I love Progressive Web Apps. I always use them in Google Chrome for my favorite websites. PWAs help me stay focused and their advanced capabilities (offline support, notifications, etc.) are game-changing. After struggling with the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge for weeks, I find the implementation of PWAs in Microsoft’s revamped browser even better.
Just like with Chrome, the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge lets you easily install progressive web apps on your desktop. And for sites that don’t have native PWA support, you can still choose to force-install them as PWAs. Better still, Microsoft Edge Chromium also installs PWAs in a way that integrates them into Windows (via the system registry), just like any other program.
Sounds exciting, right? If you want to work with PWAs in Microsoft Edge Chromium as well, here’s how to set them up. And if you’re looking for a way to remove them, you’ll also find how to do that below.
Install PWAs in Microsoft Edge Chromium
Microsoft Edge Chromium offers three ways to load websites as progressive web apps. The first method walks you through how to set up websites that support native PWA functionality. The second method shows you how you can force-install any site as PWA. The third method shows you how to reinstall PWAs that have not been completely removed from your desktop before.
1. Installing Native PWAs
Every time you go to a website with native PWA functionality, Microsoft Edge Chromium automatically provides you with the tools to install it. Look in the right corner of the address bar and you should see a ‘+’ Setup icon. Click. In the floating box that then appears, click Install.
The website will then open as a PWA app in the dedicated Edge window. You’ll also find an icon for the PWA on your desktop (which includes the website’s logo) and you can then use it to open the PWA whenever you want.
2. Forced PWA Creation
PWAs are still pretty rare. This means that the chances of your favorite site or web app supporting PWA support are pretty slim. But don’t let that stop you from forcibly loading a site as a PWA. While you can’t get the basic benefits of using a real PWA, the ability to launch a website in its private window (with a desktop icon to boot) is ideal if staying focused is a priority.
With the website open, open the Edge menu (click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of the screen) and then hover over Apps. Next, click on the option labeled Install This Site as Application.
You will then be prompted with a checkbox. Change the default name if necessary, click Install and the site will be installed as a PWA.
3. Rebuild PWA Shortcuts
If you have previously installed a PWA and eventually deleted the desktop icon, you do not need to reinstall the PWA from scratch. Instead, start by launching the Edge Apps Launcher – type edge://apps in the address bar of a new tab and hit Enter.
Next, you will see a list of all Edge PWAs installed on your desktop. Right-click the PWA you want to add back to the desktop, and then click Pin.
In the next displayed checkbox, check the box next to Desktop, and then click Pin.
Note: You can also check the box next to Pin to Taskbar if you want to create a shortcut to PWA on the taskbar.
Remove PWAs in Microsoft Edge Chromium
Microsoft Edge Chromium offers three ways to remove PWAs as listed below. The first method walks you through removing a PWA using the PWA itself. The second method shows you how you can use Edge Apps Launcher to remove PWAs easily. The third method shows you how to remove PWAs like any other Windows application.
1. Uninstall via PWA Menu
An Edge PWA cannot be completely removed by simply deleting its shortcut from the desktop. Instead, start by launching the PWA. Once the installation is finished, click on the vertical three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the PWA window. Click Uninstall in the context menu that appears.
You will then be prompted with a checkbox. Check the box next to ‘Also Clear Data from Microsoft Edge’ if you want to remove cookies and cache related to PWA.
Finally, click Uninstall to remove the PWA from your desktop.
2. Uninstall with App Launcher
If you’ve already removed the desktop icon for the PWA, or if you want to remove multiple PWAs without installing them, use the Edge Apps management console (type edge://apps into the address bar and press Enter).
Right-click any PWA listed and then click Uninstall to remove it.
If you want to remove PWA-related cookies and cache, check the box next to ‘Also Clear Data from Microsoft Edge’ in the confirmation box that appears. Click Uninstall to remove the PWA.
3. Uninstall via Apps and Features
Microsoft Edge Chromium tightly integrates PWAs with Windows via the system registry. Therefore, you can use the Apps and Features console in Windows 10 (or Programs and Features in Windows 8 and 8.1) to remove PWAs just like any other Windows program.
Right-click the Start menu, and then click Apps and Features (or Programs and Features in Windows 8 and 8.1). Select the PWA you want to remove and then click Uninstall.
Windows will then remove the PWA from your computer.
PWAs — The Future
With Microsoft Edge Chromium, PWAs are a convenient and productive way to work with websites. And the rise in popularity of PWAs indicates that they will continue to get better with improved functionality over time. So what are you planning to use PWAs for? Share it in the comments section below.
Next: Did you know that you can install any Google Chrome extension on the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge? Here’s how to install Chrome extensions in Microsoft Edge Chromium.
