Software

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Not that long ago, Microsoft introduced vertical tabs to its Edge browser. This feature allows you to see your tabs neatly along the side of Edge rather than all crammed in at the top. To help further improve how you organise your webpages, Microsoft has now introduced group tabs. If you’re the kind of person who has loads of websites open at once, this may be right up your street.

What are group tabs?

As the name suggests, this feature allows you to group tabs together. You can name the group and give it a colour to help distinguish it from others. You can then view the tabs in each group, as you need them, helping to keep things tidy and in order. As an example, you could keep your work and personal tabs in separate groups or divide your tabs into various work sections.

Great, so how do I use group tabs?

To use group tabs, first press and hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard while clicking on all the tabs you want to add to your group. Tabs that are highlighted will appear slightly brighter than any you’ve not selected. If you accidentally choose a tab that you don’t need, simply click on it again to deselect it.

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them

Now right click your mouse on one of the highlighted tabs and, from the menu that appears, select Add tabs to new group.

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them

A small window will now appear. When it does, type your group’s name into the box at the top of the window. You can also select a colour to use for easier identification of the group.

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them

Once done, press the return or enter key on your keyboard. The group name will now appear alongside your other tabs. Any tabs connected with the group appear to the right with a corresponding colour strip above them.

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them

How do I hide the tabs in my group?

Now that you have created your group, you can hide the related tabs and tidy things up. To do so, just click on the group name.

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them

The tabs can then be unhidden and used at any time by simply clicking on the group name again.

What are group tabs in Microsoft Edge and how do I use them

How do I add another tab to a group?

If you need to add another tab not already shown in the group, highlight the tab – or tabs using the CTRL key – and right click on any selected tab. From the menu that appears, click on Add tab to group and then select the group you require.

How do I remove a tab from a group?

To remove a tab from a group, first click on the group name so that the relevant tabs are showing. Next, click the small x on the tab you want to remove.

How do I close a tab group?

When you no longer require a group, right click on the group tab name. From the small window that appears, select Close Group.

You can also use this window to:

  • Rename your group or select a different colour to represent it.
  • Create a new tab within the group by selecting New tab in group.
  • Remove the group but leave the tabs in place by selecting Ungroup.
  • Move your tab group to a new Edge window by choosing Move group to new window.
  • Add your tab group in Edge’s collection feature by selecting Add tab group to a new collection. If you want to know more about the Collections feature, read our article on it here.

Conclusion

If you become lost in the sheer number of websites you have open, group tabs may help sort your online life a little. Why not try it out using the steps above?

READ NEXT: How do I create a profile on Microsoft Edge?

About the author

Mark Parvin

I have worked with and wrote about computers, video games and consumer tech for more years than I care to admit.
I currently run my own IT support business and write about the wonders of tech whenever I can.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.