Microsoft Edge could Ask Users to Install frequently visited Websites as Apps

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the Edge Canary version that allows the browser to prompt users to launch sites they often visit as web apps.

Like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge allows users to install any website as an app. To do this, you need to visit the site, navigate to Apps, and select “Install Site as App”. After that, it will appear under the edge://apps page.

Microsoft Edge’s new feature could prompt users to turn sites into Web Apps

What if Microsoft Edge could suggest the websites you often visit, based on your behavior and history, to install as web apps? Microsoft might do exactly that with the new setting “Launch sites as web apps” spotted by us.

The new setting, “Let Microsoft Edge offer suggestions on launching users’ desired sites as web apps,” enables Edge to suggest converting frequently visited websites into web apps. This means users can interact with these sites as if they were standalone applications, without needing to open a traditional browser window.

This helps users have an easier “app-like experience with quick access, full-screen functionality, and better engagement,” according to Microsoft.

Sites vs Web Apps

Web apps offer a more immersive experience compared to regular websites. They can be launched in a focused, cleaner full-screen mode rather than a cluttered browser window.
Users can access their favorite sites directly from the Edge interface, without navigating through multiple tabs or windows.
Web apps are generally designed to offer better performance and user engagement, similar to native applications.

To enable this feature:

1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
2. Visit Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
3. Enable the “Launch sites as Web Apps” setting.
4. Once enabled, Edge may suggest websites to be launched as web apps, and users can choose to convert them.

Apart from this, Microsoft will bring a new sync option to Edge that stores information about how you use Edge features across devices to provide the best layout for you. Additionally, Microsoft Edge on Android will support self-updates like the desktop version.

Would you prefer visiting websites or using web apps? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.