5 Hidden Microsoft Edge Features You’re Not Using 

When you think of web browsers, the first name that often comes to mind is Google Chrome. Its speed, simplicity, and extensive extension library have made it the go-to choice for millions. However, another contender in the ring is steadily gaining ground: Microsoft Edge. 

Initially introduced in 2015, the first version of Edge, built on Microsoft’s EdgeHTML engine, struggled to gain traction, capturing less than 5 percent of the desktop browser market. In 2019, Microsoft pivoted dramatically, adopting the open-source Chromium project that also powers Chrome. This new iteration of Edge brought many improvements—it’s faster, more user-friendly, and offers a sleek design that appeals to casual and power users. 

Today, Edge has emerged as a formidable competitor, claiming the second spot in global browser market share. With this surge in popularity, many users are likely unaware of the hidden gems within Edge. This article will delve into five lesser-known features that can elevate your browsing experience.  

The secret to undistracted reading: Immersive Reader 

Do you get distracted while reading online articles? Microsoft Edge’s Immersive Reader is the perfect solution for you. This feature strips away all the visual clutter, such as ads and design elements, creating a clean and focused reading environment. You can also customise the reader settings to your liking, adjusting text size, spacing, and background colour. It’s like having your own personal Kindle for the web. 

Here’s how you can activate the Immersive Reader: 

• Open Microsoft Edge: Launch your browser and navigate to the webpage you want to read. 

• Enable Immersive Reader: Click on the book icon in the address bar or press the F9 key. 

Once you’ve activated Immersive Reader, you can further tailor your reading experience with these customizable features: 

• Line Focus: Stay focused on one, three, or five lines of text to enhance concentration. 

• Grammar Tools: Highlight nouns, verbs, and adjectives to deepen your understanding and language skills. 

• Read Aloud: Listen to articles read aloud at your preferred speed and voice for a hands-free reading experience. 

Press F9 or click the book icon to exit Immersive Reader and return to your regular browsing experience. 

Transform your website into app 

Tired of cluttered browser tabs and the constant switching between websites? Microsoft Edge offers a clever solution: turning your favorite websites into apps. Don’t worry, you’re not actually developing a web app; instead, Edge enables you to turn any website into a standalone application that opens in its own window, separate from your browser. You can pin it to your taskbar or Start menu for quick access. The feature is great because it enhances your browsing experience by providing a more focused and app-like interface, reducing distractions and making it easier to access your favourite sites. The browser cleverly removes the usual browser elements, making it feel like a native app.  

To get started with this feature, open the desired website in Edge, click the “…” button, select “Open Apps,” and then choose “Install this site as an app.” Give it a name and click “Install” to launch the website in its own dedicated window. Once installed, the web app will behave like a traditional desktop application. However, like most websites, it will generally need an internet connection. Offline functionality is only possible if the app is specifically designed for it. 

Seamless file transfer from phone to PC 

There are moments when you need to transfer files from your phone to your PC, and that’s where Edge’s Mobile Upload feature comes in handy. To use this feature, open the desired website in Microsoft Edge. When you’re ready to upload a file, look for the “Upload from mobile” button in the “Open” dialogue box. This button will only appear when you’re using the Edge browser. Click on it, and a QR code will appear in your browser. Scan the code with your phone’s camera, and with just a few taps, you can send a file or photo directly from your phone to your PC. You can upload up to 10 files simultaneously, each with a maximum of 1 GB.  

While you can use the Mobile Upload feature a few times without installing the Edge app on your phone, downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play will provide a seamless experience. 

Edit images on Edge 

Why rely on separate apps like Photoshop for image editing when you can do it directly in your browser? Microsoft Edge includes an editing feature that allows users to modify images without additional software. This built-in tool offers a variety of options for cropping, adjusting brightness, exposure, saturation, tint, shadows, and more. Plus, you can easily download the edited image to your PC. 

Here’s how you can get started with this feature: 

1. Find Your Image: Locate the image you want to edit on the web. It could be from Google, Instagram, Facebook, or any other website. 

2. Right-click and Edit: Right-click on the image and select “Edit image.” 

3. Crop and Rotate: Use the tools to crop, rotate, flip, or mirror your image. 

4. Adjust Lighting and Color: Fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and other colour settings. 

5. Apply Filters: Add artistic effects to your image. 

6. Save or Copy: Once you’re happy with your edits, save your image to your PC or copy it to your clipboard for easy sharing. 

Boost your browser’s performance. 

Microsoft Edge offers a performance mode if you’re looking to boost your browser’s performance and identify what’s consuming its resources. When activated, this mode optimises the browser to conserve battery life while minimizing CPU and memory use. 

Here’s how to enable it: 

1. Open Edge: Launch your Microsoft Edge browser and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select “Settings.” 

2. Navigate to System and Performance: In the left-hand menu, click “System and Performance.” 

3. Turn on Efficiency Mode: Toggle the “Efficiency mode” switch to the on position. 

Note: The performance improvements you’ll experience after enabling Efficiency Mode may vary depending on your device’s specifications and your specific browsing habits. 

Distilled 

We hope this guide has illuminated some of the hidden features that can elevate your browsing experience with Microsoft Edge. From immersive reading to powerful image editing tools, Edge has a lot to offer. So, why wait? Explore these features and discover a new level of browsing efficiency and enjoyment.