What Is Microsoft Edge? (All You Need To Know)

If Microsoft Edge is a new term for you, you might be surprised to hear that you have probably used it. This is because it is most likely your default browser if you use Windows devices. 

Furthermore, this article goes into detail explaining what exactly Microsoft Edge is and it answers many other questions that you may have about this particular browser. So continue reading!

What Is Microsoft Edge In [currentyear]?

Microsoft Edge is the company’s latest web browser and has replaced Internet Explorer on most newer versions of Windows devices and is now known as the default browser in [currentyear]. Furthermore, the browser can even be downloaded onto other non-Window devices that you might want to use it on. 

Keep reading if you would like to learn more about Microsoft Edge, such as its new features, what it is missing, and so much more!

What Is Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is the company’s default browser on newer Windows devices and has replaced Internet Explorer. 

Furthermore, Microsoft launched this new browser in 2015, along with Windows 10 and the Xbox One.

Additionally, this internet browser can even be downloaded onto other non-Window devices that you desire such as your smartphone, computer, tablet, and other devices.

What Are Some New Things In Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft has added and upgraded features and capabilities to its Edge browser, which includes the following:

  • Tracking prevention is enabled by default
  • Dark mode
  • Kids Mode
  • Block third-party ads
  • Internet Explorer mode for viewing older web pages
  • Built-in Bing search capabilities with other search engine options
  • Support for extensions from Chrome Web Store
  • The return of the address bar
  • Clear and easy to manage privacy options
  • Expanded personalization options.
  • Mac support added to Windows, Android, and iOS support
  • Enterprise-grade security
  • Sync history, bookmarks, and passwords across signed-in devices
  • Sidebar search allows you to research while keeping your browser window active
  • Use Outlook email from the new tab page

What Is Missing From Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft’s newest web browser, Microsoft Edge is not compatible with Cortana, along with the Web Notes feature, which is also missing. 

However, it is good to know that Microsoft does say that note-taking will return in a future release.

Why Would You Want To Use Microsoft Edge?

Why Would You Want To Use Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is packed with security, privacy, productivity, and performance features. Here are just a few of its features:

  • Security and Privacy
  • Performance 
  • Productivity
  • Browser Extensions
  • Shopping 
  • Kids Mode

What Are Some Familiar Features Of Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft’s Edge browser has some unique features that were not previously offered in other internet browsers, such as the following:

  • You can easily cast audio, video, and images onto some TVs and other devices that are compatible with a wireless network.
  • When streaming in HD, the computer battery lasts a lot longer than rival browsers such as Google Chrome.
  • You can preview, group, and save web page tabs to quickly find sites you’ve been to or want to visit in the future.
  • Microsoft Edge also offers “Reading View,” which displays articles without ads and other distractions and makes it easier to print web pages. 
  • You can even easily import favorites from other web browsers to make your transition easier.
  • You have the option to show your “Favorites Bar.”
  • Microsoft Edge also offers “In Private Browsing”, in order to search the web safely without leaving traces of where you’ve been.
  • The browser is also equipt with a password generator for creating more secure passwords.

How Do You Get Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is the default browser on newer Windows devices and will already be pinned on your computer’s taskbar.

However, you can get the mobile versions of the app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

You will also be able to download Edge for macOS, Linux, and older versions of Windows going back to Windows 7. 

Furthermore, if you do not already have Microsoft Edge, you will need to go to the download page and select the browser version you need.

Can You Uninstall Microsoft Edge?

Unfortunately, you cannot uninstall the browser directly on Windows 11. However, if you do have any older versions of Windows, you should be able to uninstall it as if it was an app. 

Additionally, it is also possible to uninstall the Microsoft Edge browser when it was downloaded as a mobile app.

How Much Does Microsoft Edge Cost?

It may come as a surprise to you, as Microsoft Edge has so much to offer, that the browser is completely free of charge.

In fact, it is much like other internet browsers that you currently use or have used in the past and usually comes preinstalled on newer devices. 

Does Microsoft Edge Have Kids Mode?

One important advantage to many parents is that Microsoft Edge has “Kids Mode”. 

Furthermore, you can choose an age range, such as 5 to 8, or 9 to 12, in order to automatically hide content that may be inappropriate. 

Additionally, something else that you can do is customize the browser with child-friendly themes and backgrounds.

Is Microsoft Edge The Same As Internet Explorer?

Although both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer have an icon with the blue letter “e,” you can be assured that they are completely separate programs. 

Does Microsoft Edge Replace Internet Explorer?

An announcement from Microsoft declared that the web browser, Internet Explorer, would officially be retired on June 15, 2022. 

Therefore, Microsoft Edge is the replacement for Internet Explorer.

Why Would You Want To Use Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is packed with security, privacy, productivity, and performance features. Here are just a few of its features:

  • Security and Privacy
  • Performance 
  • Productivity
  • Browser Extensions
  • Shopping 
  • Kids Mode

To know more, you can also read our posts on Microsoft Bookings, Microsoft Bitlocker, and Microsoft Cortana.

Conclusion 

Microsoft Edge is the company’s default browser on newer Windows devices and is the official replacement for the well-known, Internet Explorer. 

Furthermore, the new internet browser has many great features including security and privacy, performance, productivity, browser extensions, shopping, and even kids mode, which is the reason why many people love using Microsoft Edge. 

Photo of author

Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

Leave a Comment