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 promising app for Windows users. In this article, we will explain top 10 Microsoft Edge tips 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.
1. Edge Bar
If you love widgets in Windows, then Edge Bar is a similar feature with Edge browser. This will show the widgets like weather, latest news feed and add a small sidebar to the screen. The bar will show some default apps like Outlook and you can add custom shortcuts for quickly launching websites. For launching the Edge Bar, go to the browser menu by pressing the three horizontal dots icon on top right corner. Navigate to “More tools > Launch Edge bar” option.
The bar will stay on the screen though you can change its position. You can also enable auto-hide and show a floating icon. Learn more about Edge bar and try out this on your browser.
2. 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 “Math Solver” button under “Select which buttons to show on the toolbar:” section. This will add a tool next to Edge address bar. You can use this Math Solver to select any problems from webpages or 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.
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 choose “Always” option for “Turn on efficiency mode when” 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. You can either choose 5-8 or 9-12 years old age group to have relevant privacy controls. Go to “edge://settings/family” section and select the age group. Click on the profile icon and select “Browse in kids mode” to enter to kids mode.
Now, you can allow the kids to browse 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 password for exiting from the kids mode.
5. Use Sidebar
This is similar to Edge Bar, however, works within the browser. Go to “edge://settings/appearance” section and turn on the switch against “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, Office and Outlook. You can click on the search icon and use Bing to search the internet. Out of all shortcuts, you will find the “Tools” section will be more useful showing widgets for clock, calculator, dictionary, unit converter, translator and internet speed tester.
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 your account and 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 extension from Chrome Web Store on Edge. Go to “edge://extensions/” page and enable “Allow extensions from other stores” option. Alternatively, simply go to Chrome Web Store website in Edge and you will see a top notification bar. Click on the “Allow extensions from other stores” button on the notification and start installing your favorite Chrome extension 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 SmartScreen option as part of Defender (Windows Security). To protect your computer, go to “edge://settings/privacy” section and enable “Microsoft Defender SmartScreen” option under “Security” heading.
10. Web Select
The next tip is for those who want to properly select and copy content from websites. It is easy to select the content from a single column. However, the problem comes when the webpage has multiple columns which is the normal case with sidebar. Edge Web Select feature allows you to select the content with appropriate alignment which you can copy and paste anywhere you want. Press “Control + Shift + X” keys or right-click and select “Web Select” option. Now, you can use the mouse to drag and select the content. Click the “Copy” button that you see after selecting the content to copy the selected content to clipboard.
11. Web Capture
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. Right-click and select “Web Capture” option or press “Control + Shift + S” keys to open the screen capture tool in Edge.
12. Automatic Coupons and Discounts
The final tip is for the online shoppers to get huge discount deals. When you are on the 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 also introducing features with every new release of Edge targeting all Windows users to use the default browser. You can give a try as the Edge app is already part of Windows and switch back to Edge if you are comfortable.
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