Setting Up Microsoft Edge Chromium on Mac: Guide – Guide
Microsoft is replacing its own version of Edge with a new browser based on Chromium, the same open source engine used by Google Chrome and other browsers. The new Edge will be similar to Chrome but with tweaks to make it more like the previous version, easing the transition for users.
The switch to Chromium was driven by the need for better compatibility across sites and extensions, easing the burden on developers.
Installing Microsoft Edge Chromium on Mac
Visit the Microsoft Edge download page using any browser on your Mac. The site will detect the correct operating system and provide a “Download for macOS” button to get the installation package.
To download the latest version of the software, head to your Mac’s Downloads folder and double-click the 150 MB file.
Users should click “Continue” in the Microsoft Edge Installer that appears.
To install the browser, simply follow the directions displayed on your screen.
To complete the installation of Microsoft Edge on your Mac, click Move to trash to delete the installer package and then Close to exit the installer. This will free up space on your device.
Getting Started Up
Microsoft Edge Chromium will now launch automatically on Macs after installation, or users can open it from the Launchpad by clicking the Microsoft Edge icon.
Users are given the option to customize their browser experience when they first open Microsoft Edge. However, for those who want to quickly access the main browser area, they can skip the initial steps of importing data from Chrome, selecting a new guide page layout and signing in with a Microsoft account. Instead, they can click “Get Started” on the home screen and proceed directly to the main browser area.
New tab layout
Microsoft Edge Chromium offers a range of features to keep users informed. The browser includes a search bar, shortcut area and news feed, all accessible from the top of the screen. Those who prefer the standard layout can keep it as is.
To make a change, click the gear icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
Users can choose from three page layouts: Focused, Inspirational (the default) and Informational.
Inspirational and Informational offer different experiences: Inspirational features a daily-updated background image, while Informational puts the news front and center. The latter may be more jarring, while the former is less intrusive.
Rather than displaying the news feed as the main focus, Focused puts its emphasis on shortcuts and the search bar. Scrolling down will still allow users to access their news feed.
To create a personalized news experience, select Custom in the layout options.
Users can turn off their news feed and customize quick links and the background of their tab with toggle buttons.
Customize appearance
Microsoft Edge users can customize their browser’s appearance by accessing the Settings panel. To do this, open the Edge menu (click the three dot icon at the top right of the screen) and select Settings.
In the Browser Settings screen, users can customize their experience by switching to the Appearance side tab. Here, they can alter font and font size, add a Home button to the user interface, and hide Favorites and Collections buttons.
Mac users can now enjoy a dark theme or match their system color scheme with the new Theme menu. Additionally, a workaround is available to render web pages in dark mode.
Import browser data
Microsoft Edge Chromium simplifies the browser switching process by allowing users to easily import their browsing data from Chrome, Safari or Firefox. To get started, go to Edge Settings> Profiles> Import browser data.
To quickly import data from another browser into Microsoft Edge, select the desired forms in the pop-up window and click Import. Then, use the Favorites and History options in Edge’s menu to view your imported favorites and history. For additional data such as passwords and payment information, access the Profile section of Settings.
Microsoft Edge provides more options than Chrome when importing data from Google’s browser, including the ability to select a specific profile. For further information, see this walkthrough.
Sync your data
Microsoft Edge Chromium enables users to sync their browsing data across multiple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Android and Windows. It also provides a secure storage solution for data on Microsoft servers.
To access Microsoft Edge, sign in with a Microsoft Account. If you don’t have one, create one for free – it’s worth it.
Clicking “Customize” on the Sync Your Profile pop-up page will allow users to personalize their settings.
To sync your browsing data, select the desired forms – Favorites, Settings, etc. – and click Confirm to complete the process.
Users can access their Microsoft Edge Sync settings at any time by navigating to Edge Settings > Sync.
Install extensions
Microsoft Edge now offers a wide selection of extensions to enhance your browsing experience. To access them, simply head to the Microsoft Edge Addons store and search for the ones you need, or filter by category – Productivity, Accessibility, Social and more.
To install an extension, click “Get” and add it to your browser.
Microsoft Edge users can quickly access an extension they’ve installed by clicking its icon on the right side of the address bar.
Open the Edge menu and click Extensions to manage your extensions. Here, you can disable, enable or remove any extension, as well as access the Microsoft Edge Addons store.
Microsoft Edge now allows users to install extensions from other Chromium-based browser stores, such as the Chrome Web Store. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps.
Standard search engine
Microsoft Edge Chromium users can quickly switch their default search engine from Bing to Google or Yahoo. To do so, simply go to Edge Settings > Privacy and services > Address bar.
Change your search engine: Select either Google or Yahoo from the drop-down menu next to the address bar.
You can make DuckDuckGo or another search engine your default, but the process is complex.
Tracking prevention
Microsoft Edge now offers an easy way to protect your privacy: its built-in Tracking Prevention module. No need for third-party extensions – just switch it on and you’re good to go.
Go to Edge Settings > Privacy and Services and select a Tracking Prevention level – Basic, Balanced (default) or Strict – to protect your online privacy.
Basic blocks the fewest crawlers, but keeps malicious scripts away. The Balanced level stops third-party scripts from tracking you and helps avoid personalized ads. Strict blocks most crawlers and ads, but can cause some sites to malfunction.
Default browser
Testing Microsoft Edge Chromium before making it the default browser on your Mac is recommended, but if you’re ready to switch right away, here’s how.
To set Microsoft Edge as your default browser on a Mac, go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then General and use the drop-down menu to select Edge.
Make Microsoft Edge your Mac’s default browser, so that clicking on links will open them through the program.
Final note
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up Microsoft Edge Chromium on Mac. If you have any questions, please reach out for help. Share the love and spread the word about this guide with your friends.
