Microsoft Edge: eight tips for using the browser on your computer | Browsers

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The change makes the Windows 10 browser compatible with several famous features of the rival, while maintaining exclusive functions that are only available to those who choose the native PC browser. Here are eight tips to get more out of Microsoft Edge for surfing the web.

See tips for using Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 Photo: Paulo Alves / dnetcSee tips for using Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 Photo: Paulo Alves / dnetc

See tips for using Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 Photo: Paulo Alves / dnetc

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1. Accepts Chrome apps and extensions

One of the main benefits of the new Edge is the possibility of using Chrome extensions. The user can obtain the plugins through the Windows 10 store or directly from the Chrome Web Store, as long as the feature is enabled in the Microsoft browser. It is possible, for example, to install the Google Docs extension to edit files from Drive offline on the computer, a possibility that did not exist in Edge before.

In addition, you can create applications by clicking the button on the address bar on compatible websites to speed up opening. The feature allows you to open web pages in independent windows.

Edge compatible with Chrome extensions Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesEdge compatible with Chrome extensions Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Edge compatible with Chrome extensions Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

2. Importing passwords from Chrome

You can import all settings from Chrome to Edge, including passwords saved on the web. The procedure can be done when opening the new Edge for the first time, or through the settings at any time: just go to Your profile, click on Import browser data, select Chrome and make sure that the Saved passwords option is checked . If Edge already has some passwords saved, the browser will automatically replace them with credentials saved in Chrome at the time of import.

Edge allows importing all data from Chrome, including passwords Foto: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesEdge allows importing all data from Chrome, including passwords Foto: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Edge allows importing all data from Chrome, including passwords Foto: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

See also: how to update Google Chrome on mobile

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Voice searches with Cortana use Edge to display results by default. The simplest use when compared to Chrome, which requires the installation of a plugin to divert the commands from the virtual assistant to the Google browser. In practice, this means that the new Edge allows you to use the same browser for everything, be it manual browsing or to see search results.

Cortana research is integrated with Microsoft Edge Photo: Reproduo / Elson de Souza)Cortana research is integrated with Microsoft Edge Photo: Reproduo / Elson de Souza)

Cortana research is integrated with Microsoft Edge Photo: Reproduo / Elson de Souza)

Edge has a Reading Mode that removes distractions and makes reading an article from the Internet more enjoyable. When opening any page, just click on the button with the book icon that appears in the address bar. It is possible to edit the page's theme by changing colors and text font, in addition to activating a grammatical analysis mode that separates words by slabs and paints verbs, nouns and adjectives in different colors to facilitate learning.

Use the reading mode to optimize the viewing of web articles Foto: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesUse the reading mode to optimize the viewing of web articles Foto: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Use the reading mode to optimize the viewing of web articles Foto: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

5. Read texts aloud

Edge also allows you to read any website out loud using Cortana. On any page, the user can access the settings to start automatic audio or click on the corresponding button within the Reading Mode. It is also possible to choose different speech styles and control the speech rate

Edge can read texts from the internet aloud Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesEdge can read texts from the internet aloud Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Edge can read texts from the internet aloud Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

6. Native tracker blocker

Edge features a native tracking blocking system that helps protect privacy. The feature is activated by default and has three levels of intensity: Basic, Balanced and Strict. Each of them applies a different type of permission for web crawlers and prevents the identification of the computer for personalizing advertisements, preventing leakage of personal data without the user's consent. The feature can be adjusted in the Privacy and services option in the settings.

Native blocker protects privacy when browsing Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesNative blocker protects privacy when browsing Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Native blocker protects privacy when browsing Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

7. Customize home page

The user can customize the browser home screen without having to install extensions. By clicking on the button with a gear icon in a new tab, you can choose between In focus, which brings a cleaner look, Inspirational, which has background landscapes, Informational, with news website feeds, and Custom, which allows you to choose elements from the last three layouts to create a personal entry screen option.

Edge allows you to customize the home screen with more or less information Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesEdge allows you to customize the home screen with more or less information Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Edge allows you to customize the home screen with more or less information Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

8. Use flags to experiment with features

Like Chrome, Edge has an advanced menu that allows you to try out functions that are not available by default. Type edge: // flags / (without quotes) in the address bar to explore options such as the Tab freeze, which suspends unused tabs for a certain time to avoid overloading the computer, similar to the extension The Great Suspender. It is necessary, but be careful: changing unknown settings can impair the functioning of the browser.

Edge has experimental features on the flags screen Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesEdge has experimental features on the flags screen Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Edge has experimental features on the flags screen Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves