While the default setting in Microsoft Edge is to launch a customized Start page; populated with weather, news, trending topics and other types of personalized content from Microsoft Network, it can be configured to open a Blank Page and its Homepage can also be changed to Google or any other website of your choice.
This way; you can ensure that you are immediately using the Search Function of Microsoft Edge, instead of being distracted by catchy News headlines or click-baited into browsing lifestyle and entertainment-related content from MSN (Microsoft Network).
Change Start Page & Homepage in Microsoft Edge
Traditionally the page/tab that a web browser opens upon startup was known as its Homepage. However, in the case of Microsoft Edge and other Chromium-based browsers like Google; Start page and Homepage are different entities.
- Start Page: The page that Microsoft Edge browser opens upon Startup.
- Homepage: The page that opens when you click on the Home button; located on the Start page.
To confirm, the Page that Microsoft Edge browser opens; when you start or launch the browser is known as its Start Page and this Start page can lead to Homepage; if the option to show Home button is enabled and the user clicks on the Home Button
As mentioned above, both Start Page and Homepage in Microsoft Edge browser can be configured to open a distraction free Blank Page or any website of your choice.
1. Make Microsoft Edge Open Blank Page
Starting with a bad news, Microsoft Edge does not provide the option to set Blank Page as its Start page. However, you can make use of the following workaround to make it open a Blank page.
1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer > click on 3-dots Icon and select Settings in drop-down menu.
2. On the Settings screen, click on Start home, and new tab page in the left-pane > select Open Custom Sites option in the right-pane and click on Add Site button.
3. On “Add Site” pop-up, type Blank:Tab and click on the Add Site button.
Now, when you launch the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer, it will open a distraction free blank tab; without weather, news and trending content from Microsoft’s entertaining Network.
2. Remove Content from Microsoft Edge Start Page
Another way to make Microsoft Edge open an almost Blank Start Page is by removing content from its default Start Page.
1. Launch the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
2. Click on the Pencil Icon located at top-right corner of the screen (beside Sign-in button) > scroll down to Quick links & search section and switch off Show Content, Show Widgets and Show Feed options.
3. On the same section, you can toggle-off Show Promoted Links option.
This will prevent Amazon, Temu, Booking.com and Icons for other promoted links from appearing below the Search bar on the Start page of Microsoft Edge.
3. Set Google As Homepage in Microsoft Edge
If you like using both Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, you can enjoy the best of both these chromium-based browsers by allowing Microsoft Edge to open its default Start page and set Google as your preferred Homepage in Microsoft Edge.
1. Open Microsoft Edge > click on 3-dots icon and select Settings in drop-down menu.
2. On the settings screen, select Start home, and new tab page in the left-pane. In the right-pane, enable Show Home button on the toolbar option, select Set Custom Site option and enter https://www.google.com as the URL.
3. Close the browser page and re-launch the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
4. On the Start page, you will find the Home button and clicking on the Home Icon will lead to Google’s website.
This provides you with the option to use the Search functionality of both Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
4. Set Any Website As Start Page in Microsoft Edge
You can set your favourite website as the Start page of Microsoft Edge browser by using the following steps.
1. Open Microsoft Edge > click on 3-dots icon and select Settings in drop-down menu.
2. On the Settings screen, click on Start home, and new tab page in the left-pane > select Open Custom Sites option in the right-pane and click on Add Site button.
3. On ‘Add Site’ pop-up, type the URL of your favourite website and click on Add Site button.
Now, when you open the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer, you will find it landing on the Homepage of your favourite website.