Turning off Microsoft Edge Top Sites is a simple task that can declutter your browser’s home page. We’ll go over how to do this quickly and easily, so you can enjoy a more streamlined browsing experience.
How to Turn Off Microsoft Edge Top Sites
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to know that disabling Top Sites will remove the quick links to frequently visited websites from your Microsoft Edge home page. This might make it take a little longer to get to your favorite sites, but it can also make your browser look cleaner and less overwhelming.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
Open your Microsoft Edge browser by clicking on the icon on your desktop or taskbar.
When you open Microsoft Edge, it will typically start up showing your Top Sites and a search bar. This is your starting point for the steps to follow.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
The Settings menu is where you can customize many aspects of Microsoft Edge to better fit your browsing needs.
Step 3: Navigate to “On startup” settings
In the Settings menu, look for the “On startup” section on the left-hand side and click on it.
The “On startup” section lets you control what you see every time you open Microsoft Edge.
Step 4: Disable “Show top sites”
Under the “On startup” settings, you’ll see an option to “Show top sites.” Turn off the toggle switch next to this option to disable it.
Once you’ve turned off “Show top sites,” you’ll notice that your home page looks different the next time you open Microsoft Edge.
After completing these steps, your Microsoft Edge home page will no longer display your top sites. Instead, you’ll see a cleaner interface that might only show a search bar or a blank page, depending on your other settings.
Tips for Managing Microsoft Edge Top Sites
- You can manually add specific sites to your home page if you still want quick access to certain pages without the clutter of Top Sites.
- Consider using the “Favorites” feature to easily access sites you visit frequently without them appearing on your home page.
- If you decide you miss the Top Sites feature, you can re-enable it at any time by following the steps above and turning the toggle switch back on.
- Organize your Top Sites by dragging and dropping them into the order you prefer for quick and easy access.
- Remember that disabling Top Sites doesn’t delete your browsing history, so you can still find your frequently visited sites in your history tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Microsoft Edge Top Sites?
Top Sites are a feature in Microsoft Edge that shows thumbnails of websites you visit often, making it easier to access them quickly.
Can I customize which sites appear in Top Sites?
Yes, you can pin your favorite sites to Top Sites, remove ones you don’t want to see, or let Microsoft Edge populate this section based on your browsing habits.
Will turning off Top Sites affect my browsing history?
No, your browsing history will remain intact. Turning off Top Sites only changes the appearance of your home page in Microsoft Edge.
Is it possible to turn Top Sites back on after disabling it?
Absolutely. You can turn Top Sites back on by following the steps above and toggling the switch to “On.”
Does disabling Top Sites improve browser performance?
While it might not significantly improve performance, it can reduce distraction and provide a cleaner look to your home page, which could indirectly improve your browsing experience.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Go to Settings
- Navigate to “On startup” settings
- Disable “Show top sites”
Conclusion
Microsoft Edge is a powerful browser that offers many customization options, including the ability to turn off Top Sites. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable this feature and enjoy a more minimalist browsing experience. Whether you’re looking to reduce distractions, declutter your browser’s home page, or simply prefer a blank slate when you open Microsoft Edge, turning off Top Sites is a straightforward process.
Remember that you can always re-enable this feature if you find that you miss the convenience of having your frequently visited sites just one click away. And don’t forget to make use of other organizational tools like Favorites, which can also help streamline your browsing without sacrificing quick access to your preferred pages.
In the end, it’s all about making your browser work for you. Take control of your Microsoft Edge settings to create a browsing environment that suits your style and needs. Happy browsing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.