Microsoft’s new Chromium-based Edge browser is getting one of its biggest updates since it was introduced out of beta last year. Version 88 of the browser now finally supports history and tab sync across devices and also sports some new themes and a password generator.
A feature long available on Google Chrome, the new support for tab and history sync should make it easier to move web browsing in Edge between different Windows PCs, Macs, and phones. It will be available by going to the Edge settings, choosing Profile, selecting Sync, and turning on the appropriate toggles. You also can view your history and open tabs by selecting the “history” option from the menu.
Elsewhere, the latest Edge version brings a new password generator. As a great way to secure your accounts from different retailers when shopping, Edge will now suggest a secure password when you’re changing an existing password or signing up for a new account. To try the feature, you’ll have to be signed in with a Microsoft account and set up sync.
But Edge 88 goes beyond just syncing and helping to secure passwords. For those times when you have a lot of tabs open, you will be happy to know that Edge now has your back. Microsoft says a new Edge feature called “sleeping tabs” will boost your browser performance. When you have several tabs open, Edge will release system resources for inactive tabs, to help power new tabs and other applications.
Visually, you also might notice that the latest Edge Version has a new coat of paint in some areas. To better line up the browser with Windows 10’s Fluent Design language, several icons have been changed to be rounder and softer in appearance. The new icons have a more visually consistent look, for when you view menu items at a quick glance.
The new icons pair up nicely with several new themes, which can be downloaded online. From Halo and Forza to Microsoft Flight Simulator, the browser themes match up with Microsoft’s products.
Other features coming in Edge include Sidebar Search, which lets you run web searches without leaving the page. Also introduced is the ability to see incoming emails directly from the new tab page in Edge, which saves you the click of having to visit your inbox. You’ll have to be signed in to the same account you use with Outlook and Edge to see the feature, however.
You can download the latest version of Edge by clicking the three dots at the top right corner of the screen, then scrolling down to Settings. From there, you can click About Microsoft Edge and check to download the update. When it finishes, just restart the browser.
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