How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts on Microsoft Edge
When it comes to browsing the internet, using keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your productivity and speed. Microsoft Edge, the popular web browser, has several keyboard shortcuts that can make browsing a smooth experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to use keyboard shortcuts on Microsoft Edge and how they can help you navigate web pages with ease.
Understanding Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Edge
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys on a keyboard that perform specific tasks when pressed simultaneously. Using keyboard shortcuts saves time and effort compared to navigating through menus and toolbars. While some shortcuts are standard across different platforms and applications, others are specific to a software application like Microsoft Edge.
What are Keyboard Shortcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts are sets of keys that execute specific functions or commands in a software program. They are created to provide users with quick access to frequently used functions or commands that would otherwise be difficult to access using the mouse. Keyboard shortcuts are especially useful for those who prefer using the keyboard over the mouse when using their computer.
For instance, in Microsoft Edge, pressing Ctrl+T will open a new tab, while Ctrl+W will close the current tab. Similarly, pressing Ctrl+Shift+T will reopen the last closed tab, and Ctrl+Shift+P will open a new InPrivate browsing window.
Benefits of Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The benefits of using keyboard shortcuts are numerous. The most obvious is that they save time and energy by allowing users to complete tasks more quickly. Keyboard shortcuts can also reduce the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries since mouse use is minimized. In addition, keyboard shortcuts often free up limited computer screen space by providing commands or shortcuts that can be executed without displaying a menu or tool-bar.
Moreover, using keyboard shortcuts can also improve your productivity and efficiency while working on Microsoft Edge. For instance, you can use Ctrl+Shift+T to reopen a closed tab instead of going through your browsing history to find the page again. Similarly, you can use Ctrl+Tab to switch between tabs instead of clicking on each tab individually.
Overall, using keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Edge can make your browsing experience faster, easier, and more efficient. So, if you're not already using them, take some time to learn and practice them to see how they can benefit you.
Basic Navigation Shortcuts
If you’re looking to improve your browsing experience, keyboard shortcuts can be a great way to increase your efficiency. Here are some basic navigation shortcuts for Microsoft Edge:
Opening and Closing Tabs
One of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Edge is opening new tabs, which is done by pressing “Ctrl” + “T”. This can be particularly useful when you want to quickly switch between different websites or keep multiple pages open at once. To close individual tabs, use the shortcut “Ctrl” + “W”. This will allow you to easily close tabs that you no longer need. To close the entire browser window, press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “W”. This can be a useful shortcut to know if you need to quickly exit out of your browser.
Navigating Between Tabs
When you have multiple tabs open, it can be helpful to know how to quickly switch between them. To move between different open tabs, use the “Ctrl” + “Tab” shortcut. This will allow you to cycle through your open tabs in order. Similarly, “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Tab” is used to cycle through different tabs in reverse order. This can be a handy shortcut if you accidentally skip over a tab and need to go back to it.
Refreshing and Stopping Page Loading
If you need to refresh a page, you can do so by pressing the “F5” key, or “Ctrl” + “R”. This can be useful if a page isn’t loading properly or if you want to see if there are any updates. To stop the loading of a page, use the shortcut “Esc”. This can be particularly helpful if a page is taking too long to load or if you accidentally clicked on a link that you didn’t mean to.
By using these basic navigation shortcuts, you can save time and improve your browsing experience in Microsoft Edge.
Browsing and Searching Shortcuts
Navigating Webpages
You can scroll up and down web pages by using the “Page Up” and “Page Down” keys respectively. Alternatively, use the “Space” bar to scroll down an entire page or “Shift” + “Space” to scroll up one page.
Using the Address Bar
You can use the shortcut “Ctrl” + “L” to move the cursor to the address bar. Once there, you can start typing in the URL or address of the site you wish to visit. Additionally, you can use “Ctrl” + “Enter” to add “.com” to what you’ve typed in the address bar. This trick only works in Microsoft Edge.
Searching the Web
To search for something on the internet, press “Ctrl” + “E” to move the cursor to the search bar. You can then type your query and hit “Enter” to perform the search. This shortcut saves you time from having to move your mouse to click on the search bar.
Bookmark and History Shortcuts
Creating and Managing Bookmarks
You can add the current webpage to your bookmarks by pressing “Ctrl” + “D”. Alternatively, you can manage your existing bookmarks by pressing “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “O”.
Accessing and Clearing Browsing History
To view your browsing history, use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl” + “H”. To clear your browsing history, press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Del” which opens a dialog box that lets you choose which parts of your browsing history to delete.
Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts
Developer Tools Shortcuts
If you’re a web developer, you may find yourself using Microsoft Edge’s developer tools. The shortcut “F12” opens the developer tools. In addition, you can use “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “I” to open developer tools and move the cursor directly to the element inspector tool.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as high contrast mode, Read aloud, and Narrator are available in Microsoft Edge, and can be accessed using keyboard shortcuts like “Alt” + “Shift” + “H” for the Read aloud feature.
Privacy and Security Shortcuts
You can open the Edge settings menu by pressing “Alt” + “F”. From the Settings menu, you can navigate to Privacy & Security section to manage various browser privacy and security settings.
Conclusion
Keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve browsing productivity, and Microsoft Edge offers several shortcuts for users to make their experience smoother. With the shortcuts discussed in this article, you can navigate through web pages quicker, add bookmarks with ease, and protect your browsing privacy and security. Try using keyboard shortcuts regularly to enhance your browsing experience and productivity.