Microsoft's new in-game browser will help you search for tips online — when you get stuck
Currently with mouse and keyboard input support, it is coming to gamepads and handheld devices in the future.
Anyone who’s ever played a challenging game knows the struggle of getting stuck and needing a quick solution. You hit pause, alt-tab to a browser, and start searching for walkthroughs, guides, or tips. But as useful as that is, it often pulls you out of the action and can even cause your game to glitch.
Now, following recent updates to the gaming experience, like its recently announced AI virtual support agent, Microsoft has announced its new Edge Game Assist feature. This feature aims to bring the web directly into your game, allowing you to find help without breaking your flow.
Edge Game Assist is a gaming-optimized version of Microsoft Edge built directly into the Windows 11 Game Bar. It lets you browse tips, guides, or walkthroughs without leaving your game. The best part is, that it’s game-aware, meaning it automatically recognizes the game you’re playing and surfaces relevant tips for that title.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Game Assist also gives you access to your Edge profile, so you can use your saved passwords, bookmarks, and autofill data without needing to log in to Edge again. You can even pin the overlay to your screen to follow a walkthrough while managing other apps like Spotify or Discord.
While similar to Steam’s overlay, which lets you browse or chat during gameplay, Edge Game Assist takes things a step further by offering game-specific tips. It’s a feature that could be great for titles with complex mechanics or storylines.
Currently in beta and supporting only mouse and keyboard input, Microsoft is working on expanding it to support gamepads and handheld devices in the future. If you’re a Windows 11 gamer, this tool could enhance your gameplay and make it easier to find the help you need without ever leaving your game.
Despite Microsoft Edge holding just 5.25% of the browser market, it has the potential to grow significantly by tapping into the gaming industry. With 96.94% of Steam users on Windows, compared to just 4.09% on macOS per Statista, Edge's integration into gaming could help boost its market share of 5.25%, challenging dominant browsers like Chrome with 66.68% and Safari with 18.07% per Statcounter.