Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a Chromium-based official web browser for Windows operating systems. The release of Google Chrome and next Mozilla Firefox has minimized the value of Internet Explorer, so Microsoft decided to regain its popularity and introduced Microsoft Edge. But, it remains a failure because of some reasons, such as the EdgeHTML engine, so it was switched to Chromium and its Blink engine.

The innovative browser offers free services and is faster and safer compared to its predecessors. It is equipped with multiple built-in capabilities such as multiple advanced security features, a note-taker, an e-book reader, a digital ruler, and so on. Sleek and fast interface offers an impressive speed and efficient resource management to make your browsing experience smooth. 

Download Microsoft Edge APK for Android

What is Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft officially launched Microsoft Edge in 2015. It is based on Chromium, closed source web browser, and integrated with all extensions of Google Chrome. It was basically released for Windows 10, but you can use it for standard computers and touchscreens as well. The lightweight utility is empowered with AI capabilities and offers Copilot to access more relevant searches while inputting your queries using prompts, images, or even your own voice.

It is the best combination of speed and efficiency, and is integrated with other Microsoft products and services to enhance your overall performance. It offers a lot of information, such as news, sponsored material, etc, on the default new tab. Similar to other competitors, it also helps to manage multiple tabs and media-heavy websites, and offers seamless integration with multiple extensions to make your browsing experience fast and reliable.

Microsoft Edge Features

Simple Setup

The browser offers a modern and clean setup with an intuitive settings menu and quick navigation. You will find the address bar at the top and a customizable start page. You can download it for Windows and macOS operating systems. You can import bookmarks, history, and all data from your previous browser during the installation process. Creating and organizing collections of web content is possible through clicking on the ‘Collections’ icon. Likewise, use the Extensions icon for managing extensions, and sync your data across multiple devices while signing in with your Microsoft account.

AI Integration

The latest and redesigned version of Microsoft Edge has a lot of innovative functionalities, and integration with AI capabilities makes it one of the best choices, such as;

• Make your search results more accurate and fast while using the AI-driven search utilities, including Microsoft Copilot, page summarization, etc.
• Multiple AI-powered features, such as Microsoft Copilot and Compose, are available for unleashing your creativity. You can create drafts tailored according to your required length, content, and tone. In addition, you can get assistance from Bing Image Creator, Designer, etc.
• A robust browsing experience can be achieved through AI-driven capabilities such as Copilot, browser actions, tab organization, and other advanced performance features.
• Multiple AI-enhanced security features, as well as advanced security controls make ensure your online safety.

Robust Performance

The browser with the Chromium engine offers robust performance, so you will find the browser more responsive and a quicker page loading process. Multiple built-in tools, such as Efficiency mode, limited the consumption of system resources while making the browser lightning–fast, even in the case of opening multiple tabs simultaneously. No doubt, an optimized browsing experience, especially for Windows 11 and 10, and you can live stream to your favorite platforms.

Privacy & Security

The browser offers various built-in protection capabilities, including Microsoft Defender Smart Screen and password monitoring. You will get quick alerts about malicious websites, compromised passwords, and phishing attempts. etc., you can securely store your personal information, including payment information, passwords, and accounts. It is possible to monitor and detect if any of your passwords have been compromised or leaked using the password portfolio.

A customizable privacy setting helps to control data protection, encrypted connections, and tracking prevention. So, you can use the browser with full confidence in sandboxed mode. 

Huge Extensions

The support for a large variety of extensions helps to enhance your productivity while adding them from both the Microsoft Store and the Chrome Web Store. It is possible to enhance your browsing experience with your favorite add-ons. 

Reading Mode

It is another key feature to allows you to focus on your required content on any website while removing ads, pictures, comments, and other unnecessary elements. You can manage your favorite pages in the way you like by adding them to your reading list. You can also view a stripped-down version of the site with text, instead of photos. 

Compose 

It is the best option available in Copilot to allow you to convert your ideas into polished drafts and save your valuable time while maintaining the right tone. Simply open Copilot while clicking the icon from the top right of your browser, and select Compose from the side pane of Copilot. Input your draft, and click on the Re-generate draft button at the bottom of your draft. The Compose will rewrite it, and also type your feedback at the bottom of the Preview box, and let the Compose rewrite it according to your feedback. And if you want to go with your previous draft, simply click the Back button. 

Customization

The app with a customizable interface allows users to personalize the appearance and other features as well, as you will find 15 pre-installed themes, and if not satisfied, simply access to Microsoft Edge add-on store to select from more than a hundred traditional themes. In this way, you can change the appearance of your browser while using themes of various video games and franchises, including Halo, Minecraft, or Microsoft Flight Simulator. 

Mica Material Availability

Mica is a mixture of theme and wallpaper that you can use for painting the background of apps and settings that have to stay for a long time. It is a dynamic material that can be used for providing a pleasant expression to viewers and also establishing a visual hierarchy. It also specifies the focused windows to enhance productivity. It samples the desktop wallpaper only once for app performance to create its visualization. It is specifically designed for apps that support WinUI2 and App SDK 1.1 or later, and run on Windows 11 version 22000 or later.

Cortana Integration

The availability of a digital assistant called Cortana helps to get contextual information while browsing. It also keeps your browsing history on track and offers history-based recommendations. It also offers web annotations to make your collaboration and sharing of information quick and easy while offering highlights, notes, and drawings. 

Earn Rewards

Microsoft offers an awesome service for Microsoft Rewards members to earn rewards through everyday activities. You can take help from Microsoft Bing to increase the collection of your Rewards points within the app for your searches. You can redeem your earned points for different gift cards, donations, and so on. 

Some Important Alternatives to Microsoft Edge

Google Chrome

It is the best option for robust browsing while offering a huge collection of extensions. It is cross-platform and integrated to offer a secure browsing process, including DLP, real-time URL, file scanning, and so on. 

Firefox

It is one most powerful alternatives within privacy and customizability, and is independently empowered with the Gecko engine, instead of Chromium. Firefox is an open-source utility and is equipped with a mature and robust extension library. It offers various privacy-related features, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, Multi-Account Containers, etc, to manage your personal information securely and reliably.

Brave 

Brave Browser offers robust web page loading up to 6x faster within fool-proof privacy and protection, as it offers Brave Shields for preventing third-party access, advertisements, fingerprinting scripts, and so on. In addition, the support for built-in firewall + VPN, search engine, and a Tor mod for private windows to browse anonymously is also available. 

Opera

Opera browser offers with all-in-one browsing experience while offering multiple popular tools such as a free VPN, ad blocker, snapshot tool, and so on. The integration with WhatsApp Messenger, Spotify, and Aria makes your social sharing process fast and reliable. 

Vivaldi

Vivaldi offers enhanced control over every pixel and quick navigation while moving the tab bar to any part of the screen. Use the Stack tabs option for grouping various tabs, split-page feature to open different pages simultaneously. It is also integrated with an email client, calendar, and feed reader to make your dashboard more productive. 

Difference between Microsoft Edge & Firefox

Microsoft Edge

• It is based on the Chromium engine and has strong integration with Windows
• Uses low system resources and offers better RAM management
• Integrated into the Chrome Web Store for add-ons
• Integrated into the Chrome Web Store for add-ons

Firefox

• Based on an independent Gecko engine, and has cross-platform compatibility
• Uses a little more system resources
• Allows seamless syncing between multiple devices while using the Firefox Account
• Open-source utility within a unique extension library

How to Download & Install Microsoft Edge 

• Visit the official website of Microsoft Edge, and select the Windows operating system using the download menu.
• Click on the “Download” button to select “Accept & download” from the next opened window, and click the “Close” option.
• After downloading, the auto-installation process will start, and if not, you need only to select the file from the “Download” folder, and click the installer to start installation.
• After installation, it will start up automatically and ask you about importing your bookmarks, autofill data, and history from your previous Chrome browser, or simply start from scratch. 
• After starting from scratch, move to the ‘Import’ window, click on the “Customize” import button at the bottom of the screen, and import data from your previous browser.
• Click on the “Allow” option, and let the browser complete the task.
• You can select the option for appearance of your browser from Inspirational, Informational, or Focused option, and press the “Next” button.
• If you want to run the browser on multiple devices, simply click the “Yes” option when asked by the browser for syncing across multiple devices.

Pros

• Modern interface with sleek layout
• Fast and impressive browsing experience
• Based on the Chromium engine 
• Allows you to get extensions from the Chrome Web Store
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Low system resource consumption
• Strong security and privacy options
• Supports multiple productivity tools
• Integrated with Cortana to make your browsing experience quick and reliable
• Reading mode is for removing the unnecessary content from pages

Cons

• Compatibility concerns for different websites
• The extension library is limited
• Require personalization for default settings
• Supports only Windows 10

FAQs

Why does Microsoft need to launch Microsoft Edge?

Internet Explorer is the previous browser used for Microsoft products, but it had multiple incompatibilities compared to other popular browsers, so it was decided to launch Microsoft Edge with smoother performance and fast browsing with fool-proof security.

What are the compatible devices for Edge?

The browser requires minimum software requirements and is compatible with all popular digital devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.

Is there screen reader available in Edge?

Yes, Edge supports the Read Aloud feature to allow reading aloud your required content, including news, sports stories, and other web pages. Simply, open your required web page, and use right-click to select and hold anywhere on the page, and select the “Read Aloud” option.

What are the apps you can open in Microsoft Edge?

Here is a list of such apps;

• Microsoft Teams
• Moving from Skype to Teams
• OneDrive
• Windows Apps
• AI
• Global
• Outlook

What AI tool is used on Microsoft Edge?

It uses Copilot as a built-in AI tool for Microsoft Edge