Google is releasing a new update to its Chrome browser that will allow users to sync their browsing history and bookmarks across devices. This feature is currently available on Android and iOS phones, Chromebooks, and Mac/Linux machines. Until now, this feature has not been available in Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge. ..
Microsoft Edge now supports two features that are really useful: extensions and synchronization. As of now, you can only sync your bookmarks and reading list between devices. This isn’t terribly exciting, but it’s a start.
Edge is a browser that is only available on Windows desktops, laptops, tablets (Surface) and phones. The Edge browser is also on the Xbox One, but the syncing feature is currently not supported. That should be coming in a future update.
Setup Microsoft Account
To sync with Edge, you need to use a Microsoft account. If you’re using a local account on your computer, you won’t be able to sync anything. ..
You can do this by clicking on the Accounts button, then the Settings button, and then clicking on your account name.
If you are using a Microsoft account, you will see your profile picture and a link to manage your account online. If you are using a local account, you will see the option to login using a Microsoft account. ..
Sync your settings to ensure that all devices are connected and working properly.
To sync your settings with your Microsoft account, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your computer.
- Under Accounts and Sync, select Sign in and enter your Microsoft account information.
- Select the items you want to sync, such as Windows settings or Internet Explorer settings, and then click Sync. ..
Enable Syncing in Edge
To sync your devices, open Edge and click on the button with the three dots at the top right. Click on Settings and then click on Sync. ..
Scroll down a little until you see the Account heading and Account settings link. If you are using a Microsoft account on that device, you will not see this link.
If you have a Microsoft account setup properly, you can toggle the Sync your favorite and reading list button. Clicking on the Sync your settings link will load up the Sync your settings dialog.
It is important to enable syncing in Edge on each device manually, even if your other devices are already logged in using the same Microsoft account.
You can access your bookmarks and reading list on any device by clicking on the button with three horizontal lines. The star icon is for bookmarks and the second icon is for the reading list.
It’s worth noting that Edge is not nearly as fast at syncing as Chrome is. With Chrome, data gets synced within seconds usually, but I had to wait anywhere from a couple of minutes to over half an hour before I saw data being synced in Edge. Whatever the reason for the slowness, I’m hoping that gets resolved soon.
Edge will probably support syncing of other data like extensions, passwords, etc., but at this time it is limited. Enjoy!
