Microsoft testing split screen feature in Edge

Microsoft Edge on Start menu
(Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft is testing a feature for Edge that allows you to open tabs in a split screen view.
  • The option is currently available through an experimental flag on Edge Canary.
  • It supports grouping together split screen views, making it easier to switch between pairs of tabs.

Microsoft Edge Canary has a new feature in testing that allows you to split tabs within a single instance of the browser. The split screen feature, which was first spotted by Leo Varela, is available through an experimental flag within Edge Canary. Once enabled, the option allows you to group together split screen views, making it easy to swap between them in a single click.

According to Varela, the flag is only available within Edge Canary at this time, though there have been change logs indicating the option is available in Edge Dev and Beta. There's a chance that the feature may make its way to other Insider channels as part of a controlled rollout.

(Image credit: Leo Varela via Reddit)

It's already possible to replicate this functionality to some extent by having multiple instances of Edge open. But the split screen feature within the browser is arguably more elegant. It's possible to group together split screens within a specific instance of Edge. That way, you can jump between split screen tabs with a single click.

Split screen within Edge also results in less clutter than having two instances of Edge open, since you don't have the same icons and navigation buttons appear twice on your screen.

Microsoft appears to be focusing on multitasking within Edge. The company recently rolled out a Sidebar feature, which I argued was the "best browser feature you've never heard of." While Sidebar focuses on opening a set of websites and tools in a smaller window, split screen mode allows you to place websites side-by-side in resizable sections.

Microsoft Edge | Free

Microsoft Edge | Free

Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows. It's based on Chromium, so it's compatible with the vast majority of the web. There are several Insider versions of the browser, allowing you to test new features and provide feedback to Microsoft.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.