Microsoft Edge has added a new feature that allows users to perform common tasks using mouse gestures. Deskmodder reports the feature is currently available in the Canary and Dev channels of Edge, and it will be rolled out to the Stable channel in a future update. However, it is not currently turned on by default.
To use mouse gestures, you need to enable the feature in Edge’s settings. To do this, open Edge and go to Settings > Appearance > Mouse Gestures. Check the box next to Enable mouse gestures to turn on the feature. I initially reported on this feature back in April when it first became known about.
Example of Mouse Gestures in Microsoft Edge
- Back: To go back to the previous page, swipe left with your mouse.
- Forward: To go forward to the next page, swipe right with your mouse.
- Refresh: To refresh the current page, swipe up with your mouse.
- Home: To go to the home page, swipe down with your mouse.
- Close tab: To close the current tab, swipe left or right with three fingers.
- Mute audio: To mute audio, swipe up with three fingers.
- Unmute audio: To unmute audio, swipe down with three fingers.
Mouse gestures are a way of controlling your browser with your mouse. You can activate mouse gestures by pressing and holding the right mouse button and then moving the mouse in a certain direction or shape. For example, you can close the current tab by moving the mouse down and to the right, or go back to the previous page by moving the mouse left.
How to enable mouse gestures on Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge supports 16 mouse gestures natively, without the need for any extensions or add-ons. Mouse gestures are off by default, but you can enable or disable mouse gestures by following these steps:
- If you have Edge 114 or newer, go to edge://settings/help
- Interact with the Microsoft Edge shortcut or Microsoft Edge in the taskbar. Right-click and select Properties.
- Click the Target field in the Properties window and put a space following the path. Now you add the following command: –enable features=msEdgeMouseGestureDefaultEnabled,msEdgeMouseGestureSupported
- Select “OK” to complete the process and save your changes.
- The next time you launch Microsoft Edge through the modified shortcut, mouse gestures will be available.
You can also customize each gesture by clicking on it and choosing a different action from the drop-down menu. You can see a preview of each gesture and its corresponding action on the right side of the screen.
