Uncovering the Hidden Features of Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge, once considered just another browser, has evolved into a feature-packed tool that rivals its competitors in performance, customization, and security. Many users are familiar with the basic functions of Edge—such as browsing, bookmarking, and managing tabs—but there are several lesser-known features that can enhance your browsing experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the hidden gems within Microsoft Edge, providing you with a deeper understanding of how to get the most out of this powerful browser.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge has come a long way since its initial release. With its Chromium engine and continuous updates, it offers a fast, secure, and smooth browsing experience. However, many users are unaware of the full range of capabilities Edge offers. From productivity tools to customization options and security features, Edge provides numerous settings that can make your online experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Whether you’re an individual user, a student, or a professional, these hidden features can help you work smarter and enjoy a more tailored browsing experience. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the lesser-known features and settings that can significantly improve your Microsoft Edge experience.

Why Microsoft Edge is a Top Choice for Browsing

Before diving into the hidden features of Microsoft Edge, let’s briefly review why Edge is considered one of the best browsers available today. Edge offers fast performance, security features such as phishing protection and a built-in VPN (via Microsoft Defender), as well as seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Office 365 and Windows 10/11. It also has excellent privacy features, including tracker prevention and more control over your data.

These elements, along with its constant updates and improvements, make Edge not only an alternative to Chrome or Firefox but often a superior choice for many users. Now, let’s explore some of the hidden and powerful features of Microsoft Edge that can help you unlock its full potential.

1. Enhance Productivity with Collections

One of the standout features of Microsoft Edge is the “Collections” tool, which allows you to organize your browsing into categories for better management. While many users are familiar with bookmarks, Collections takes organization to the next level by letting you save entire web pages, images, text snippets, and even links all in one place.

How to Use Collections in Microsoft Edge

Click the “Collections” icon in the top-right corner of the browser (the icon looks like a little folder with a star).
Click “Start new collection” to create a new set of organized web pages.
Drag and drop webpages, links, or images from your browser directly into the collection.
You can even add notes to each page to help remind you of why you saved it.
Once you have your collection, you can access it anytime from the Collections sidebar and even export it to Excel or Word for further reference.

Collections are ideal for research projects, shopping lists, travel plans, or any other situation where you need to gather information from multiple sources. Learn more about Collections on the official Microsoft Edge support page.

2. Immersive Reader Mode for a Distraction-Free Experience

If you’re someone who likes to read articles, research papers, or long-form content online, Microsoft Edge’s Immersive Reader Mode is a game-changer. This feature strips away all the distractions on a webpage, such as ads, pop-ups, and navigation menus, leaving you with just the text and images you want to focus on.

How to Enable Immersive Reader Mode

Visit the page you want to read in Microsoft Edge.
If the page supports Immersive Reader Mode, you’ll see an icon of a book with lines in the address bar.
Click on the icon to switch to Immersive Reader Mode.
Use the settings in the top-right corner to adjust the font size, background color, or even the text spacing to suit your reading preferences.

This feature is particularly useful for students or anyone who reads a lot of online content. You can also use the Read Aloud function, which will read the page to you in a natural-sounding voice. It’s available in multiple languages, which can be useful for non-native speakers.

3. Built-in Microsoft Edge Password Manager

Managing passwords across multiple websites is a challenge for many users. Fortunately, Microsoft Edge offers a built-in password manager that helps you store, organize, and autofill your login credentials securely. This feature syncs across devices, ensuring you always have access to your passwords, whether you’re on your PC, tablet, or mobile phone.

How to Use the Password Manager in Microsoft Edge

Go to the “Settings” menu by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select “Passwords” from the list on the left side under “Profiles”.
Turn on “Offer to save passwords” if it’s not already enabled.
As you visit websites and enter login information, Edge will prompt you to save the password.
To view or manage your saved passwords, you can click on the “Saved passwords” section to see a list of your credentials.

For added security, Microsoft Edge uses Windows Hello or a master password to protect your saved passwords. This means that only you can access your sensitive information.

4. Side-by-Side Web Browsing with Vertical Tabs

If you often find yourself with a multitude of tabs open, managing them in the traditional horizontal format can become cumbersome. Microsoft Edge introduces a solution with Vertical Tabs, a feature that moves your tabs to the left-hand side of the browser. This gives you more room to view multiple tabs at once and reduces the clutter that comes with a long row of tabs at the top of the browser.

How to Enable Vertical Tabs in Microsoft Edge

Click the “Tabs” icon in the upper-left corner of the browser.
Select “Turn on vertical tabs” to switch to the vertical tab layout.
Your open tabs will now appear in a list on the left side of the browser window, making it easier to switch between them.
To switch back to the horizontal tab layout, simply click the “Turn off vertical tabs” option at the top of the left-hand panel.

Vertical tabs are perfect for users who need to juggle many tabs simultaneously, such as during research, comparison shopping, or managing multiple work-related tasks.

5. Microsoft Edge’s Privacy Tools

Privacy has become one of the most important concerns for internet users, and Microsoft Edge takes this seriously. The browser includes several privacy features that are designed to protect your data and make you feel more secure while browsing the web. These features are easily accessible through the Settings menu, where you can adjust your level of privacy to suit your needs.

Privacy Settings and Tracker Prevention

Open Edge’s settings by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
Select “Privacy, search, and services” from the list on the left-hand side.
Under the “Tracking prevention” section, choose your preferred level of protection: Basic, Balanced, or Strict. The more stringent settings block more trackers but may affect website functionality.

With Tracker Prevention enabled, Microsoft Edge automatically blocks unwanted tracking scripts that attempt to monitor your browsing habits across websites. This helps maintain your privacy and prevents companies from collecting excessive data about you without your consent.

6. **Troubleshooting Tips for Microsoft Edge Users

Like any software, Microsoft Edge can sometimes run into issues. Whether it’s slow performance, crashes, or unresponsive pages, here are some troubleshooting tips that might help you resolve common problems:

Clear your cache and cookies: Over time, accumulated cache and cookies can slow down your browser. You can clear them by going to “Settings” > “Privacy, search, and services” > “Choose what to clear.”
Disable extensions: Some browser extensions can conflict with web pages. Try disabling them by going to “Settings” > “Extensions” and turning off extensions one by one to identify the culprit.
Reset settings: If you’re experiencing persistent issues, you can reset Edge to its default settings. Go to “Settings” > “Reset settings” > “Restore settings to their default values.”
Check for updates: Ensure that Microsoft Edge is up to date by going to “Settings” > “About Microsoft Edge” and checking for the latest version.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Full Potential of Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is much more than just a browser—it’s a powerful tool designed to improve your online experience. From organizing your content with Collections to improving your privacy with advanced tracking prevention, Edge provides numerous features that enhance productivity and security. By uncovering these hidden features, you can take full advantage of everything Microsoft Edge has to offer.

Whether you’re a casual user or a professional looking for more functionality, Microsoft Edge has something for everyone. Start exploring these features today and discover how they can improve your browsing experience. For more information on Microsoft Edge, visit the official Microsoft website or explore other related articles on browsing tips.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by BrowserMaster Team