12 Microsoft Edge Productivity Tips

Key Takeaways:

• Use tab groups to categorize your tabs and pin important ones for quick access.
• Use the Split Screen feature of Microsoft Edge to view screens side-by-side on one tab.
• Creating separate profiles for work and personal use on Microsoft Edge can help your browsing become more productive. as each profile can use its own favorites, collections, extensions, and settings.

Tip 1: Create Separate Profiles for Work and Personal Use

Creating separate profiles in Microsoft Edge can enhance productivity by distinguishing work-related browsing from personal activities. Creating distinct profiles for work and personal use in Microsoft Edge can significantly enhance productivity by:

• Separating work and personal tasks prevents distractions and helps you concentrate on the active task.
• Separating work and personal browsing data keeps sensitive information secure.
• Managing bookmarks, extensions, and history independently for each profile facilitates better organization.
• You can personalize each profile with specific settings, themes, and preferences to suit your needs.

Here’s how to set it up:

Add a New Profile:

1. Click the profile icon at the top left corner of the Edge browser window, then select Set up new user profile.
   
2. When a new window opens, click Start without your data.
   
3. Choose whether to allow the browser to save your browsing data and click Confirm and start browsing.
   
4. Finally, set the profile appearance to your preference and click Finish.
   
5. You may sign in to sync your data and connect to an existing account.
   

Customize Profile Settings:

1. After creating a new profile, click the profile icon, then select the gear icon.
   
2. Then, click the ellipses near the profile name and select Edit.
   
3. Change the profile name and icon accordingly and click Update to save.
   

Switch Between Profiles:

1. Click the profile icon at the top left corner of the Edge browser window, then select the profile you want to switch to.
   

Delete a Profile:

1. Click the profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen, then click the gear icon.
   
2. Next to the profile you want to delete, click the ellipses and choose Remove.
   
3. Deleting a profile also removes browsing history and bookmarks, so back up crucial data before deletion.

Tip 2: Organize Your Work with Tab Groups

Tab grouping in Microsoft Edge is a valuable feature that enhances organization and efficiently manages multiple open tabs, increasing productivity. By grouping related tabs, you can easily switch between tasks or projects without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s how to use it:

Create a New Tab Group:

1. Right-click on a tab, then select Add tab to new group.
   
2. You may then choose a color to differentiate the group and give the group a name.
   

Add Tabs to Existing Groups:

1. Right-click on another tab, then select Add tab to group.
2. Then, select the existing group to add it or New to create a new one.
   
3. Or you may drag the tab into the group.

Remove Tabs from Groups:

1. Right-click a tab and choose Remove from group.
   
2. You can ungroup tabs or close entire groups when needed.

Tip 3: Use Collections to Organize Your Work

Collections in Microsoft Edge is a powerful tool that enhances productivity and organizes web information. Compiling relevant web pages, images, and text into collections allows you to streamline your research, planning, and browsing experience. This leads to improved productivity by:

• Saving time by quickly accessing gathered information without revisiting multiple tabs or websites.
• Enhancing focus by isolating relevant content helps you concentrate on specific tasks.
• Facilitating collaboration by easily sharing collections with others for joint projects.

Here’s how to use it:

Start a Collection:

1. Click the Collections icon at the upper-right corner of the browser.
   
2. Then, select Create new collection.
3. Afterward, enter a title for the collection and click Save.
   

Add Content to Your Collection:

1. You can add the following to the collection after opening the collection:
   • Entire web pages: Hover over the desired collection and click the + icon that appears.
     
   • Images: Right-click the image, select Add to Collection, then the desired collection.
   • Links or highlighted text: Right-click the image, select Add to Collection, then the desired collection.
     
2. Each added item appears as a card with useful info and a link to the original content.

Access Your Collection Later:

1. Click the collection icon and select the collection when it opens.
   

Reorder Cards:

1. Open the collection and right-click the collection you want to reorder.
2. Then, click Move up or Move down from the options.
   

Tip 4: Use Favorites to Quickly Access Most-Used Sites

Favorites (also known as bookmarks) in Microsoft Edge allow you to save and quickly access frequently visited websites. It syncs across devices signed in with a Microsoft account. Here’s how to use them:

Add a Favorite:

1. Open Microsoft Edge, go to a web page you want to save, then click the Favorites (star) icon on the address bar.
   
2. You may optionally specify a shorter name for the link.
   
3. You may select an existing folder to save the website or create a new folder.
   
4. Finally, hit the Enter key or click Done.
   

Access Your Favorites:

There are several ways to access your favorites:

1. Favorites Bar:
   • This is the most common method. If it’s not visible, click the Favorites icon, then the, ellipses and select Show favorites bar.
   • Then, select one of these options:
     • Always
     • Never
     • Only on new tabs
       
2. Keyboard Shortcut: Press the Ctrl + Shift + O to open the Favorites panel.

Organize Favorites:

1. To arrange favorites, open favorites and drag the saved website to any position you desire using your mouse.

Tip 5: Use Vertical Tabs to Save Screen Space and Improve Tab Visibility

Vertical tabs in Microsoft Edge enhance productivity by optimizing screen space and improving tab visibility. Positioned on the left side, they free up horizontal space for content, making reading, document work, or video watching easier.

With more tab titles visible simultaneously, finding the right tab is faster, reducing time spent searching through horizontal tabs. Use the following steps to enable vertical tabs in Microsoft Edge:

Method 1: Right-Clicking on a Tab

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Then, right-click on any open tab.
3. Finally, select Turn on vertical tabs from the context menu.
   
4. The bar will now show on the left side of the browser window.
   

To turn the mode off, click the Tab actions menu option and select Turn off vertical tabs.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Then, press Ctrl + Shift + ,.

The keyboard shortcut can toggle the mode on and off.

Tip 6: Open and Annotate PDF Documents

Microsoft Edge’s built-in PDF reader offers a streamlined way to interact with PDF documents, enhancing productivity in various ways; they include the following:

• Access and annotate PDFs directly in your browser without switching apps.
• Use tools like highlighting and commenting for efficient reviews.
• Easily share annotated PDFs for feedback and collaboration.

Use the following steps to open and annotate PDF documents in Microsoft Edge:

1. If you encounter a PDF online, click the link to open it in Edge.
2. If available on your PC, right-click the PDF document, click Open with, then choose Microsoft Edge from the option.
   
3. If you cannot find Microsoft Edge in the menu, select Choose another app and select the app from there.
   
4. Once the PDF is open, use the toolbar at the top of the document containing various annotation tools.
5. These tools may include the following:
   • Highlighting: Select text to highlight important information.
   • Commenting: Add comments to specific sections of the document.
   • Drawing: Use the drawing tools to create shapes, lines, or freehand drawings.
   • Erase: Remove changes made with drawing tools.
     
6. Click on the desired tool to activate it, drag your cursor to the desired position, and click to use.
7. Once the annotation is complete, click the Save icon to save the work within the PDF or Save As to save a new document.
   
8. Most annotation tools allow you to customize color, thickness, and other properties.

Tip 7: Install Needed Extensions from the Microsoft Store or Chrome Web Store

Extensions are like power-ups for your browser. They can automate tasks, boost functionality, and streamline your workflow, ultimately boosting Microsoft Edge productivity. We recommend installing only trusted extensions from reputable sources. Too many extensions can slow down your browser, so choose wisely.

Extensions can help in the following ways:

• Automate repetitive tasks like filling out forms, managing passwords, or scheduling appointments.
• Provide tools to help you organize information, research faster, or manage
• Tailor your browsing experience to your specific needs and preferences.

Use the following steps to install Extensions:

From the Microsoft Store:

1. Launch the Microsoft Edge browser, click the ellipses in the top-right corner to open the menu, and select Extensions.
   
2. Then, click Get extensions for Microsoft Edge.
   
3. Find the desired extension using the search bar and click Get to install it.
   
4. Finally, review the required permissions and click Add extension to confirm.

From the Chrome Web Store in Microsoft Edge:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store in Microsoft Edge.
2. Then, locate the desired extension and click Get.
   
3. Finally, grant the required permissions and proceed with adding it.

Removing Extensions from Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the ellipses on the top-right corner to reveal the menu and click Extensions.
   
2. Then, click the ellipses next to the extension you want to remove and click Remove from Microsoft Edge.
   

Tip 8: Multitask with Split Screen

Split screen in Microsoft Edge allows you to work on two tasks side-by-side within a single browsing tab, enhancing productivity. It is a great way to multitask efficiently in Microsoft Edge. The following steps will guide you on how to use it:

1. On Edge, click the Split Screen icon in the toolbar to split your current tab into two parts.
   
2. When split, the left side shows the content from your existing tab, while the right side is empty and ready for a second webpage.
3. You can either visit another site or drag a link from the left screen to the right screen to quickly open, compare, or switch sites.
4. You can resize the split screens by dragging the slider between them.
5. To exit the mode, click the Close split screen (X) at the top-right corner of the active screen.
   

Tip 9: Master Essential Shortcuts for Faster Navigation and Actions

Keyboard shortcuts are time-saving tools that allow you to perform actions quickly without using your mouse. Memorizing and utilizing these shortcuts can significantly enhance your browsing speed and efficiency.

Microsoft Edge contains a built-in set of shortcuts. The following shows a list of essential shortcuts:

• Ctrl + T: Opens a new tab
• Ctrl + W: Closes the current tab
• Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopens the last closed tab
• Ctrl + Tab: Switches to the next tab
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switches to the previous tab
• Ctrl + L: Focuses on the address bar
• Ctrl + D: Bookmarks the current page
• Ctrl + H: Opens the history
• Ctrl + Shift + N: Opens a new incognito window

Tip 10: Access Bing Search Results Right from the Side Bar

In Microsoft Edge, you can access Bing search results directly from the address bar, streamlining your browsing experience. Here’s how to set it up:

1. When you launch Microsoft Edge, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E to open the sidebar.
2. Then, click the magnifying glass icon in the sidebar and search either the specific website you’re browsing or the entire web.
   
3. Search results will then appear in the sidebar without affecting your active tab.
4. To open a result in a new tab, select Open link in new tab.
   

Tip 11: Sync Your Data Across Devices for Seamless Continuity

Syncing your data across devices on Microsoft Edge offers several productivity benefits:

• Seamlessly continue on any device with synchronized tabs, favorites, passwords, and browsing history.
• Easily access your information without re-entering or searching for old pages.
• Organize your digital life with synced bookmarks, reading lists, and collections across devices.
• Securely sync your saved passwords for easy autofill logins on any device.

Use the following steps to sync your data across devices on Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge on any of your devices, click the profile icon, then click Sign in to sync data.
   
2. Then, proceed to sign in with your Microsoft account.
   
3. After signing in, you might need to enable sync settings. Check the sync options available and ensure they align with your preferences.
4. The options typically include syncing favorites, passwords, history, extensions, and settings.
   
5. Once you’ve enabled sync, verify that your data syncs correctly across all devices. Check for consistency in bookmarks, passwords, and other synced items.

Tip 12: Keep Your Browser Up-to-Date

Keeping your Microsoft Edge browser up-to-date is essential for enhancing productivity in several ways:

• New versions often optimize browsing speed and responsiveness.
• Updates fix vulnerabilities, ensuring a secure environment for your tasks.
• Microsoft regularly adds features to Edge. Staying updated enhances workflow and efficiency.
• Modern browsers guarantee better compatibility with evolving websites, avoiding layout issues and slow performance.

Typically, Microsoft Edge updates automatically in the background. However, you can manually check for updates or ensure automatic updates are enabled:

1. Launch the browser on your computer, click the ellipses in the top-right corner of the browser window to open the menu, and select Help and then About Microsoft Edge.
   
2. If an update is available, the browser will automatically begin downloading and installing it.
3. Otherwise, it will show you a Download and install button. Click the button to install the update.
   
4. Once complete, you may need to restart Edge for the changes to take effect.

Enhancing productivity on your browser, even when you use other browsers like Firefox, helps you to have the best browsing experience. You could improve your time on Microsoft Edge using the browser’s built-in VPN or the AI-powered Copilot.