Microsoft Edge Basics (23H2)

For the most part, Microsoft Edge looks and works much like other modern web browsers. It offers all the features you expect, like tabbed browsing, an address bar with integrated search, support for themes and extensions, and so on.

But Edge also has unique features that visually and functionally differentiate it from the competition. For example, its prominent Copilot button unveils a sidebar with integrated text and image generation capabilities and a host of other online tools. You can use a Snap-like Split Screen feature to view webpages side-by-side. And Edge can save you money online with its integrated Shopping functionality.

We know you're familiar with web browsers and how they work. So, this chapter quickly examines common browser features and explains how they differ in Microsoft Edge. And subsequent chapters in this section focus on the biggest features that are unique to Edge.
Microsoft Edge is also available on Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Linux, and Xbox, so you can use it on all your devices and sync your browsing data between them if you'd like.
Toolbar and address bar
Microsoft Edge provides a somewhat minimal toolbar by default, with a large address bar in the middle (with "Read aloud" and "Add this page to favorites" buttons at its far right), "Back" and "Refresh" buttons to its left and several other buttons to its right.

The buttons you see to the right of the address bar vary depending on how you've configured Edge generally or its toolbar specifically. But you will see "Split Screen," "Favorites," and "Browser essentials," "Settings and more" ("..."), and "Copilot" buttons if this is the first time you've ever used this browser.

Additional items can appear contextually. There are many examples of this, but here are some of the more common:

A "Forward" button will appear if you visit a web page and then go back (by clicking "Back") to the original page.
An "Extensions" button will appear if you install one or more browser extensions.
A "Downloads" button will appear when you're downloading a file.
A "Enter Immersive Reader" button will appear on the right of the Address bar when you're reading an article.

Confusingly, some of the buttons can be moved to other locations. For example, the Profile button that normally appears in the far left of the app's title bar can be moved into the Edge toolbar, where it will appear with the other buttons to the right of the address bar.

Indeed, the Edge toolbar is highly customizable. Many of the buttons, like "Favorites" and "Collections," can be removed directly by right-clicking them and choosing "Hide from toolbar."

Certain items, like the "Back" button and address bar, can't be removed.
There are many more customization options in Edge settings. To find them, open Microsoft Edge settings by navigating to "Settings and more" ("...") > "Settings" > "Appearance" and then finding the "Customize toolb...