Uncover the Hidden Features of Microsoft Edge Browser
Microsoft Edge has evolved significantly since its launch, becoming one of the most feature-packed and user-friendly browsers available. Although many users are familiar with basic features such as speed and security, there are several lesser-known capabilities hidden within Edge that can greatly improve your browsing experience. In this article, we will uncover these hidden features and show you how to make the most out of Microsoft Edge.
1. Customizing Your Microsoft Edge Browser
One of the first things users notice about Microsoft Edge is its clean and modern interface. However, it offers a lot more customization options than you might think. From adjusting themes to tweaking privacy settings, here are a few ways to personalize Edge.
- Change the Theme: You can switch between light and dark modes, or even set a custom theme. To do this, click on the three dots in the top-right corner of Edge, go to Settings, then select “Appearance.”
- Customize the Start Page: Edge allows you to personalize your start page with a custom background, news feed, or shortcuts to your favorite sites. To change this, navigate to the “On Startup” section in the Settings menu.
- Set a Default Search Engine: If you prefer a search engine other than Bing, Microsoft Edge allows you to change it. Go to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services, and under “Address bar and search,” select your preferred engine.
2. Microsoft Edge’s Built-in PDF Reader
Did you know that Microsoft Edge comes with a robust PDF reader? It’s packed with useful tools that make reading and editing PDFs much easier. Here’s how you can use it:
- Open PDF Files Directly: Simply click on any PDF link, and Edge will automatically open it in its built-in viewer without needing any third-party software.
- Highlight Text: Use the highlight tool to mark important sections of the document. You can select text and apply different colors for easy reference.
- Fill Out Forms: Edge allows you to fill out forms directly in a PDF, making it perfect for applications or document submissions.
- Draw on PDFs: The drawing tool lets you freehand annotations on the document using a mouse or touchpad. This is especially useful for adding comments or signing documents.
3. Collection Feature in Microsoft Edge
The Collections feature in Microsoft Edge allows you to gather, organize, and share information from the web with ease. Whether you’re researching a project or planning a trip, this feature can be a game-changer. Here’s how to use it:
- Create a Collection: To create a collection, click on the Collections icon located in the toolbar, then click “Start New Collection.” You can add web pages, images, and even notes to your collection.
- Organize Content: Once your collection is set up, you can drag and drop items to organize them as needed. You can also remove items or create subcollections for better structure.
- Sync Across Devices: Microsoft Edge syncs your collections across all devices where you’re signed in with your Microsoft account. This ensures that your research is always accessible, whether on your phone or desktop.
- Share Your Collection: You can easily share your entire collection via email or social media by clicking the “Share” button.
4. Web Capture Tool for Screenshots
Need to take a screenshot of a website or part of a webpage? Microsoft Edge has a built-in Web Capture tool that allows you to take full-page screenshots or select specific areas to capture. Here’s how you can use it:
- Capture Full Page: Click the three dots in the top-right corner, select “Web Capture,” and then choose “Capture Full Page” to take a screenshot of an entire webpage.
- Capture Selected Area: Alternatively, you can select “Capture Selected Area” to drag a box around the part of the page you want to screenshot. This is especially useful for capturing only a specific section of a website.
- Mark Up and Save: After taking a screenshot, Edge allows you to mark it up with notes and highlights before saving it or sharing it directly.
5. Built-in Microsoft Edge Security Features
One of the major reasons users choose Microsoft Edge is its enhanced security features. Edge comes with several built-in tools that keep you safe while browsing the web. Some of the most notable security features include:
- Tracking Prevention: Microsoft Edge blocks third-party trackers that can follow you across the web, protecting your privacy. You can adjust the level of blocking in the “Privacy, Search, and Services” settings.
- InPrivate Browsing: This mode allows you to browse the internet without leaving a trace on your device. When using InPrivate, Edge doesn’t store cookies, history, or cached files.
- Password Manager: Edge has a built-in password manager that securely stores your passwords and autofills them when you visit websites. You can manage passwords under Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: This feature helps block phishing sites and malicious downloads, providing an extra layer of security while you browse.
6. Microsoft Edge Extensions
While Microsoft Edge has many great built-in features, it also supports a wide variety of extensions to further enhance your browsing experience. You can find and install extensions from the Microsoft Store or Chrome Web Store. Some popular extensions include:
- AdBlock Plus: Block intrusive ads and improve your browsing speed.
- Grammarly: Perfect for anyone who needs help with grammar and spelling while typing in web forms.
- LastPass: Manage and generate strong passwords to secure your online accounts.
- OneNote Web Clipper: Clip content from the web and save it directly to your OneNote account.
7. Troubleshooting Common Microsoft Edge Issues
While Microsoft Edge is a reliable browser, sometimes users encounter issues that affect their browsing experience. Here are a few troubleshooting tips for common problems:
- Edge Running Slowly: Clear your browser cache and cookies by going to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Clear Browsing Data. You can also disable unnecessary extensions that may be slowing down the browser.
- Edge Crashes or Freezes: Try restarting Edge in InPrivate mode to see if the issue persists. If it works fine in InPrivate, the problem might be related to your extensions or settings.
- Websites Not Loading: Ensure that your internet connection is stable. If you’re using a VPN, try disconnecting it temporarily to see if the website loads properly.
- Edge Not Syncing Across Devices: Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account on all devices. Check sync settings under Settings > Profiles > Sync.
Conclusion
Microsoft Edge has come a long way since its inception, and with these hidden features, it can be even more powerful. Whether you’re customizing your browsing experience, securing your data, or taking advantage of the many built-in tools, Microsoft Edge is equipped to meet a wide variety of user needs. By exploring these advanced capabilities, you can make your browsing experience faster, safer, and more efficient.
Don’t forget to check out other official Microsoft Edge resources for further details and updates. And if you’re looking for more tips, you can also visit our blog for additional guides and troubleshooting tips.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by BrowserMaster Team