Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform browser developed by Microsoft that’s installed by default on all new Windows devices. The successor to Internet Explorer and IE Mobile, Edge is Microsoft’s flagship browser that can be ported to Android OS, Apple iOS and macOS, Linux, and older versions of Windows, including Windows 7 and later.
Microsoft Edge Android comes pre-installed on Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, and Windows 11, as well as Xbox One, Series X, and Series S consoles.
How does Microsoft Edge work?
In a major revamp in 2018, Microsoft rebuilt Edge from the ground up. This browser now operates on the Chromium open-source code and the Blink web engine, which was developed by several companies, including Meta, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, and Intel. The Chromium engine offers impressive speeds and compatibility with many browser extensions. Microsoft Edge Android also operates as a built-in web viewer for applications requiring internet access through Android System WebView2.
The Google Chrome browser also runs on the Chromium engine.
Microsoft Edge features
Many new features have been introduced to Microsoft Edge Android since its redesign. The following are some popular Microsoft Edge features:
Racking prevention
Websites use trackers to collect data about a person’s browsing history. Microsoft Edge’s Android tracking protection function shields users from online monitoring by limiting trackers’ access to the network- and browser-based storage.
Lightweight structure
Edge has trimmed back the bloat that most modern browsers, including IE, had. For example, it dropped support for ActiveX controls, which lack portability and are notorious for security issues. Edge is a streamlined browser built on web standards and designed for web service. It was code-named Spartan in development, a reference to the browser’s lightweight structure, which is designed to make Edge functional across multiple, often mobile, and device platforms.
Support for inking
Microsoft Edge lets users add handwriting and drawings to web pages using an annotation tool. With the Web Notes feature, users can write on webpages, doodle, take notes, crop images and highlight text using their pen on a supported device, such as the Surface Pro tablet. Crotona. Microsoft Edge supports the Crotona personal virtual productivity assistant in Microsoft 365. It helps users with various tasks, including typing in response to voice commands, checking calendars, setting reminders and adding new tasks.
Saving text snippets
The Collections feature keeps track of web links and stores video, images, and snippets of text from websites, enabling users to quickly collect and organize information from the internet. It can also be used for tasks such as managing a shopping list, gathering research information, and planning a trip. The Collections feature also syncs across all devices that have Microsoft Edge installed.
Personalized content feed
Edge displays My Feed on startup, which is a collection of news stories, videos, and snippets of information relevant to the user’s browsing history and personal data, such as the location of weather reports. Users can also customize the feed according to their preferences.
Read aloud.
Microsoft Edge can read the text of a webpage audibly. Its control buttons can be used to pause and play the read-aloud cursor. Users can also move forward and backward using the same controls.
Security. Microsoft Edge comes with many prebuilt security features, including Password Monitor, SmartScreen, InPrivate search, and Kids Mode. The SmartScreen feature is designed to protect users from cyber threats, including malware, phishing, and social engineering attacks. It generates a warning when a user accesses an unsafe website or download location.
Gaming homepage
Edge comes with a personalized gaming homepage that’s built with exclusive Xbox features. The page offers curated content geared toward gamers and their interests.
Vertical tabs
Microsoft Edge provides the option to use vertical tabs. This feature enables users to move the traditional tab row at the top of the browser into a column that runs down the left side. Vertical charges are less cluttered and easier on the hands, as users can slide from left to right instead of up and down while switching tabs.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are small applications that enhance the functionality of an app and add personalization. Microsoft Edge users can download their favorite extensions from the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. For example, AdBlock for Edge, which is a popular ad blocker that automatically blocks ads, can be installed as an extension on Microsoft Edge.
Immersive reading
Microsoft Edge displays an Immersive Reader icon on the side of the address bar whenever a user accesses certain content, such as articles and blog posts. This provides a cleaner and simpler view and is designed for easier reading.
Microsoft Edge development
Microsoft Edge was created for Windows 10 to replace IE, the browser that debuted with Windows 95 and was a part of Windows operating systems until its retirement on June 15, 2022.
On Feb. 14, 2023, Microsoft released an update that permanently disabled the defunct IE desktop program on select Windows 10 devices. However, Microsoft Edge continues to support IE mode until 2029. Bing, Edge’s default search engine, is also using a more sophisticated version of the AI technology that enables ChatGPT in this edition. The icon for IE disappears in June 2023, but customers can continue using their legacy IE-based sites and apps.
Edge installs along with Windows 10 and Windows 11 much the same way IE did with previous versions.
Microsoft Edge vs. competitors
According to DataReportal’s “Digital 2023: Global Overview Report,” the average person spends almost seven hours each day on the internet, making browsers an essential part of the online world. While each browser offers unique browsing features, not all browsers are created equal.
According to StatCounter’s “Browser Market Share Worldwide” study conducted in January 2023, Google Chrome has a global market share of 65.4%, making it the most used browser in the world. Apple’s Safari takes second place with 18.7%. Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox have a global share of 4.5% and 3%, respectively.
FAQs
What is the best way to set up my home page?
It is possible to set your home page to a specific URL or use the default Microsoft Edge home page.
Go to the menu … > Settings > General > Home page.
Choose one of the following options:
To use the default home page, tap the New tab page.
By using the current page or entering a URL, you can specify which page you want to appear on when you open the browser.
What is the best way to set my search engine?
Microsoft Edge uses Bing as its default search engine.
How to set your search engine
- Go to the menu … > Settings > General > Default search engine.
- Choose one of the search engines listed.
If you don’t see the search engine you want, visit your desired search engine in the browser, then return to Settings and see if it appears there. If it doesn’t, let us know. Include as much detail about the issue as possible.
In Microsoft Edge, how do I add items to my Collections?
The first option is:
- Tap the menu … > Add to Collections while on the web page, you want to add.
- If you select a Collection or create a new one, the page will be saved to that Collection.
The second option is:
The page will appear in your open Collection once you tap the + button in the upper right corner of the drawer (see previous steps).
With the new Microsoft Edge, how do I sync my Collections?
- Go to the menu … > Settings.
- Tap your Microsoft account under Accounts.
- Select The new Microsoft Edge under Sync settings.
- Click on Accounts.
- Tap Sync in the Sync settings.
- Sync should be enabled, and collections should be enabled under Data items.
- Then tap Done.
