If you just purchased a unexampled Windows computer and see Microsoft Edge is installed , you might be wondering if it ’s deserving your time .
Is Microsoft Edge a secure web web browser app that keeps you safe when you ’re online ? Can you customize it like other popular browsers ? What happened to Internet Explorer ?
You have question , and we have answers . Here ’s what you need to get laid to get started with Microsoft Edge .
What is Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge is a cross - platform web web browser app developed by Microsoft . Like with its competitor Chrome , Firefox , and Safari , Edge lets you visit internet site , lay aside your favourite , check your e-mail , cling out on societal medium , and watch YouTube picture .
Microsoft Edge history
While Microsoft Edge was released in 2015 , it was n’t until 2018 that Microsoft announced it would reconstruct Edge as a atomic number 24 - ground internet browser , which also allowed for an effectiveEdge internet browser on macOS . In 2020 , the raw rendering of Edge was let go of to the public , and Microsoft ended security support for the original , now referred to as Microsoft Edge Legacy .
Microsoft Edge was intended to be the successor to Internet Explorer 11 even though both web web browser stay uncommitted for a couple of years .
In June 2022,Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorerand has since preinstalled Microsoft Edge on new version of the Windows operating system .
From July 2023 to July 2024 , Google Chrome still claim almost 65 % of the worldwide grocery share for desktop browsers . According toStatCounter , however , Microsoft Edge is closing in on Chromewith almost 14 % of the share .
As it appears that Microsoft Edge is here to delay and used by many , make familiar with it is well worth your time . get ’s walk through several features of Edge and how to flex this putz into your go - to connection web browser .
How to use Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge looks like most any popular web web web browser . At the top , you have the savoir-faire legal profession that repeat as a web search , a toolbar with buttons for Back , Home , and Refresh , and tab to manage website you chew the fat .
And while it ’s simple enough to bolt down a universal resource locator into the address bar and head to your favorite web site , it ’s a undecomposed idea to get familiar with the configurations , security , customizations , and other features you may take reward of when using Edge .
Make it the default browser
While not required , if you need toget the knack of using Microsoft Edge , debate making it your default browser app . This is a agile and round-eyed change that you may always reverse by and by if you desire to go back to Chrome or Firefox .
Now when you click a link in an e-mail or lotion , the website automatically afford in Microsoft Edge .
Adjust the privacy settings
If there ’s one affair you should do when you start using a new entanglement browser app , it ’s taking time to review and correct the usable privacy and security setting . And you ’ll see features with Microsoft Edge that you wo n’t see with other web web browser .
Select theSettings and morebutton in the top toolbar .
ChoosePrivacy , search , and serviceson the leftfield . On the right , take a few minutes to make adjustment per your predilection :
Tracking prevention : you’re able to control the level of tracking allowed by websites you chitchat . First , verify theTracking preventiontoggle is turned on . Then , clean Basic , Balanced , or Strict for the character of trailing you want to reserve .
protection : you’re able to turn on the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen , the block of unwanted apps , enhanced security , and the Microsoft Edge Secure internet . Each category within the Security section gives you inside information to help you decide how to manage the background .
Along with the above , be sure to review the stay options in this section of the context . You ’ll see alternative for care browsing data , “ do not track ” postulation , personalization and ad , and Microsoft Edge web service .
ChooseCookies and web site permissionson the left . On the right , take how to manage biscuit and land site data along with the permissions you want to allow for for thing like your camera , microphone , pop - ups , intrusive advertising , and media autoplay .
wonder how Edge compare to Chrome for surety and other features ? Check out ourEdge versus Chrome comparability .
Customize Microsoft Edge
Like other browsers , you have some decent customization options with Microsoft Edge . While some put on colorful themes and use custom font for a dainty coming into court , others like using a favorites bar or screenshot push button for productiveness . Luckily , you’re able to do all of these thing easily in Edge .
ChooseAppearanceon the left and you ’ll see a flock of customization option to the right field . you may pick a theme , customise the toolbar , adjust the context menu , and configure the web browser app window .
ChooseStart , home , and Modern tabson the left field to pick Start and New Tab pages as well as expose the Home clitoris and pick its page .
Install and manage extensions
If you are familiar with Google Chrome , then you recognise that the Chrome Web Store is full of elongation that add more functionality to your internet browser . There are no worries about the same potentiality with Microsoft Edge because you could find a declamatory collection of minimal brain dysfunction - ins ( extensions ) for it as well .
To oversee your add - ons , select theExtensionsbutton and chooseManage extension service . You ’ll then see those you ’ve installed with alternative to get point , disable , and remove add - ons .
Get help from AI with Copilot
Where Google Chrome users canuse Google Gemini , Microsoft Edge user have Copilot . Fortunately , using Microsoft Copilotis easy as it is built right into the Edge web browser , letting everyone get a helping mitt with artificial tidings .
just get across theCopilotbutton in the top toolbar and you ’ll see the side panel undetermined ready to go .
you could also get summary , make melodic theme , lookup , and stay safe online with AI tools for Edge .
Use Internet Explorer mode
To address users who may amount across a website that requires Internet Explorer 11 , Microsoft includes Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge . observe thatMicrosoft recommendsusing this style “ only when necessary . ”
To access Internet Explorer Mode :
When you visit a website that you want to view in Internet Explorer mode , selectSettings and moreand chooseReload in net Explorer Mode .
To exit this mood , selectLeavein the bar at the top of the window or shut the lozenge and reopen a new one .
Browse the additional settings
While the above give you the basics you require to begin enjoying Microsoft Edge , there ’s much more to explore .
SelectSettings and moreand practice the options on the left to see other features that might concern you .
you’re able to reviewSystem and performancefor startup alternative and medium sweetening , Phone and other devicesfor download and synchronise Edge with your smartphone , andProfilesfor your Microsoft account preferences , passwords , and payment selective information .
For even more , look at our list ofMicrosoft Edge shortcuts you want to try .
Don’t give up on Microsoft Edge
If you run into problem , do n’t give up on Microsoft Edge and immediately flip-flop back to Chrome or Firefox . rather , take a look at themost rough-cut Edge problem and how to fix them . And keep in thinker that you may experience issues with any web web browser app from meter to time .
While it is potential todisable or uninstall Microsoft Edge , it is just as easy to ignore it and try one of the otherbest web browsersinstead .
