How to Install and Manage Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in Microsoft Edge

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) combine the reach of the web with the functionality, offline resilience, and interface simplicity of native desktop applications. In Microsoft Edge, any responsive website—ranging from project management suites like Notion and Jira to streaming platforms like Spotify—can be installed as a dedicated desktop app. Running websites as PWAs eliminates browser tabs and address bar distractions, delivers desktop notifications, and integrates with the Windows 11 taskbar and Start Menu.

Why Install Web Apps Through Microsoft Edge?

Running web applications via Microsoft Edge offers distinctive architectural advantages over standard browser bookmarks or heavy Electron client downloads:

• Dedicated App Windows: Launches each web app in its own isolated window without tab strips, bookmark bars, or URL omniboxes, maximising screen real estate.
• System Integration: Installed PWAs appear natively in the Windows 11 Start Menu, Taskbar, Task Manager, and Windows Search just like traditional Win32 or UWP applications.
• Reduced Memory Consumption: Multiple PWAs installed via Edge share the existing Chromium rendering engine in RAM, consuming far less system memory than opening multiple standalone Electron applications.
• Auto-Start on Login: Easily configure essential communication or productivity web apps to launch automatically when you sign into your PC.
• Badging and Notifications: Supports native notification badges on the Windows Taskbar for unread messages or new alerts.

How to Install a Website as an App in Microsoft Edge

Edge supports two installation methods: native PWA installation for certified web apps, and universal app installation for any standard website.

Method 1: Installing Certified Progressive Web Apps

1. Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to a PWA-enabled website (such as X / Twitter, Pinterest, or Outlook on the web).
2. Look at the right-hand side of the address bar. An App available icon (represented by a computer screen with three small squares) will appear next to the bookmark star.
3. Click the App available icon.
4. A prompt will appear confirming: “Install [App Name]?” Click Install.
5. The website will instantly re-launch in an independent, frameless application window.

Method 2: Installing Any Website as an App

Even if a website developer has not configured a formal PWA manifest, Edge allows you to convert any web page into a desktop app:

1. Visit the target website in Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the Settings and more button (three horizontal dots) in the upper right corner of Edge.
3. Hover your cursor over the Apps option in the menu.
4. Click Install this site as an app.
5. Enter a custom display name for your desktop application and click Install.

Configuring Post-Installation System Shortcuts

Immediately after installation, Edge displays an App installed dialogue with several integration toggles:

• Pin to taskbar: Adds a persistent one-click launch icon to your Windows 11 taskbar.
• Pin to Start: Places a live application tile inside the Start Menu app list.
• Create Desktop shortcut: Drops an executable launch icon onto your desktop wallpaper.
• Auto-start on device login: Configures the app to boot silently in the background when your computer turns on.

Select your preferred options and click Allow.

Managing, Updating, and Uninstalling PWAs

To inspect, configure permissions, or remove installed web apps across your system:

1. In Microsoft Edge, type edge://apps into the address bar and press Enter.
2. You will see an inventory of all installed web apps.
3. Click Details beneath any app to manage hardware permissions (such as camera, microphone, notifications, and location access).
4. To uninstall an application, click the three-dot overflow menu on the app card and select Uninstall. Optionally check the box to “Also clear data from Microsoft Edge” if you want to wipe cached credentials and cookies, then click Remove.

Utilising Microsoft Edge PWAs allows you to build a tailored desktop workstation comprised of fast, efficient, and lightweight web tools without cluttering your browser tab bar.