Getting started with Edge

Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft. Edge was introduced as a new browser with the release of Windows 10 . It offers a simple and minimalist interface, making it that much easier to browse the Internet.

In previous versions of Windows, the default web browser was Internet Explorer. Starting with Windows 10, Edge has replaced IE as the new default browser . If you're using Windows 8.1 or earlier, you'll want to refer to our Internet Explorer tutorial instead.

Differences between Edge and Internet Explorer

If you've used a version of Windows 8.1 or earlier, you're probably used to browsing with Internet Explorer. Even though Edge is fairly similar to IE, you may need to adjust to some of these key differences between the two:

• Edge has taken the History , Downloads , and Favorites features and compressed them into one menu called the Hub .
• When you open Edge or a new tab, there's no address bar at the top of the window . Instead, the address bar will be in the center of the screen with the words Where to next? above it. This is still a standard address bar, capable of navigating to websites and performing searches, but it's just in a different location.
• In IE, the navigation buttons will show you a drop-down menu of your recently visited websites. Edge does not have this feature.
• Overall, Edge has a much simpler and more stripped-down interface than IE, making it a faster and more streamlined browser.

To open Edge:

• From the desktop, locate and select the Edge icon on the taskbar . You can also access it from the Start button.

  

Getting to know Edge

Edge is a simple web browser with a clean design that's very easy to use and navigate. If you've used Internet Explorer, several elements of Edge may feel familiar. If you've never used Internet Explorer, you may need to spend some time becoming familiar with the Edge interface .

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using the Edge interface.

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Navigation Buttons

The Back , Forward , and Refresh buttons allow you to reload and move between sites you've recently visited.

Tabs

Edge allows you to view multiple websites in the same window using tabs . Just click a tab to view that page. To create a new tab, click the New tab button. You can also press Ctrl+T on your keyboard.

Hub Button

Click here to access the Hub . Within the Hub, you're able to view and edit your Downloads , History , Favorites , and Reading List .

Make a Web Note Button

Click here to add notes , draw o n , and highlight the current website. You can then save it or send it to someone.

Share Button

Click here to share the current webpage with someone else via email, messaging, social media, and more.

More Button

Click here to open new windows , zoom in or out , print , and access the settings menu .

Address Bar

The address bar is also a search bar . You can use it to navigate to different websites or perform a web search. Suggestions will appear below the address bar as you type, making navigation quick and easy.