Microsoft Edge isn't the same as it used to be. As part of the Chromium adoption, Microsoft dropped support for EdgeHTML. Because of this, Chrome-based Edge offers better features.

If you are rushing to download Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser, you might want to reconsider. Microsoft Edge is a lot better than you think. It will soon replace your default browser on Windows.

Here are some tips and tricks that may help you get started using Microsoft Edge.

The 8 Best Microsoft Edge Tips and Tricks

The new Edge browser is available on Windows, macOS. Android, and iOS too. So you can expect a good continuity between multiple devices.

Before checking out these tips and tricks, you need to ensure that you're running the latest version of Microsoft Edge. To update your Edge browser, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Edge browser. Click on the (three-dot horizontal) button in the top-right corner.
  2. Click on the Settings menu, and select the About Microsoft Edge option from the sub-menu.
  3. Microsoft Edge will check for updates and install them. Afterward, click on the Relaunch Now option.
    About Microsoft Edge page

We will show you the best Edge tricks and tips for Windows and macOS because that is where we use browsers most.

1. Vertical Tabs

Vertical Tabs in Microsoft Edge

Browsers tend to get messier with a lot of tabs open. Microsoft Edge offers a solution to address this problem—Vertical tabs. You'll see an icon in the top-left corner allowing you to switch from Horizontal tabs to Vertical tabs.

Microsoft Edge's new vertical tabs organize tabs in a vertical list manner. Microsoft Edge will show icons of tabs without labels. If you don't see the option, you'll have to update your Microsoft Edge.

Sidebar Search in Microsoft Edge

The Sidebar Search on Microsoft Edge allows you to search for a word or sentence without the need of leaving the tab you're working on currently.

To use Sidebar Search, select a word or sentence. Right-click on the sentence and select Search in Sidebar for. Then again, you can also double-click on a word to select it quickly.

Related: The Best Hidden Features in Microsoft Edge

3. Take Screenshots of Web Pages

Web Capture in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge provides you with the option to take web pages' screenshots. You can choose to take a screenshot of a portion of a webpage or the whole page. To take a screenshot of the web page on Microsoft Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + S together, and click & drag on the webpage to select the portion you want to capture. If you decide to take a screenshot of the full web page, select the Capture Full Page option.

Alternatively, you can click on the menu (three horizontal dots) and select Web capture. Once done, you can either copy the screenshot or add notes to the screenshot. If you select the Markup capture option, you can save the screenshot on your PC using the Save button.

4. Save Things With Collections

Collections tab in Microsoft Edge

Ever wanted to save notes and images for later, or wanted to make a collection of similar types of websites? Well, the new Microsoft Edge allows you to do it. If you want to make a shopping list of different links or work on homework and note down things while saving multiple links, the Collections feature on Edge is ideal for you.

To use collections, click on the button that looks like a page with “+” on it in the top-right corner, and create a new collection and start adding pages. Then again, you can also access Collections using the Ctrl + Shift + Y shortcut on Windows or the Command + Shift + Y on Mac.

5. Pin Websites to Taskbar or Finder

Pin to taskbar option in Microsoft Edge

If you visit a certain set of pages regularly, why type and open them manually when Microsoft Edge offers you the option to pin them to your taskbar. You can use the websites like they are without installing the PWA versions if you want.

To pin a website onto your Taskbar or Finder, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the (three-dot horizontal) menu button in the top-right corner.
  2. Head over to More Tools and select Pin to Taskbar if you're on Windows or Pin to Finder if you're on a Mac.
  3. Give a name to it, and hit the Pin button to pin the website to the Taskbar or Finder.

6. Solve Math Equations Using Math Solver

Math Solver in Microsoft Edge

Since Mathematics can be a difficult subject, solving easy equations may also be challenging. With the Microsoft Math Solver, you can solve your Math problems with the ease of Microsoft Edge. Since it is integrated into Edge, you don't have to download it separately.

Microsoft Math Solver lets you take a picture of an equation and have it provide you with a solution. You can also write your own equation for the Math Solver to solve.

To access the Math Solver, head over to the settings menu > More Tools > Math Solver. To start, drag and select a portion of the equation on the screen, or type your own equation.

7. Change Tracking Prevention

Privacy settings in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge comes with a built-in tracker blocking feature, similar to Brave and other browsers. However, what makes Edge different is that you can control the number of trackers to block.

You can switch between Basic, Balanced, and Strict modes to prevent trackers from tracking your online activities to serve you ads. With Basic being the lowest and Strict being the highest setting, Edge gives you the freedom to block trackers and ads.

Related: What Is InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge?

8. Save Resources With Sleeping Tabs

Sleeping Tabs in Microsoft Edge

When tabs are left idle, they take up resources even when they are not active. Edge browser brings in a feature called Sleeping Tabs to curb this issue. With Sleeping Tabs enabled, Edge puts tabs into sleep mode after a certain time when they're inactive. As a result of this, the tab ends up using fewer resources.

You can also customize the inactivity period in the settings, and also add exceptions to certain websites. You can customize the settings of Sleeping Tabs by heading over to context menu (three horizontal dots) > Settings > System and performance > Optimize Performance.

Alternatively, you can head over to edge://settings/system from the address bar to access the settings for Sleeping Tabs.

Get More Out of Your Edge Browser

Microsoft Edge is catching up with its competition after the switch to Chromium. These are some tips and tricks you can use when you're on Edge. These features can enhance your browsing experience on Edge and take it to the next level.