Microsoft is once again tweaking its flagship browser, Edge, and this time the focus falls squarely on its Vertical Tabs. Long heralded as a niche feature adored by multitaskers and fans of left-aligned layouts, Vertical Tabs are getting a significant redesign under the codename “Project Jupiter.” For all you Windows 11 users, this change doesn’t just look good—it finally enhances the feature’s functionality. Let’s dive into what’s cooking over in the bleeding-edge Canary build of Microsoft Edge.
It might not be everyone’s cup of tea (hardcore horizontal-tab users, we see you), but for fans, the feature’s sleek look and efficient use of screen real estate make it indispensable. Apparently, Microsoft agrees—that’s why they’re doubling down with this redesign.
Why this matters: This separation isn’t just a design nicety—it’s a functional upgrade. Users often found the previous melding of vertical tabs with the browser’s main window unpolished. The rework ensures better organization without crowding your screen.
Why this matters: Efficiency is the name of the game here. This change cuts down on mouse travel and unnecessary clicks.
Imagine how much more immersive Vertical Tabs could feel with gentle transparency or subtle motion effects. Microsoft has flirted with such updates in the past (looking at you, abolished Project Phoenix flags), but its omission here feels glaring.
Here’s how you can do that:
This redesign also comes amid heightened competition in the browser market. With features like AI Copilot integration lending Edge a significant boost, streamlining workflow tools such as Vertical Tabs could help Microsoft attract power users.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about Vertical Tabs, this redesign might finally give you a reason to embrace the feature. And for those already sold on it? It’s only getting better.
Look out for these changes in upcoming stable Edge releases, likely rolling out soon to all Windows 11 users. Until then, Edge enthusiasts, sharpen your browsers and prepare to organize your tabs like never before!
What’s your take on the revamped Vertical Tabs? Are they a step in the right direction or just another feature with limited appeal? Join the thread below on WindowsForum.com and let us hear your thoughts!
Source: Windows Latest https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/01/17/microsoft-edge-is-redesigning-vertical-tabs-on-windows-11-and-it-looks-really-nice/
What Are Vertical Tabs Again?
For newcomers, Vertical Tabs are a game-changing feature for tackling tab sprawl. Instead of hosting your open tabs in a long horizontal line at the top of your browser, Vertical Tabs relegates them to a neat column on the left-hand side. It’s perfect for those who juggle multiple workspaces or prefer a tidy, stacked view for navigation.It might not be everyone’s cup of tea (hardcore horizontal-tab users, we see you), but for fans, the feature’s sleek look and efficient use of screen real estate make it indispensable. Apparently, Microsoft agrees—that’s why they’re doubling down with this redesign.
Project Jupiter: Breaking Down the Changes
Discovered in the Canary build of Microsoft Edge by eagle-eyed testers, this redesign is part of Microsoft’s continuous effort to refine Edge’s interface. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing:1. Separate Section for Vertical Tabs
Gone is the old vertically-aligned tab bar that lived awkwardly beneath the URL bar. With Project Jupiter, Microsoft is introducing a dedicated container for Vertical Tabs. When you’re in maximized mode, the tabs are visually siloed in their own space, creating a cleaner distinction between your tabs and the rest of the browser interface.Why this matters: This separation isn’t just a design nicety—it’s a functional upgrade. Users often found the previous melding of vertical tabs with the browser’s main window unpolished. The rework ensures better organization without crowding your screen.
2. Redesigned Toolbar
- The Tab Actions button, which was previously used to access features like “Search Tabs,” is officially gone. Instead, you’ll find your Profile Icon next to the “More Settings” (three dots) button in the URL bar.
- The Search Tabs feature is now baked into the vertical tabs section for quicker access. Previously, triggering a Search brought up a floating window in the center of your browser—an awkward choice if you ask me.
Why this matters: Streamlining these tools into the vertical tab interface makes everything feel immediately accessible without sacrificing clarity. Microsoft has wisely decluttered the UI.
3. Workspaces Overhaul
- Workspaces-related options (a feature for grouping tabs by context or project) are now housed under the dedicated Workspaces button.
- As part of the redesign, Microsoft has added a new button to assist users with tab organization.
Why this matters: If you’re juggling multiple projects, Workspaces just went from being a hidden gem to a core tab management tool. Everything you need to manage Workspaces is now centralized and easy to find.
4. Improved Context Menus
Options like bookmarking, closing, or rearranging tabs have been reworked and relocated. Items that cluttered other submenus are now part of the right-click contextual menu.Why this matters: Efficiency is the name of the game here. This change cuts down on mouse travel and unnecessary clicks.
The Aesthetic Element: What About Design?
While these changes introduce usability upgrades, many users are asking whether Microsoft will modernize the look. The Fluent Design System, known for its emphasis on translucency (Mica effects) and depth, hasn’t yet touched the new Vertical Tabs overhaul. That absence feels like a missed opportunity, especially since Fluent Design is such a hallmark of Windows 11’s aesthetics.Imagine how much more immersive Vertical Tabs could feel with gentle transparency or subtle motion effects. Microsoft has flirted with such updates in the past (looking at you, abolished Project Phoenix flags), but its omission here feels glaring.
Canary Builds: A Risky Playground
For the uninitiated, the Canary build is the most experimental version of Edge. With daily updates that often include features not polished enough for general users, it’s available to those brave enough to live on the cutting edge (pun intended). If you’re excited to kick the tires on Project Jupiter, enabling the redesign involves activating the flag #edge-project-jupiter in these experimental builds.Here’s how you can do that:
- Download Edge Canary (proceed with caution—it’s not stable by design).
- In the browser’s address bar, type
edge://flagsand press Enter. - Search for Project Jupiter, toggle it to "Enabled," and restart the browser.
How Do These Changes Fit Into Larger Trends?
Microsoft’s decision to refine Vertical Tabs rather than abandon them speaks to the company’s broader commitment to personalized user experiences. While other major browsers like Chrome and Firefox stick to traditional tab layouts, Edge is carving out a niche by focusing on productivity-centric users.This redesign also comes amid heightened competition in the browser market. With features like AI Copilot integration lending Edge a significant boost, streamlining workflow tools such as Vertical Tabs could help Microsoft attract power users.
What’s the Verdict?
This isn’t just a cosmetic overhaul; it’s a genuine step forward in making Edge more flexible and accessible. The revamped layout addresses long-standing criticisms, particularly around clutter and lack of organization. Sure, the absence of Fluent Design might leave the new tabs looking a bit dated compared to Windows 11’s sleek visuals, but there’s still plenty to celebrate.If you’ve been sitting on the fence about Vertical Tabs, this redesign might finally give you a reason to embrace the feature. And for those already sold on it? It’s only getting better.
Look out for these changes in upcoming stable Edge releases, likely rolling out soon to all Windows 11 users. Until then, Edge enthusiasts, sharpen your browsers and prepare to organize your tabs like never before!
What’s your take on the revamped Vertical Tabs? Are they a step in the right direction or just another feature with limited appeal? Join the thread below on WindowsForum.com and let us hear your thoughts!
Source: Windows Latest https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/01/17/microsoft-edge-is-redesigning-vertical-tabs-on-windows-11-and-it-looks-really-nice/
