Microsoft finally retired the iconic Internet Explorer and made Edge as the default browser in Windows operating system. The latest Edge browser is based on the Chromium backend which is the same backend used by Google Chrome. Though the backend is same, Edge browser has lot of unique features and becoming a promising app for Windows users. In this article, we will explain top 12 Microsoft Edge features you should try to power up your browsing experience.
Microsoft Edge New Version
Many Windows users fed up with earlier IE/Edge versions and moved to Chrome or Firefox. If you are the one among them, then we strongly recommend giving Edge a try again and you will be surprised with the new features. Combined with Bing search, you will get a neat and cool experience compared to Chrome with Google search.
1. Edge Copilot
Copilot is the AI assistant introduced by Microsoft (earlier known as Bing Chat). The Copilot icon will appear on the top right corner of Edge screen which you can’t remove by default. Click that icon to start having a conversation, compose an email or blog post or view insights of the page you are viewing. You can also ask Copilot to draw an image by providing a text prompt. The conversations are stored in your Microsoft account so that you can retrieve them any time later when needed.
Note that Windows 11 also comes with a separate Copilot feature. Though both are called Copilot, Edge can be used on other platforms like macOS, iOS or Android and has additional features.
2. Edge Math Solver
Are you a student or teacher frequently solving complex mathematical problems? Then go to “edge://settings/appearance” shortcut URL in Edge and turn on “Learning toolkit” button under “Select which buttons to show on the toolbar:” section. This will add a tool icon next to Edge address bar. Click on that icon or go to “edge://learning/” page to view the available learning options for you. Select “Math Solver” to open the Microsoft Math Solver page to type using Math Calculator and get a solution. You can get step-by-step instructions for solutions to algebra, calculus, trigonometry or any other math equations.
Note that Edge had an in-built Math Solver feature which was removed and now you can only access it though Microsoft Math Solver website.
3. Efficiency Mode
As the name indicates, efficiency mode in Edge allows to reduce the power usage and increase the battery life. Go to “edge://settings/system” section and enable “Efficiency mode” option under “Optimize Performance” section. After that enable all other optimization features to get the maximum out of efficiency mode.
4. Kids Mode
If you are sharing the computer with your kids, then do not worry about showing inappropriate content whenever they browse. Edge offers kids mode to choose the age range and apply appropriate filters for the selected age group. Go to “edge://settings/familySafety” section and click on the “Get Started Now” button to setup content filters and activity reports for your kid’s profile.
Now, you can allow the kids to browse using a newly created profile and Edge will block all inappropriate websites. You can allow specific websites in the settings or your kid can ask your permission for accessing any blocked sites. You need to enter the user account’s password for exiting from the kids mode.
5. Use Edge Sidebar
Go to “edge://settings/sidebar” section and turn on the switch against “Always show sidebar” option. Alternatively, press “Control + Shift + /” keys to toggle the sidebar in Edge. This will open a small sidebar with lot of shortcuts for search, tools, discover, games, Microsoft 365, Outlook and Drop. You can click on the search icon and use Bing to search the internet. Out of all shortcuts, you will find the “Tools” section more useful showing widgets for clock, calculator, dictionary, unit converter and translator. You can also click the + icon and add new shortcuts to the list.
6. Vertical Tabs
If you are bored with managing tabs on the horizontal title bar, then this tip is for you. Edge offers an option to use vertical tabs to move all open tab icons to the left sidebar. You can simply press “Control + Shift + Comma” keys or right-click on the title bar and select “Turn on vertical tabs” option.
7. Sync Across Devices
This is same as synchronization feature offered in many other browsers. Edge app is available for Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone devices. Go to “edge://settings/devices” page and scan the QR code to download Edge app on your mobile devices. For Mac, you need to download from the web and install the app. You can login with a Microsoft account to sync bookmarks, passwords, personal info and open tabs across all your devices.
8. Install Chrome Extensions in Edge
You can go to Microsoft Add-ons marketplace to install your favorite extension in Edge to enhance its feature. However, many users do not know that it is also possible to install extensions from Chrome Web Store on Edge.
- Go to “edge://extensions/” page and enable “Allow extensions from other stores” option from the sidebar.
- Now, click the “Chrome Web Store” link showing at the bottom of the settings page.
- Edge will show a top notification mentioning “Chrome extensions work in Microsoft Edge”.
- Open any extension and check the notification shows the extension will work on Edge.
- Click on the “Get extension” button to install it in Edge.
This is possible as Edge also uses the same Chromium backend as Google Chrome browser.
9. Defender SmartScreen
Malicious websites are one of the major problems while browsing online. Visiting those websites or clicking on any links on those websites will download adware or malware to your computer and infect all the files. To protect you from malicious websites, Edge offers a Defender SmartScreen option. Go to “edge://settings/privacy” section and enable “Microsoft Defender SmartScreen” option under “Security” heading.
10. Web Screenshot
Windows already offers a Snipping Tool to capture the screen. However, you can use Web Capture option in Edge to not only capture the screen but also annotate and save the image. It is also possible to capture the full page with all the hidden content below the visible area of the screen.
- Press “Control + Shift + S” keys or right-click and select “Screenshot” option (you can also click the “Screenshot” icon from toolbar if enabled).
- Select “Capture area” or “Capture full image” option.
- When you select “Capture area” option, use the mouse to drag and select the content. Click the “Copy” button to get the image in your clipboard or click “Markup Capture” to edit the captured image.
- Selecting “Capture full image” will automatically take a screenshot of the entire webpage and open it for editing.
11. Use Split Screen
Go to “edge://settings/appearance” page and turn on “Split screen button” under “Select which buttons to show on the toolbar:” section. This will add an icon in the address bar and click on it to split the Edge browser’s screen. You can use any two tabs in horizontal or vertical manner within Edge browser window.
12. Automatic Coupons and Discounts
The final tip is for online shoppers to get huge discount deals. When you are in any shopping cart page, Edge will automatically show if coupons are found on the web for that website. You can click on the “Try all coupons” and apply the best deal to get higher discount.
Final Words
The above listed are the notable features in Edge browser at this point of time. There are other common features like favorites, collections, read aloud and website permissions which you can make use of while using Edge. Microsoft is also introducing features with every new release of Edge targeting all Windows users to use the default browser. So, give it a try and you will be surprised when compared to old Edge or Internet Explorer.
