Microsoft Edge has quietly evolved from the successor to Internet Explorer into a surprisingly powerful and feature-rich browser. Built on the same foundation as Google Chrome, it seamlessly integrates with popular extensions while adding unique tools designed to boost productivity and streamline your online experience. Discovering these hidden capabilities can transform how you browse.
Need to quickly share files or links between your devices? Edge’s “Drop” feature offers a simple solution. Unlike faster, but restrictive, methods like AirDrop, Drop utilizes OneDrive, allowing asynchronous sharing – your devices don’t need to be unlocked or on the same network. Access Drop through the settings menu, and install Edge on all your devices to enjoy seamless file transfers.
Is Edge feeling sluggish? Don’t immediately reach for the Windows or Mac Task Manager. Edge includes its own built-in task manager, accessible with Shift-Esc, that focuses solely on browser processes. This allows you to pinpoint resource-hogging tabs or extensions and quickly end them, restoring performance without losing valuable data.
Multitasking just got easier with Edge’s “Split screen” feature. Open two tabs side-by-side without creating a new window, perfect for research or comparing information. Enhance accessibility by enabling a dedicated “Split screen” button in your toolbar through the settings menu.
Reclaim valuable screen real estate with Edge’s vertical tabs. This innovative layout moves your tabs to a single pane on the left, maximizing space for content. Customize the look further by hiding the title bar and collapsing the tab bar for a truly streamlined experience.
Overwhelmed by a sea of open tabs? Let Edge’s AI-powered tab grouping come to the rescue. While not a replacement for manual organization, it intelligently groups tabs by topic, providing a quick way to declutter and regain control. Access this feature through the browser’s menu.
Extend your battery life and improve performance with Edge’s energy saver mode. By automatically putting background tabs to sleep, it reduces resource consumption, potentially adding up to 25 minutes of battery life according to Microsoft. Enable this feature in the performance settings.
If you’re using an older computer, disabling “Startup boost” can actually improve performance. While beneficial for powerful hardware, this feature keeps Edge running in the background, potentially slowing down older systems. Adjust this setting in the system settings.
Feeling overwhelmed by AI features? Edge allows you to selectively disable Copilot and other AI-driven functionalities. Customize your experience by turning off Copilot Mode, removing the Copilot button from the toolbar, and disabling features like context clues and AI-powered translation.
Transform any article into an audiobook with Edge’s hidden “Read aloud” feature. Accessible through the menu or with a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl-Shift-U or Cmd-Shift-U), the surprisingly natural-sounding voice can enhance your browsing experience. This feature is also available on mobile.
Instantly search for anything on a webpage with “Visual Search.” Right-click on an item to initiate a reverse image search or learn more about landmarks. Be aware that this feature takes a screenshot and sends it to Microsoft, and requires agreement to a privacy statement.
