Microsoft Edge can’t take a hint: The browser is importing your Chrome browsing data and tabs without asking. Luckily, you can stop it. When you see the pop-up from Edge to Enhance your browsing experience with Copilot in Microsoft Edge, click the tiny white X in the upper right corner and close it. (It’s tiny — you might have to squint to see it.)
Tech how-to: Switch to a beta browser
Let me tell you a secret: I’m all about staying tech-ahead and not trailing behind, so I’m constantly tapping into apps, programs, hardware and more before they’re released to the public. You can do the same thing in one way, even if you’re not a Digital Goddess®.
Today, if you’re up for it, try a beta version of your browser. You’ll get new features before anyone else, and the software engineers will get some important early feedback in return. I’ll show you how.
‘Mite’ or might not
With a beta, you may have to put up with a few bugs along the way, since it won’t be the polished, final version. I’ll tell you, though — beta editions are usually pretty stable and reliable. If you’ve ever used beta iOS software on your iPhone like I do, it’s the same deal.
Pro tip: You can even run the beta version of your browser alongside the final version and switch between them as needed. If you find something that doesn’t work in one, just go back and try it on the other version.
All the links to check it out
- Google Chrome: Head to this page to get the beta version for your system. You can go for the Developer or Canary editions, but they’re less stable.
- Microsoft Edge: This page has the beta download. As with Chrome, you’ve got Developer and Canary versions, too, which are more buggy — but also more cutting‑edge.
- Firefox: This page is where you can find the beta download. Again, there are even earlier versions to try: Developer and Nightly.
- Opera: This page gives you the Developer version download, which is effectively Opera’s beta version.
For Safari, the process is a little different. (Of course … we’re talking about Apple here.) You’ll need to register as an Apple developer — it’s free, and you won’t need to code any software. After that, you can download the developer version.
Be sure you keep this in mind
When it comes to beta software, especially browsers, you’ve got to be extra careful about what you’re doing online. Remember, the whole point of beta testing is to iron out the kinks, so these versions send anonymous data back to the developers about how things are working and what’s not.
That’s why you should never use a beta browser for anything confidential, like online banking or accessing sensitive documents. Even if they claim the data is anonymized, you never really know what information might be sent back as part of the testing process.
Want to know exactly what’s being shared? Take a look at the privacy policy or data collection details on the download page. It’s all there in the fine print. Bottom line: Stick to the stable releases for anything that needs to stay private.
Time-saving tricks using your keyboard
I spend hours and hours (and hours) online every week looking for the latest in tech for my national radio show, podcasts and, of course, newsletter.
I rounded up eight browser keyboard shortcuts I use so you can spend less time clicking around for the right button, too.
Nice try, Microsoft: The new Bing Wallpaper refreshes your desktop daily, but it’s also pulling some shady, malware-like moves. Hidden tricks include auto-installing Bing Visual Search, pushing Edge as your default browser, and decrypting cookies from Chrome and Firefox. Don’t use it.
$1,000,000 prize
Through the Microsoft Rewards sweepstakes program. Use their products, like Bing, Edge (a sacrifice, I know) and Xbox Game Pass for points. You can earn up to 200 entries. Sign up here for five. Bing is like store-brand cereal; it barely does the job, and you never want it again.
Tech tip: Break up with your browser
It’s not you, Explorer. It’s me. Just kidding, it’s definitely you. If your relationship with your current browser is getting stale, you can get a fresh window on the web without losing all of your data.
It’s easier than you’d think to pack up your bookmarks, saved passwords and favorite websites — hint, hint — and move on. You can count on me, your tech-relationship guru, for advice on switching when you’re ready to see other browsers.
Ask Kim: 'Can you help me get better with speech-to-text?'
Check your permissions: Certain websites may have access to your webcam and microphone. To check in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox, click the icon to the left of the address bar. In Safari on a Mac, open the Safari menu and pick Settings for …
🔖 Bookmarks are so 2010: Want all your last-viewed tabs to reopen when you start your browser? In Chrome, click the three vertical dots at the top right, then tap Settings. Click On startup > Continue where you left off. Steps for Safari, Firefox and Edge here.
Plane crazy: Microsoft’s new Copilot Vision will “see what you see” if you’re using the Edge browser. The AI answers questions, summarizes content or tells you what to do. It’ll be entirely optional (you’ll need to opt in to use it), with a visual indicator when it’s on. It’s probably best if you turn it off, though, for those, you know, potentially embarrassing moments.
Swiper no swiping: This hidden Samsung trick will make you feel a little like a magician. Swipe the edge of your hand across the screen to take a screenshot. Here’s how to set it up.
Neat and tidy: Drag a window to the left or right edge to snap it in place on Windows. Shake a window to minimize all others you have open. On a Mac, hold the option key, hover over the green expand button at the top of a window and snap it to one side.
🧎♀️ This is bolo-knee: In videos with tens of millions of views, TikTokkers say the most comfortable way to sit on a plane is with your knees up to your chest and your feet on the edge of the seat, with the seatbelt fastened around your feet. This is a bad idea for a bunch of reasons — mostly because it could catapult you forward in severe turbulence.
Windows 11 = Ad central: First, it was a pop-up ad to install Edge, and then ads showed up in the Start Menu. Now, you’ll see Game Pass under Settings soon. They call them “recommendations” designed to “improve your system.” It’s a money grab, plain and simple.
🔖 Easier than bookmarks: Set all your tabs to open when you start your browser. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots, then Settings. Click On startup > Continue where you left off. Steps for Safari, Firefox and Edge here. Power move!
Snappy: Drag a window to the left or right edge to snap it in place on Windows. Shake a window to minimize all others you have open. On a Mac, hold the option key, hover over the green “expand” button at the top of a window, and snap it to one side.
Shocker: Google is tracking you this secret way
Big Tech makes big money by tracking what you do online. You may have heard of tracking pixels, cookies and scripts. I bet you didn’t know that fonts can track you, too.
Google gives away special fonts for website owners to use. At last count, they’re installed on over 60 million websites.
Chrome, Edge and Safari browser settings for better security and performance
Quick — what’s the one app you use more often than just about any other? (If your answer is TikTok, we must have a serious chat about productivity.)
Your browser is likely one of your most used apps. Whether working, playing, planning or researching the latest Apple Gadgets, we rely on our browsers to get the job done.
The best browser setting you’ve never checked
Every day is full of choices. I’m not sure we need 30 flavors of chips lining grocery store aisles, but it’s nice to have options when it comes to tech. The trick is knowing what you can customize.
Take your browser and all those tabs. Whether you hate clutter and want to start fresh each time, or you like everything exactly where you left it and want all your tabs to reopen when you turn on your computer … both are possible.
Meduza: Scary name, scarier malware
Use Chrome, Edge, Brave, Sidekick, Opera or Firefox to browse the web? What about Discord, Steam, a password manager or a crypto wallet?
You’re a prime target for the Meduza Stealer — a type of malware that poses a serious personal and digital security risk. Its primary purpose is to steal valuable data from your computer. We’re talking login credentials, credit card details and cryptocurrency wallet data.