Microsoft Edge Reintroduces Vertical Tabs Feature Following Google Chrome’s Adoption

On April 7, Google unveiled the introduction of Vertical Tabs in its Chrome browser, igniting a flurry of excitement within the tech community. Numerous articles, YouTube videos, and podcasts rapidly surfaced to discuss this feature.

Having utilized vertical tabs for over four years on Microsoft Edge, I found it puzzling to see such overwhelming acclaim for a feature that others have enjoyed for quite some time.

Vertical Tabs in Microsoft Edge showcasing a cleaner pane layout

From Microsoft’s perspective, the situation must be less than gratifying. Despite having introduced vertical tabs five years ago, Edge still struggles to capture significant market share, lingering at about 5% to 8%, whereas Google Chrome boasts a robust 60% to 70% dominance.

In a bid to highlight Edge’s capabilities, Microsoft took to social media shortly after Google’s announcement. Two days later, their official X page for Microsoft Edge posed a question to users, asking their preference between Horizontal and Vertical Tabs.

Microsoft Edge's X post regarding Vertical Tabs — A post from Microsoft Edge’s X account discussing Vertical Tabs

Moreover, on April 10, Microsoft released an update for Edge, which prominently showcased Vertical Tabs on its welcome screen. This was the first feature highlighted in a carousel following the update.

Edge update featuring Vertical tabs despite the feature being available for years — Edge update promoting the long-existing Vertical Tabs feature

It’s worth noting that Edge wasn’t the pioneer of vertical tabs; the feature first emerged in the Vivaldi browser in 2015 and was later integrated into Edge in 2021, Firefox in 2025, Arc in 2023, and finally reached Chrome in 2026.

Google Chrome Adopts Key Features from Microsoft Edge

In conjunction with the vertical tabs feature, Google announced the roll-out of “Immersive Reading Mode, ” which closely mirrors a feature already available in Microsoft Edge. This mode has been part of Edge since I started using it.

Google's announcement of Vertical Tabs and Immersive Reader Mode, both present in Microsoft Edge — Google’s introduction of Vertical Tabs and Immersive Reader Mode, features already seen in Microsoft Edge

Immersive Reader Mode is an excellent feature allowing users to engage with content without distractions, eliminating advertisements and enhancing text clarity. You can activate it in Edge by pressing F9 while reading a blog post.

Immersive Reader Mode in Edge, available since 2019 — Immersive Reader Mode in Edge, introduced in 2019

Now, Chrome has also embraced this feature. While multiple browsers offer a Reader Mode, Edge’s implementation stands out for its long-standing presence and effectiveness. Google shared a video showcasing their version of Immersive Reader mode, though it does not quite match the aesthetic appeal of Edge’s offering.

This context underscores Microsoft’s urgency in promoting Edge. Recently, I encountered a pop-up in Edge advertising a staggering opportunity to win Microsoft Rewards valued at $2, 000, 000 USD.

Microsoft Edge promotion offering enormous rewards of 1 million USD — An extravagant Microsoft Edge promotion with rewards up to 1 million USD

This promotion encouraged users to download the Microsoft Edge mobile app and set it as the default browser, with prizes like $1, 000, 000 USD or even a car. As someone whose Android device uses Edge as its default, I pondered the odds of someone actually winning such a grand prize merely for using the mobile application.

Yet, marketing a browser through such extravagant rewards may raise eyebrows, leading potential users to question the true value of their data.

Ultimately, Microsoft’s aggressive push for Edge usage may be counterproductive, potentially driving users away.

Nevertheless, I can attest that Microsoft’s browser is competent and feature-rich, particularly when users explore functions like “Organize Tabs, ” which showcases impressive AI capabilities as detailed in a review by Windows Latest.

AI functionality in Microsoft Edge for tab organization — Microsoft Edge utilizing AI technology for automatic tab organization

Despite its transition to the Chromium engine, which essentially positions Edge as a Chrome variant with different aesthetics, it still carries a legacy of negative reputation rooted in the days of Internet Explorer.

Moreover, Edge often faces scrutiny regarding privacy concerns, much like its counterpart Chrome, which is notorious for similar issues. Edge even provides features facilitating the import of user data from Google and other browsers.

Microsoft Edge allowing import of data from Google — Options in Microsoft Edge for importing data from Google

It would appear that Microsoft’s challenges with Edge are less about feature availability and more so about public perception. Despite having valuable features for an extended period, the intrusive nudging, pop-ups, and forceful promotion ultimately detract from user experience. Ironically, as Chrome starts adopting these same features, users are finally recognizing them—just not through Edge.

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