Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft. Did you know? It allows you to surf the web faster and safer. The browser Edge contains its features, with the reading mode capable of extracting articles in a more readable format and some tools are available for saving web pages or an integrated PDF reader. It is highly compatible with Windows and very fast, and dependable. Extensions to get more features Microsoft Edge offers a simple kind of look, you can use its tools in the easiest way to browse much faster. So let’s discuss more about its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of Microsoft Edge
1. Quick and Easy Setup
Setting up Microsoft Edge is so easy. Edge is installed automatically on a PC with Windows 10, so you do not need to download and install it first. But Macs, Linux machines, iPhones, and Android phones are not left out; their users can get it installed on their devices in a few minutes by downloading from the internet. Besides, when you are still using other internet browsers, you can effortlessly move bookmarks, settings or even passwords. That way, making the switch becomes seamless without experiencing any challenges in the process.
- Also Read: UC Browser Advantages and Disadvantages
2. Fast Performance
Edge shares the same engine as Google Chrome which is called Chromium. Thus, it loads web pages very quickly and does not significantly affect the speed of your computer. Additionally, it does not drain much of your computer’s resources, hence giving you a seamless browsing experience. This is particularly apparent when using Edge on laptops and other portable devices which are powered by batteries. It was created with an emphasis on speed and reliability and consistently performs well in numerous speed tests.
3. Enhanced Security and Privacy
People have become very concerned about their online security and privacy and Edge is a browser that takes these matters seriously. The SmartScreen tool on it can help block out dangerous web pages or downloads while keeping you protected as much as possible. There are options for disabling tracking on it so that one remains invisible online if he/she chooses to use the Edge browser. Moreover, this browser has something that is known as InPrivate mode where no records of sites visited by the user including cookies are kept to maintain privacy during browsing.
4. User-Friendly Interface
Edge Browser is simple to use as it has a modern, clean design. The browser has an uncomplicated search and address bar, a customizable start page, and easy-to-manage tabs. You can use reading mode to concentrate on your content without distractions; therefore it is excellent for reading long articles or documents. They facilitate enjoyable trouble-free web surfing.
5. Integration with Microsoft Services
Edge is compatible with other Microsoft products such as Cortana, OneDrive, and Office 365. Provided that you’re already using other Microsoft services this implies that you can issue vocal commands, and update reading lists across devices, in addition to sharing notes and highlights on web pages with ease. These functions are aimed at making your browsing activities more integrated or streamlined in case you use other Microsoft applications.
6. Support for Web Annotations and Note-Taking
While using Edge, you can write notes and highlight sections of web pages directly. The feature becomes handy whether you are engaged in your profession or are using it for personal reasons. The notes are also saved on OneDrive hence they can be easily shared with other people. This way, information or ideas become quickly exchanged, making Edge a valuable aid in research and group work.
Disadvantages of Microsoft Edge
1. Limited Extension Availability
Edge’s one disadvantage is its limited number of extensions compared to other browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Even though there’s a way around this via Chrome Web Store Extensions, Microsoft’s Edge doesn’t have all these features by default built into its constituents; therefore some favourite add-ons might not exist for it without additional configuration steps in place.
2. Resource Intensive
Edge, much like Chrome, heavily utilizes your computer’s CPU. Because of this, it requires no less than 1 GB of memory on 32-bit computers and 2GBs on 64-bit ones. If you own an old computer or a less powerful one this could present problems because it will eventually slow your system down thus rendering it impossible to do anything else as well.
3. Synchronization Issues
Frequently, the process of harmonizing the Edge browser across several gadgets isn’t reliable. It can be annoying when you depend on having similar configurations on your tablet, smartphone or PC. Problems with syncing can distract users from their work and also impede them from obtaining vital data.
4. Default Search Engine Preferences
Edge’s default search engine is Bing and changing it may be rather difficult so if one wants to change to another search engine for instance Google, it is time-consuming. If you are accustomed to results as well as the interface of different search engines, your experience might change in general.
5. Performance Inconsistencies
Edge is fast in general, but its performance is different depending on your computer configuration and connection speed. Occasional instability and lower speeds have been reported by some users when compared with other browsers; this may pose a challenge when there is a need for constant and reliable performance during everyday browsing activities.
Comparison Between Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Edge Browser
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Edge is easy to set up and use right away, especially on Windows 10. | Not as many extensions as in other browsers. |
| Loads pages quickly and uses resources efficiently. | Uses a lot of computer resources, similar to Chrome. |
| Offers strong protection and privacy features. | Syncing bookmarks and settings can be unreliable. |
| Modern and clean design for easy browsing. | Changing the default search engine from Bing can be tricky. |
| Works well with Cortana, OneDrive, and Office 365. | Performance can vary based on the device and internet connection. |
| Allows you to write notes and highlight directly on web pages. |
