Install and Use Bookmarklets in Microsoft Edge - Guide
Leveraging Bookmarklets in Microsoft Edge
Currently, Microsoft Edge does not natively support browser extensions. However, functionality similar to extensions can be achieved through the utilization of bookmarklets.
What are Bookmarklets?
Bookmarklets are essentially concise snippets of JavaScript code that are saved as bookmarks. When a bookmarklet is activated, the embedded code executes on the webpage currently being viewed.
These tools effectively compensate for the absence of traditional browser extensions within Edge, though they require manual installation.
How Bookmarklets Function
Clicking a bookmarklet triggers the execution of its JavaScript code, modifying the webpage in various ways.
For example, bookmarklets can be used to:
- Save a webpage to Pocket.
- Share content on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook.
- Integrate password managers, such as LastPass, with Edge.
These are just a few illustrations of the diverse capabilities offered by bookmarklets.
Important Update
It's important to note that, as of the Windows 10 November Update, the original method for utilizing bookmarklets has been altered.
Users can now employ a third-party tool to incorporate bookmarklets directly into Edge's bookmark database.
This allows for continued access to the benefits of bookmarklet functionality despite the changes in the browser's architecture.
Addressing Bookmarklet Implementation Challenges in Microsoft Edge
Related: Beginner Geek: Utilizing Bookmarklets Across Devices
Typically, bookmarklets are integrated into browsers through several conventional methods, yet these methods prove ineffective within the Microsoft Edge environment. A common approach involves directly dragging a bookmarklet from a webpage onto the Favorites bar, a functionality that Edge currently lacks.
Alternatively, users might attempt to add a bookmarklet by right-clicking a link and choosing the "Add to Favorites" option. However, this feature is absent from Edge’s context menu. Another technique involves saving a standard website as a favorite and subsequently modifying its address to incorporate JavaScript code; unfortunately, Edge prevents direct editing of a favorite’s URL.
Consequently, adding a bookmarklet directly through Edge’s user interface is not feasible. Nevertheless, bookmarklet integration remains achievable with a few straightforward steps, requiring the use of File Explorer to directly manipulate the underlying favorite files. This process, while appearing complex, is surprisingly manageable.
Microsoft has communicated its commitment to more frequent updates for Edge compared to its predecessor, Internet Explorer. It is anticipated that bookmarklet management will become more streamlined in future releases.
Adding Bookmarklets to Microsoft Edge Manually
This guide details the process of manually installing bookmarklets within the Microsoft Edge browser. It builds upon 11 Tips and Tricks for Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, offering a more customized experience.
We will demonstrate using the Pocket bookmarklet as an illustrative example. Begin by navigating to the webpage hosting the desired bookmarklet and then saving that page as a favorite.
To do this, click the star icon located on the address bar. Assign a descriptive name to the bookmarklet, choosing whatever title best suits its function. Save the favorite to a location of your preference.
Choosing the Right Source Page
Any webpage can initially be favorited to begin the process. However, for optimal results, it’s recommended to favorite the page directly from the bookmarklet’s origin website.
For instance, when creating a Pocket bookmarklet, favoriting a page on the Pocket website will ensure the bookmarklet displays Pocket’s favicon. Similarly, bookmarklets for LastPass, Twitter, or Facebook should originate from their respective websites.
Locating Microsoft Edge’s Favorites Files
Microsoft Edge stores its favorites in a hidden directory within the file system. First, open a File Explorer window.
Then, click the "View" tab on the ribbon and ensure the "Hidden items" checkbox is selected to reveal concealed files and folders.
Navigate to the following directory path:
C:\Users\YOURNAME\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_RANDOM\AC\MicrosoftEdge\User\Default\Favorites\Links
Remember to replace "YOURNAME" with your Windows user account name and "RANDOM" with the unique alphanumeric string assigned to your Edge installation.
Accessing and Modifying the Favorite
Within this directory, you will find the favorite you recently created, alongside all your other Microsoft Edge bookmarks. Consider adding this folder to your Quick Access list for convenient future access.
Return to Microsoft Edge and obtain the JavaScript code for the bookmarklet you intend to implement. For the Pocket example, right-click the "+Pocket" button on the webpage and select "Copy link" to copy the code to your clipboard.
If the bookmarklet is presented as plain text, select the entire "javascript:" address and copy it.
In File Explorer, locate the favorite you created, right-click on it, and choose "Properties".
Replacing the URL with JavaScript Code
Clear the existing content within the "URL" field. Then, right-click inside the field and select "Paste" to insert the copied JavaScript code.
While renaming the bookmarklet is theoretically possible, Microsoft Edge may exhibit unexpected behavior during this process. It is therefore advisable to avoid renaming the bookmarklet at this stage.
Click "OK" to save the modifications.
Finalizing the Installation
Close and reopen Microsoft Edge. The newly installed bookmarklet should now be fully functional.
This process can be repeated to add additional bookmarklets to your Microsoft Edge browser.
Utilizing Bookmarklets within Microsoft Edge
Bookmarklets can be implemented in two distinct ways. For persistent visibility and ease of access, navigate to Edge's menu, then select Settings, and activate the "Show the favorites bar" feature.
Alternatively, the standard favorites panel can be opened, and the bookmarklet located within it. Simply click or tap the bookmarklet to execute its function on the presently viewed webpage.
The need for bookmarklets may diminish as Microsoft Edge gains support for browser extensions. However, some users will continue to favor bookmarklets due to their reduced resource consumption.
Unlike browser extensions, bookmarklets do not operate in the background. A bookmarklet only performs its designated task upon direct activation, and its functionality is limited to the active webpage.
Benefits of Bookmarklets
- They are lightweight and do not consume system resources unnecessarily.
- Execution is initiated solely by the user, providing greater control.
- Functionality is confined to the current page, enhancing security.
This makes them a valuable tool for specific, on-demand tasks without the overhead of a full-fledged extension.
