Microsoft has recently started testing a new feature for its Edge browser that will allow users to disable some of its non-essential parts. The idea behind this is to help speed things up for browser users. Sadly, this option is not widely accessible. It is only available to those who are part of the Canary channel as part of a controlled-feature rollout.
As a Microsoft user, I'm not a big fan of Edge, and I wish they would make it easier to delete it from my Windows laptop. When you choose to use another browser, Microsoft makes it laborious to make the switch, and you need to take extra steps to do so. However, this new feature added to Edge harkens back to Windows 10, which gave users the ability to disable optional features quickly. You usually end up with your system performing better.
In this article, we will talk about how you can use this new feature, why it is essential, and what users have to say about Edge.
How to Check if You Can Use This New Feature
To check if you can use this new feature, head to Settings, select Optional Features, and see if disabling optional components is readily available. Alternatively, you can try the edge://settings/optionalFeatures link.
It's worth noting that the optional feature added to Edge harkens back to Windows 10, which gave users the ability to disable optional features quickly. This usually results in a better-performing system. Microsoft acknowledges this by stating, "Edge now lets you turn off optional browser features to make it the fastest browsing experience for you. Features that are turned off are still available to you but will require a small download to enable."
Adding this feature to Edge is a smart move by Microsoft, but they should also reintroduce the ability to choose another browser as your default with one click, as it used to be when using Windows 10.
The Default Browser Issue
Many users have been complaining about the default browser issue for some time. They have taken umbrage with the built-in games and newsfeed packed with fake news. Edge, which is supposed to be "cutting Edge," has become bloated and its own worst enemy.
Users should be able to choose their default browser with one click, without the need for extra steps. This issue has been a point of contention for many users, and Microsoft needs to address it as soon as possible.
How to Use the New Feature
To use the new feature, follow these steps:
- Head to Settings
- Select Optional Features
- See if disabling optional components is readily available
- Alternatively, you can try the edge://settings/optionalFeatures link
Why This Feature Is Essential
Microsoft acknowledges the importance of the new feature, stating, "Edge now lets you turn off optional browser features to make it the fastest browsing experience for you. Features that are turned off are still available to you but will require a small download to enable."
By allowing users to disable non-essential parts of Edge, the browser will run faster and more efficiently. This feature is essential for those who have limited resources on their device and want to use their browser without any unnecessary load on their system.
Microsoft Should Focus on Making Windows 12 Less of a System Hog
Microsoft should leave browsers to Google, Apple, and other tech giants. Instead, they should focus on making the upcoming Windows 12 less of a system hog and battery killer. Windows has become increasingly bloated with each new release, causing sluggish performance on many machines.
If Microsoft wants to keep users happy, they need to focus on optimizing their operating system to run smoothly on all types of hardware. Users are looking for a fast and reliable operating system that doesn't require expensive upgrades to work properly.
User's Opinion About Edge
Many users have complained about Edge's default browser issue and have taken umbrage with the built-in games and news feed packed with fake news. Edge, which is supposed to be "cutting-edge," has become bloated and its own worse enemy. Some users wish they could simply delete it, but Microsoft should leave browsers to Google, Apple, and other tech giants.
Instead, Microsoft should be focusing on making the upcoming Windows 12 less of a system hog and battery killer. However, that is a different story for another day.
Conclusion
Microsoft has added a new feature to its Edge browser that allows users to disable non-essential parts. This feature is currently available only to those who are part of the Canary channel, as part of a controlled-feature rollout.
Disabling non-essential parts of Edge will make it run faster and more efficiently, which is essential for those who have limited resources on their device. However, some users have complained about Edge's default browser issue and its built-in games and news feed packed with fake news.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Edge Canary?
A: Edge Canary is a development version of the Edge browser that receives daily updates and is used to test new features.
Q: How do I know if I have access to the new Edge feature?
A: Head to Settings, select Optional Features, and see if disabling optional components is readily available. Alternatively, you can try the edge://settings/optionalFeatures link.
Q: Why is it essential to disable non-essential parts of Edge?
A: Disabling non-essential parts of Edge will make it run faster and more efficiently, which is essential for those who have limited resources on their device.
Q: Can I delete Edge from my Windows laptop?
A: You can uninstall the Edge browser, but Microsoft makes it laborious to make the switch to another browser.
