Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed as the default web browser on the latest version of Windows but it is also offered as a separate download – for those who want to do a manual installation or reinstallation. Being a Chromium-based browser, the development focus is a fine balance between speed, compatibility and integration of Microsoft-specific features.
If you are a regular internet user, Edge will feel like a home browser to you if you have ever used Chrome or any other Chromium-based browser. User experience with tabs, extensions and the behavior of websites remains at par with what the users have come to expect. The only thing that sets it apart is how extremely it has been integrated to work with Windows functionalities and Microsoft services.
A browser designed around the Windows desktop
Edge has gone to miraculous depths when it comes to working with the OS in Windows. Besides, it just follows other system-wide settings such as dark mode, language preferences, and accessibility options. The scrolling, touch gestures, and trackpad usage are so perfectly native that it is hard to believe that the browser is adapting here.
Another level of the browser integration is that it will work with Windows features such as Snap layouts, virtual desktops, and the inherent sharing tools. This makes multitasking so much more great especially when you work with bigger screens or multi-monitor setups.
If you happen to be a Microsoft account user, then syncing of your bookmarks, passwords, and history between devices will be a breeze without any over-configuration.
Everyday browsing feels fast and predictable
Edge is quick to come up and is able to handle very demanding websites without any noticeable lag on most modern Windows systems. Since it is based on the same core engine as many popular browsers, the rendering of pages is quite consistent.
Applications including video playback, web apps, and cloud-based tools will respond in the expected way. This is great news for users who run their work or study activities entirely based on browser software.
With every passing day, the effectiveness of memory management goes up, but if one leaves many tabs open, Edge can feel heavy. To a certain extent, this is managed by the built-in feature that switches inactive tabs to “sleep”.
Tab management that fits real workflows
Edge is equipped with a few tab management functionalities that center around what users actually do with tabs. Vertical tabs offer the option of changing from a horizontal layout to a sidebar view which is very practical if you have widescreen monitors.
Tab groups are the mode where pages that have been opened can be organized into groups by kind of work or topic. Research, shopping comparisons, or long-term tasks are examples of uses.
Collections give an easy way of saving and organizing the contents of the web if one has not wanted to use bookmarks only. What is done here goes far beyond what can be achieved with typical bookmark folders.
Built-in tools beyond basic browsing
Edge is not going to let you down if you think of a browser as nothing more than a window for URLs and a tab manager. In fact, some features aim at minimizing the use of extensions.
With the built-in PDF viewer, one can make markings, highlight, and fill in forms. It is the ideal choice for casual readers who want to get rid of multipurpose PDF tools.
Besides, the browser has a tool to take screenshots, basic text-to-speech, and the ability to translate pages that is work out-of-the-box from the toolbar.
Privacy controls and tracking prevention can be conveniently accessed through very simple menus instead of having to dig through several offshore settings pages.
How Edge handles privacy and tracking
Edge comes with level-based tracking prevention. The modes that users can select are balanced, strict, and basic.
Balanced mode blocks a majority of the trackers that cannot be avoided in the case of websites while strict mode step ups the blocking but it is more likely to break the functionality of the site.
Unlike some other browsers, Edge provides clear explanations on what each mode does. This is a very good thing for beginners first of all, and it allows them to figure out for themselves the benefits versus costs
Private browsing can be done through InPrivate windows. The history or cookies from the session will not be saved upon closing the window.
Microsoft services inside the browser
The degree of integration of Edge with Microsoft services such as OneDrive, Outlook, and Microsoft 365 is very high. If you are a user of these software already, you will not feel the transitioning.
The browser facilitates access to your files, account, and sync settings easily. Whenever passwords and autofill data are concerned, the Microsoft account is the default one.
Bing is the search engine for the pre-installed search bar although there is an option for the user to pick another search engine if he/she so desires.
Extension support and compatibility
Because Edge is based on Chromium, it can run most Chrome extensions. This means it can be used for the same set of productivity tools, ad blockers, and developer utilities.
Users can go through the Microsoft store for their direct purchase of extensions or head to the Chrome Web Store. In principle, almost all extensions will be working smoothly.
Such an operational flexibility certainly makes Edge the one that fits the case of users who need to be dependent on particular plugins for either work or personal use.
Performance on older and newer Windows systems
The browser works smoothly on the new generation Windows machines equipped with SSDs and plenty of memory. Time taken between switching-on and being ready to use is kept to the minimum and the whole feeling of movement/division is fluid.
Depending on the number of active tabs and installed extensions capacity, performance on low-end hardware can vary. One has to be cautious with resource usage when heavy multitasking is engaged.
Efficiency features built into the browser such as sleeping tabs and performance mode are aimed at laptops (battery) and thus can be considered as power-saving features.
Accessibility and reading tools
Edge comes with features aimed at users who have special needs. One such functionality is the read aloud that reads speech from text with a natural voice presentation style.
To make the web contents simple to grasp, Immersive Reader removes everything that might distract. It also comes with the option of changing font size, line spacing, and background colour. These features are a great help for users that either have a vision problem or even an attention one.
Gaming and streaming experience
Microsoft Edge takes care of the streaming platforms and web-based games without running into compatibility issues. Almost all modern GPUs are compatible with hardware acceleration. Support for high resolution video and DRM protected content is therefore a standard feature. Users can enjoy protected streams without the need to install additional components. Cloud games will even work more smoothly if running inside Edge.
Security updates and maintenance
To receive security updates, Windows provides service both through Windows Update and Edge’s self-update mechanism. These updates can be security, feature compatibility, or bug fixing.
The update process is so silent and seamless for the majority of users that they barely notice it. Most of the time users do not even have to do manual updates.
This is a significant reduction in the risk of being stuck with an old version of the web browser.
Who benefits most from using Edge on Windows
Microsoft Edge will appeal to those users who are happy with the browser simply being a part of Windows rather than something totally different from it.
It will certainly cater to the needs of students, office workers, and home users who are Microsoft service dependent. Getting acquainted with it is quite easy.
Developers and power-seeters may like to engage Chromium compatibility whilst at the same time having access to Windows-specific features.
Limitations to keep in mind
With a ridden there are lots of features that can distract or overwhelm minimalist type users that the famous Microsoft Edge browser comes with. The reason behind why some users choose a very simple interface is because of that.
Resource or memory usage may go up when a user multitasks heavily, and the user’s computer is one that is relatively old.
If we go by the exist simple privacy controls, some people still prefer an environment that has not been intensively tied to large ecosystems.
Availability on Windows
Microsoft Edge is downloadable as a stand-alone browser for Windows. The OS version is the most recent one that the browser supports and once installed it will update itself automatically.
Users can easily reinstall the Edge browser if they decide to remove it or restore the default browser. There is no secret to running this on Windows.
For many, the build was ready to use and with sensible configurations.
Final thoughts
Microsoft Edge on Windows has the strength of providing users with a modern, robust browsing experience while being deeply integrated with the environment. It prioritizes the use of everyday features over the experimentation of new ones.
Users who want to have a trustworthy and efficient browser in communication with Windows, and at the same time accommodating the popular extensions, can count Edge as a reliable option.
Through its combination of familiarity, performance, and built-in tools, it suits the majority of use cases without demanding special tailoring.