocks when users attempt sign-ups for unauthorized tools, reducing hidden risks.

  4. Monitor & Control

    • Use the Swif dashboard to view extension usage, flagged websites, or blocked sign-ups.

    • Adjust policies and permissions as needed to stay secure and compliant.

5. Edge Extension Policy for Windows

For enterprise-level deployment of the Swif Edge Extension, administrators can leverage Windows Group Policy or a similar device-management solution. Below is an example of policy fields relevant to controlling the Swif Edge Extension on Windows environments:

Field Name

Display Name

Value Type

Description

Example

enableSwifEdgeExt

Swif Edge Extension

Boolean

Enable or disable the Swif Edge Extension for users on managed Windows devices.

true or false

install

Install

Array[String]

A list of URLs or package references for extensions to be installed automatically.

["msedge://extension-url"]

uninstall

Uninstall

Array[String]

A list of extension IDs to be removed if detected on the system.

["extension-id@domain"]

locked

Locked

Array[String]

A list of extension IDs that the user cannot disable or uninstall.

["extension-id@domain"]

How to Apply These Policies

  1. Access Your Windows Edge Extension Policy

    • Go to Device Management > Create policy from scratch > Search by keyword 'Edge' to find the Edge Extension policy

  2. Configure the Policy Fields

    • Choose whether to enable Enable Swif Edge Extension.

    • Specify the arrays for install, uninstall, and locked as needed.

  3. Deploy the Policy

    • Push policy updates to your managed Windows devices.

    • Verify that the extension is installed, locked, or uninstalled as intended using system logs or the Swif dashboard.

Note: These fields are examples. Actual policy JSON structures or templates may vary depending on your specific device-management solution.

6. Troubleshooting & Support

  • Extension Permissions
    Verify you’ve granted the necessary permissions for Swif to function properly in Microsoft Edge.

  • Keep Edge Updated
    Staying on the latest version of Microsoft Edge helps ensure optimal extension performance and security.

  • Policy Validation
    If you face issues with deployment, double-check your policy configuration or Group Policy settings on Windows.

  • Contact Swif Support
    Need help or have questions? Contact Swif Support or use the in-app chat to connect with our team.

Last Updated: March, 2025

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