11 Microsoft Edge Tips & Tricks for Windows 10
Microsoft Edge in Windows 10: A New Browsing Experience
With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Edge, designed to succeed Internet Explorer as the standard web browser.
This transition signifies a complete overhaul, as Edge departs from the legacy interface associated with Internet Explorer.
Key Improvements and Design Changes
The interface of Edge has been entirely rebuilt, eliminating the complexities and visual clutter present in its predecessor.
This redesign prioritizes a streamlined and user-friendly browsing experience.
Future Developments for Microsoft Edge
Microsoft is committed to the ongoing development of Edge, with plans to introduce new functionalities and enhancements.
A significant addition anticipated is the support for browser extensions.
The inclusion of extensions will substantially increase Edge’s competitiveness within the browser market, positioning it more effectively against rivals like Chrome and Firefox.
Users can anticipate a continually evolving browser as Microsoft invests in its future.
Cortana Functionality within Microsoft Edge
Cortana integration is a feature available in Microsoft Edge, but its operation is contingent upon prior system-wide activation of Cortana. Initial setup requires interaction with the Cortana search bar located on the Windows taskbar, where user identification is necessary.
Verification of feature enablement can be performed through Edge’s settings menu. Access "View advanced settings" – typically found near the bottom of the settings pane – and confirm that the "Have Cortana assist me in Microsoft Edge" option is toggled on.
Utilizing Cortana in Edge
Interaction with Cortana within Edge is straightforward. Simply input your query directly into the address bar at the top of the browser window, or on the New Tab page.
Examples of queries include requests for information such as "weather in [city]", inquiries about age like "how old is [famous person]", or date-specific questions like "when is [holiday] [year]".
Cortana is designed to provide concise and immediate responses to these types of inquiries.
Utilizing the Share Function in Edge
Microsoft Edge incorporates a built-in sharing capability, accessible via the Share icon located on the toolbar. Selecting this icon initiates the operating system's Share interface.
The range of sharing options can be broadened by installing applications from the Windows Store. This allows for sharing to a wider variety of services.
For instance, to facilitate sharing on Facebook, the Facebook application should be installed. Similarly, sharing to Twitter requires the installation of the Twitter application.
This method offers a streamlined approach to sharing web content, mirroring the functionality found on mobile platforms like Android and iOS, without the need for browser add-ons.
Within the Share panel, users have the option to share a screenshot of the currently viewed webpage instead of a direct link. This is achieved by tapping the page title.
Sharing Options and Expansion
- Direct Sharing: The Share button provides immediate access to installed sharing apps.
- App Installation: Extend functionality by downloading apps from the Windows Store.
- Screenshot Sharing: Share a visual representation of the page instead of a URL.
The ability to share screenshots offers an alternative method for conveying webpage content. It’s a useful feature when a visual summary is preferred over a direct link.
Enhanced Reading Experience in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge, similar to browsers like Safari, offers a dedicated "reading view" feature. This functionality streamlines articles found online, removing distracting elements for improved readability.
Activating this mode is straightforward. Simply locate an article on the internet and select the "reading view" icon within the address bar.
Accessing Reading View
The icon is visually represented as a book, making it easily identifiable. Clicking or tapping this icon instantly transforms the webpage.
This transformation focuses the display on the core content of the article, eliminating advertisements and extraneous website features.
Reading View provides a cleaner, more focused reading experience, enhancing comprehension and reducing eye strain.
Utilizing the Reading List Feature in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge provides a convenient reading list functionality. This allows users to save web articles for future perusal, distinct from their bookmarked favorites.
Saving an article is easily accomplished by clicking the star icon located within the address bar. From the options presented, choose "Reading list" to add the current page.
Accessing Your Saved Articles
The reading list can be accessed at any time by clicking the "hub" button. Selecting the "Reading List" category within the hub will display all previously saved pages.
This ensures that articles intended for later reading are kept separate from your frequently visited or bookmarked websites.
The reading list offers a streamlined method for managing content you wish to review without impacting your established favorites.
Web Page Annotation in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge provides functionality for annotating web pages, contributing to its positioning as a browser designed for active engagement. Initiating the process is simple: select the "Make a Web Note" button.
This button is conveniently located between the hub and share options on the toolbar. Once activated, you can begin to visually interact with the current webpage.
Annotation Tools
A suite of tools is available for marking up content. These include options to draw directly on the page, highlight specific text, erase markings, and incorporate textual notes.
Furthermore, the ability to copy selected portions of a webpage is also provided. This allows for easy extraction of relevant information.
Saving and Sharing Your Notes
The "Save" button facilitates storing your annotations in several locations. You can choose to save to Microsoft OneNote, your browser favorites, or your reading list.
Alternatively, the "Share" button enables you to distribute your annotated webpage to others. This is useful for collaboration or sharing insights.
Enhancing Your Microsoft Edge Experience
The Edge browser retains all the essential functionalities expected of a contemporary web browser. These features are now more accessible due to the removal of unnecessary elements previously found in Internet Explorer.
- Private Browsing Mode: Initiate a private browsing session by accessing the toolbar menu and selecting "New InPrivate window." In this mode, your browsing history and related data are not stored.
- Pinning to Start Menu: Edge enables you to pin frequently visited webpages to the Start menu or Start screen for quick access. Select "Pin to Start" from the menu; clicking the tile will launch the page directly within Edge.
- Compatibility with Internet Explorer: Should a webpage require Internet Explorer, simply select "Open with Internet Explorer" from the menu. Internet Explorer remains accessible within the "Windows Accessories" folder in the All Apps menu. This is useful for older web applications needing plugins like Java or Silverlight.
- Dark Mode Option: Like many Windows 10 applications, Edge offers a dark theme alongside its standard light theme. Activate this by choosing "Dark" under the "Choose a theme" option in the menu.
- Flash Player Control: Microsoft Edge integrates Flash Player, similar to Chrome. This is the only supported plugin within Edge. To disable Flash for security, navigate to settings, select "View advanced settings," and set "Use Adobe Flash Player" to "Off."
- Customizing Your Search Engine: While Microsoft Edge defaults to Bing, it supports other search engines that provide an OpenSearch plugin. Instructions for changing your default search engine are readily available.
Further customization options for Edge’s interface are found within its Settings menu. For instance, a Home button can be enabled for swift navigation to your preferred starting page.
You can also configure the pages that Edge displays upon launch, and tailor the content shown on the New tab page. The New tab page can be simplified by removing the "suggested content" feature.
