Microsoft Edge’s settings menu is now so big it can’t fit on a single screen

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As a researcher studying user experience in web browsing, I recently noticed an exciting development with Microsoft Edge – the integration of a shortcut for creating tab groups directly within the browser’s dropdown menu. While such minor updates might typically slip under the radar or receive limited attention, the addition of this tab group shortcut marks a significant milestone for Edge.

When I dive into the “Settings and more” section of Edge on my laptop, it seems like the browser is struggling to accommodate all its options on the screen, making it a bit cramped for me to navigate comfortably.

On larger devices like desktops or large laptops, you might be able to view all the items in the Edge menu. However, on my 16-inch workstation, I still have to scroll down to find options such as “Settings” or “Help and Feedback”.

The need to scroll within that menu was highlighted on Reddit by user “JiroBibi.”

frankly speaking, I’m not overly concerned about scrolling, but I’d like the ability to eliminate some of the items from the menu for a cleaner look. At the very least, it seems logical to relocate the “more tools” section higher in the menu as it becomes necessary to scroll on smaller screens to access that shortcut.

Does Microsoft care about consistency?

One advantage of using Windows is that it can run a vast array of software and applications. However, due to its backward compatibility and legacy support, there may be some inconsistencies within the system. Unless a company decides to give their operating system a fresh, updated look, these inconsistencies could persist.

It’s been pointed out by my coworker Zac Bowden that there have been inconsistencies in context menus within Windows as early as 2015. While it’s true that Microsoft has made significant improvements to various user interface components over the past ten years, it’s clear that Windows still has room for improvement.

In a commendable fashion, Microsoft’s contemporary designs adhere to common principles and share a resemblance, albeit there have been instances where their designs might cause a slight sense of apprehension – and, indeed, this is meant with a touch of irony.

It appears that the rounded menus you see are not intended for release. The Click To Do interface doesn’t include these rounded menus, suggesting that Microsoft may have experimented with a rounded design during testing, and subsequently adjusted the menus to another format.

Windows is an expansive operating system that has roots stretching over several decades. Although I enjoy visual designs of streamlined interfaces for old software, implementing actual modifications in the real world proves to be a greater challenge compared to simply creating a static image.

From my perspective, Microsoft effectively maintains consistency between their diverse apps and services in terms of visual alignment. However, I believe it would be beneficial for them to provide an option for users to customize the number of options displayed in context menus.

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2025-07-24 17:09