Sometimes, it’s necessary to open more than one instance of a web browser, simply by right clicking on the browser icon on the taskbar. Currently with Microsoft Edge, you can only open one instance of the web browser via the taskbar, however, you can open a new instance within the browser.
One of the hot topics right now at the Microsoft Edge UserVoice website is the easy ability to run multiple instances of the new browser. We know Microsoft is still working on the browser, as well as the operating system, but one Insider has voiced his opinion about having multiple instances (which has already earned over 500 votes from other Insiders). Here’s what he had to say:
“When using multiple desktops in Windows 10 I can only have one instance of Microsoft Edge running at a time. For me this is a deal breaker for the browser. We need the ability to have different instances running on different desktops and the ability to pull tabs out so you can do side by side snap or move them to different monitors. If Microsoft Edge doesn’t get this ability I don’t see my self using it as my main browser.” — William Moore.
While you may not be able to launch more than one instance of Edge via the taskbar, you can however launch a new instance within the Edge browser (for now). Simply hit the Settings (three dots) button and select “New window.” This will open up a new instance of the browser. It’s clearly obvious that at some point Microsoft will allow you to open more than one instance from the taskbar. For now, we need to remain patient, continue submitting feedback and feature requests, and let Microsoft do what they do best.
