How to Remove Frequent Sites from the New Tab in Microsoft Edge

Personalizing your browsing experience can make your time on Microsoft Edge more efficient and enjoyable. One common customization is removing sites you frequently visit from the new tab page, especially if you find them distracting or no longer relevant. This guide walks you through the simple steps to clear unwanted sites from your new tab page, helping you create a cleaner, more focused start to your browsing.

What You’ll Need

• A computer with Microsoft Edge installed and updated to the latest version.
• Basic familiarity with navigating Windows or your operating system.
• Internet connection (for updates or troubleshooting).

Step-by-Step

1. Open Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
2. Click on the new tab to bring up the new tab page. You can do this by clicking the plus (+) icon at the top of the window or pressing Ctrl+T (Windows) / Cmd+T (Mac).
3. Locate the section displaying frequently visited sites or sites listed on the new tab page.
4. Hover your mouse over the site you want to remove. You should see an option or an icon (usually a three-dot menu or an ‘X’) appear.
5. Click the ‘X’ or the three-dot menu, then select ‘Remove’ or ‘Hide’ to delete the site from the list. In some versions, you might need to click ‘Remove’ directly from the context menu.
6. If you want to clear all sites at once, look for the ‘Customize’ or ‘Settings’ icon (gear icon) usually at the top right of the new tab page.
7. Click on it, then select ‘Page layout’ or ‘Customize.’
8. Under the options, find the toggle or checkbox labeled ‘Show quick links’ or ‘Show frequently visited sites’ and disable or uncheck it.
9. Close the settings menu. Your new tab page should now be free of the sites you previously visited frequently, giving you a cleaner start each time.
10. Optional: To prevent sites from reappearing, consider resetting the new tab page settings or adjusting your browsing habits to prevent automatic suggestions.

Common Mistakes

• Trying to delete sites from the favorites or bookmarks bar instead of the new tab page.
• Not clicking the correct ‘X’ or remove option—ensure you hover over the site thumbnail to see the delete option.
• Disabling all new tab features but forgetting to refresh or restart the browser afterward.
• Confusing site removal with clearing browsing history, which are separate actions.
• Attempting to remove sites from the browser’s main menu instead of the new tab page.

Tips

• Keep your browser updated to ensure all features and settings are accessible and functioning correctly.
• Use the ‘Customize’ option on the new tab page to control what appears, including background, quick links, and content.
• If sites keep reappearing, check for any sync settings that might restore previous configurations.
• Consider using a different page layout, such as a blank page, for a completely clean start.
• Explore extensions or settings that allow more granular control over the new tab page content.

Troubleshooting

If removing sites from your new tab page does not work as expected, try these steps:

1. Restart Microsoft Edge to ensure changes take effect.
2. Clear the browser cache and cookies: go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data. Select cached images/files and cookies, then click ‘Clear now.’
3. Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version. Go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge to check for updates.
4. Reset the new tab page settings: go to Settings > New tab page and select ‘Customize’ or ‘Page layout’ options to disable suggestions or quick links.
5. If using a managed device (like work or school), check with your administrator, as some settings may be locked or managed remotely.
6. Disable any extensions that might override or interfere with the new tab page customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove all sites from the new tab page at once?

Yes, by disabling the ‘Show quick links’ or similar setting in the new tab page customization options, you can remove all site suggestions at once.

Will removing sites from the new tab page delete my browsing history?

No, removing sites from the new tab page only affects the displayed quick links; your browsing history remains unaffected unless you clear it separately.

How do I prevent sites from reappearing after removal?

Adjust your new tab page settings to disable quick links or suggestions, and consider resetting the browser or disabling sync features that restore previous configurations.

Can I customize the layout of the new tab page?

Yes, click on the gear icon or ‘Customize’ option on the new tab page to change the layout, background, and what content is displayed.

Is there a way to make the new tab page completely blank?

Yes, by selecting a blank or custom layout with no quick links or suggestions, you can have a clean, minimal new tab page.

What if I can’t find the remove option for sites?

Ensure you hover directly over the site thumbnail; the remove icon should appear. If not, update your browser or reset the new tab page settings.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily manage the sites displayed on your Microsoft Edge new tab page, tailoring your browsing experience to your preferences and needs.

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