Microsoft Edge Reduces Three-Dot Menu Features After Previous Windows 11/10 Bloat

Discover the Latest Improvements in Microsoft Edge Browser

Microsoft Edge has proven itself as a robust browser, but like many users, you may find the presence of unnecessary bloat to be a real issue. While features such as ‘Drop’—a handy tool for file sharing across devices—are welcome, the hefty three-dot menu and convoluted Settings page can be cumbersome. Thankfully, Microsoft is actively working on refining user experience with recent updates, especially in Edge Canary.

Three-Dot Menu Revamp: A Cleaner Approach

The recent changes in Microsoft Edge’s three-dot menu in Edge Canary are significant, even if they haven’t been thoroughly documented. Upon clicking the three-dot icon, you’ll now notice a smaller menu footprint compared to before; this is especially evident when in windowed mode.

Previously, the expansive menu was problematic, prompting Microsoft to introduce a scrolling feature, but the current version of Edge Canary has improved the design by rearranging and condensing menu items. Essential items like Favorites, Collections, History, and Downloads remain easily accessible, with some functionalities now housed under the “More tools” option for a tidier look.

Microsoft Edge new menu — Before | After Menu Revamp

This might seem like a minor tweak, but it contributes considerably to a more organized interface. With key features like “Extensions” now more prominently displayed, users can navigate more quickly and efficiently.

Streamlined Settings Page for Enhanced Usability

Alongside menu modifications, Edge’s Settings page has undergone a much-needed overhaul. The new arrangement boasts clearer sections that merge related settings into streamlined categories. For example, the revamped “Privacy, search, and services” tab now consolidates important privacy settings such as tracking prevention, browsing data, cookies, and site permissions into one place.

Additionally, users can now easily toggle between light and dark modes and select theme colors all from one simplified menu, whereas before, these options were scattered across various sections.

Currently, these enhancements appear only in Edge Canary, and users utilizing the stable version of Edge will need to be patient as they await similar updates.

Exploring New Features: AI-Powered History and RAM Management

In its pursuit of a bloat-free user interface, Microsoft has also introduced exciting new features for Edge. An AI-powered history search function allows you to locate previously visited pages with ease. By typing a query prefaced by @history into the address bar, the browser’s AI will sift through your browsing history and return results based on natural language prompts.

Additionally, built-in RAM management has been integrated into Edge. This feature allows users to limit memory usage, making it particularly beneficial for those engaged in gaming or similar memory-heavy tasks while browsing.

Your Thoughts on Edge’s Evolution

Are you pleased with the recent improvements to Microsoft Edge? We encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section below—your insights could help shape future updates!

For more detailed discussions and resources on Microsoft Edge, check out these links:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of the new three-dot menu in Microsoft Edge?

The newly designed three-dot menu takes up less screen space, offers easier access to vital features, and helps users navigate more efficiently by consolidating items into organized sections.

2. How does the AI-powered history feature help users?

This feature allows users to search their browsing history in natural language, making it much faster and more intuitive to locate previously visited sites, enhancing overall productivity.

3. What is the purpose of the built-in RAM management in Edge?

The RAM management feature helps optimize memory usage, especially beneficial for gaming or running multiple applications simultaneously, thus ensuring smoother performance while browsing.

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