Microsoft Edge: Potential Impact on User Muscle Memory Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new feature in Edge that could disrupt users’ accustomed actions when closing the last open tab. In the existing version, clicking the ‘X’ button on the final tab closes the entire app. However, users testing experimental builds report that the browser now opens a new tab instead.
Borrowing from Other Browsers – Microsoft Edge
The concept of opening a new tab instead of closing the browser is not entirely novel, as browsers like Opera and Firefox allow users to customize this behavior according to their preferences. Edge users have long requested Microsoft to incorporate this feature, and it seems the tech giant is considering fulfilling this popular demand.
Testing the Feature on Edge Dev or Canary Builds
If you’re eager to try out this new feature, follow these steps:
- Download and install Microsoft Edge Dev or Canary build from the official website.
- Right-click on the app shortcut, go to ‘Properties.’
- In the window that appears, click on the ‘Target’ field, add a space, and type ‘–enable-features=msSpawnNtpOnLastTabClose’ without the quotes.
- Click OK and launch Edge using the modified shortcut.
Closing the Browser with Familiar Methods
Despite the potential change, users can still close the browser using the traditional ‘X’ button on the top right of the screen. Additionally, the ‘Alt+F4‘ shortcut remains a quick way to close the window.
Stability Concerns and Workarounds
Users can install the stable version of Edge alongside the Canary and Dev builds, ensuring a quick switch in case of performance or stability issues. However, it’s unclear whether Microsoft will allow users to customize the behavior once the feature reaches the stable version. Customization options may be crucial to address potential frustrations with the new tab behavior.