How to Enable or Disable Collections in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge Collections is a feature that lets you gather and organize web pages, images, and notes into lists.
Think of it like a digital scrapbook built right into your browser. This handy tool, available since Edge version 81, makes it easy to save research projects or things you find interesting online.
You can add items to your collections directly from the sidebar on any website. If you find this feature takes up too much space or you simply don’t use it, you can turn it off.
Open Microsoft Edge settings, navigate to “Privacy, search, and security,” then “Search and connected experiences,” and toggle “Save content using Collections.” Restart the browser to apply.
Enable or disable Collections in Edge
You can turn the Microsoft Edge Collections feature on or off directly within the browser’s settings menu. This adjustment lets you manage the Collections tool without needing to go into complicated system files. Open your Edge browser, click the three dots in the top corner, and head to Settings to find the option.
Here’s how to do it.
First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.
Then click on Setting and more (Alt+F) 3 horizontal dots button on the top right corner and select Settings.
Select “Privacy, search, and security” on the Settings page on the left.
The "Search and connected experiences" tile on the "Privacy, search, and services" page allows you to change how Microsoft Edge uses search and other connected services. Click this tile to expand the options and make your desired changes.
Under the Search and connected experiences section, toggle the "Save content using Collections in Microsoft Edge" switch button to enable or disable it.
Restart Edge to apply your changes.
Enable or disable the Collections feature using the Windows Registry
For users who are comfortable with advanced settings, the Windows Registry Editor provides a way to control the Microsoft Edge Collections feature. Before you start making changes, it's a good idea to back up your registry or create a System Restore point. You'll need to navigate to a specific folder path in the Registry Editor: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicr.
First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path listed below.
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdge
Right-click on 'Edge', then select 'New' > 'DWORD (32-bit) Value'. Name this new DWORD 'EdgeCollectionsEnabled'.
0 to disable the 'Collections' feature.
To re-enable it, delete the 'EdgeCollectionsEnabled' name you created.
EdgeCollectionsEnabled
You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.
That should do it!
Reference:
Collections lets you group websites and notes for research or shopping, making your browsing more organized. You can manage the Collections feature in Microsoft Edge by following these steps to tailor your browsing experience.
Conclusion:
Enabling or disabling the Collections feature in Microsoft Edge allows users to customize their browsing experience according to their needs. Here are the key takeaways:
- Organize Web Content: Collections make gathering and categorizing information from multiple sources easier.
- Improved Collaboration: Sharing saved collections can enhance teamwork and project discussions.
- Easy Management: Users can quickly revisit their saved content without navigating browser history.
- Customization Options: Users can enable or disable the feature to suit their preferences and streamline their browser interface.
- Registry Editor: For advanced users, the Windows Registry offers another method to toggle the Collections feature.
Following these steps allows you to manage the Collections feature in Microsoft Edge and tailor your browsing experience.
What is the difference between bookmarks and collections in Edge?
Bookmarks in most browsers only show the title of the website and its tab icon. Collections automatically give you large thumbnails as preview, which helps you better identify the contents of the site. After all, these are sites you saved for later and “haven't” actually read (Reference).
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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