In this guide I tell you how to configure Microsoft Edge and what are the best tricks to squeeze and customize this excellent browser.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to configure Microsoft Edge from scratch and the best tricks for this browser. Some of them allow you to increase customization and adapt Edge’s appearance to your needs, while others focus on productivity. If you’ve decided this alternative to Google Chrome is for you, don’t miss what I show you below.
By the way, if you’d like to leave your feedback, the comments section is open . Let me know if you’ve seen anything that isn’t correct, add any information you think is relevant, or simply leave me your thoughts on the Microsoft Edge setup process. We’ll be in touch!
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These are the best tricks to configure Microsoft Edge
Just like I did when I told you about Brave tricks or how to configure Firefox to improve performance, here I show you the steps you should follow, not only to configure Microsoft Edge , but also to get the most out of this browser. Personally, I think it’s one of the best browsers out there right now, as long as you’re not worried about your privacy. It’s efficient, packed with interesting features, and has versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Activate vertical tabs
In my opinion, one of the most interesting features for organizing your browsing, especially if you’re one of those tab-hungry users, is vertical tabs . I honestly didn’t like this layout at first, but now I think it’s great.
Simply right-click on any of the tabs and click Enable Vertical Tabs . From then on, you’ll always have them in the left sidebar.
Take advantage of Microsoft Edge’s efficiency mode
Microsoft Edge’s Efficiency Mode is a great tool, especially if you’re using a laptop. Its main purpose is to reduce the consumption of system resources , such as CPU and RAM.
My advice is to enable it, no matter what your system is, as detailed in the guide on how to enable Microsoft Edge efficiency mode .
Customize your browser with an AI-powered theme
If you want to give your browser a unique touch, you’ll love the AI-powered custom theme feature in Microsoft Edge. Just describe the type of image or style you’re looking for in text, and AI will generate a unique theme for you.
Check out the guide I’ve prepared if you want to know how to create a custom theme in Microsoft Edge with AI .
Limits the amount of RAM the browser can use
I explained a while ago how to limit RAM usage in Microsoft Edge to keep resource usage in check . In fact, one of the common concerns with modern browsers is their RAM consumption.
To avoid this, Microsoft Edge has incorporated a feature that, in my opinion, is very useful: the ability to set a limit on the amount of RAM it can use .
Protect yourself from scareware with Microsoft Edge Blocker
Microsoft Edge includes a built-in scareware blocker that helps you browse more safely. This feature uses AI to detect fraudulent pages that may cause users to take specific action.
Check out the guide I posted on Microsoft Edge’s scareware blocker for all the details.
Setting up Microsoft Edge also involves installing extensions.
Like other Chromium-based browsers, Microsoft Edge supports a huge library of extensions . These small applications can add a wide variety of functionality.
Discover my personal selection of the best Edge extensions to get ideas on how to configure Microsoft Edge to fit your workflow.
Improve the quality of the videos you play
If you regularly watch videos, you’ll be interested to know that Microsoft Edge has a feature to automatically improve video quality . This feature uses algorithms to enhance sharpness and contrast.
If you want to know all the details about video enhancement in Microsoft Edge , how to activate it, and what it does, I recommend checking out the guide we prepared.
Take advantage of Edge’s built-in VPN
Beyond setting up Microsoft Edge, you can also take advantage of its built-in free VPN . While it has a data limit, it’s a great option for protecting your connection on public Wi-Fi . My advice is to enable it when you need that extra security.
You’ll easily find it in your browser’s menu, and you can learn how to use Microsoft Edge’s free VPN on Windows 11 with the guide we previously published.
Make the new tab screen more minimalist
The new tab screen in Microsoft Edge is very customizable, but I find the default layout too cluttered. I recommend spending a few minutes changing its settings.
Just open a new tab and click the gear icon . Then, disable everything you don’t need, such as the news feed, widgets, background, or sponsored shortcuts.
In addition to configuring Microsoft Edge, install websites as if they were apps
Finally, I’ll tell you about one of my favorite features: installing websites as if they were standalone apps . Microsoft Edge makes this very easy to do.
If there’s a website you use frequently, you can install it , a process similar to the one I explained earlier on how to install ChatGPT as an app . This creates a shortcut and opens it in its own window, for a more integrated experience similar to a native app . This option is available in Menu > Applications > Install as App . The experience is very good, especially on Windows.
