iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Microsoft Edge does not provide a normal Blank Page option for new tabs on personal desktop installations. Its regular settings only let you change the built-in New Tab Page’s layout and content.
To open a genuinely blank page, use one of these methods:
- Install an extension that replaces the New Tab Page. This is the practical choice for a personal computer.
- Set Edge’s
NewTabPageLocationpolicy toabout:blank. This is intended for managed devices and browser deployments.
Method 1: Install a blank New Tab extension
A New Tab replacement extension intercepts requests for new tabs and displays a blank HTML page instead of Edge’s news, search, shortcuts, and background content.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallInstall the extension from Edge Add-ons
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Select the Extensions puzzle-piece icon beside the address bar.
- Select Get Extensions for Microsoft Edge.
- Search for a blank New Tab extension, such as Blank New Tab.
- Select Get beside the extension you want.
- Review the requested permissions, then select Add extension.
If the puzzle-piece icon is not visible, open Settings and more (…) > Extensions > Get Extensions for Microsoft Edge.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
There are several similarly named extensions in the Edge Add-ons store. Before installing one, check its publisher, permissions, ratings, update history, and reviews. A simple blank-page extension should not need broad access to every website unless its description clearly explains why.
Turn the extension off or remove it
To manage the extension, open Settings and more (…) > Extensions > Manage extensions. You can also select Extensions > Manage extensions.
- Use the toggle beside the extension to disable or re-enable it.
- To uninstall it, select More actions (…) > Remove from Microsoft Edge.
Allow it in InPrivate windows
Extensions do not automatically run in InPrivate windows. If new tabs are blank in ordinary windows but still show Edge’s standard page in InPrivate, open Extensions > Manage extensions > Details and enable the option to allow the extension in InPrivate mode.
The option may be unavailable if the extension does not support InPrivate use.
If Edge disables the extension
Edge can disable extensions that change important browser settings, including the New Tab Page. Go to Settings and more (…) > Extensions > Manage extensions and turn the extension back on.
If Edge disables it again, look for another extension or an organization policy controlling the New Tab Page. On a work or school computer, the restriction may be intentional.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Method 2: Set the Edge New Tab policy to about:blank
Administrators can use the Configure the new tab page URL policy, identified as NewTabPageLocation, to replace Edge’s New Tab Page.
The correct value is:
about:blank
Do not use about://blank. That is not the value specified by Microsoft for this policy.
Use Group Policy on Windows
On a managed Windows installation, open the Local Group Policy Editor with gpedit.msc, or edit the applicable policy in your organization’s Group Policy management console.
- Go to Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Startup, home page and new tab page.
- Open Configure the new tab page URL.
- Set the policy to Enabled.
- Enter
about:blankas the URL. - Apply the policy and restart Edge.
This policy is supported in Edge on Windows and macOS from version 77 onward, but Microsoft limits it to managed installations. Examples include Windows devices joined to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID, and devices enrolled in device management. On macOS, the device must be managed through MDM or MCX.
Set the policy through the Windows Registry
For a Windows deployment, the mandatory policy is stored here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Create a string value with these settings:
| Value name | Type | Data |
|---|---|---|
NewTabPageLocation |
REG_SZ |
about:blank |
An administrator can create it from an elevated Command Prompt with:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v NewTabPageLocation /t REG_SZ /d "about:blank" /f
Restart Edge after applying the change. To confirm whether Edge received the policy, enter this address:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
edge://policy
The recommended-policy location is:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\Recommended
However, Microsoft’s current documentation says that the recommended form does not currently behave as a user-overridable policy; it acts like the mandatory version.
Policy limitations
NewTabPageLocation is an administrative policy, not a hidden personal Edge setting. Microsoft’s policy capability table also says it does not apply to a profile signed in with a Microsoft account. If you have an ordinary, unmanaged home installation, use an extension instead.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
New tabs are different from Edge’s startup page
Changing the New Tab Page does not necessarily change the page Edge opens when the browser starts.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- NewTabPageLocation controls pages opened in new tabs and new windows.
- RestoreOnStartup controls Edge’s startup behavior.
For managed deployments, the startup policy is located at Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Startup, home page and new tab page > Action to take on Microsoft Edge startup. Its options include opening a new tab, restoring the last session, opening a list of URLs, or opening a list of URLs and restoring the last session.
If your goal is to make the first page shown after launching Edge blank as well as new tabs, you must configure startup behavior separately. The extension method may affect new tabs without changing Edge’s startup setting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when it does not work
The extension works in normal windows but not InPrivate
Open Extensions > Manage extensions > Details and enable InPrivate access if the extension provides that option.
A work or school policy overrides your choice
Open edge://policy and look for entries such as:
NewTabPageLocationExtensionSettingsExtensionInstallForcelist
Also check edge://extensions. An extension with a briefcase icon or a managed by your organization message is controlled by an administrator. Contact IT before trying to remove or change it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The extension is unavailable in Edge Add-ons
Edge can install compatible Chromium extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Open the extension’s Chrome Web Store page in Edge, select Get extension or Get, and, if prompted, select Allow extensions from other stores. Review the permissions before selecting Add extension.
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Why the usual Edge settings instructions are incorrect
Instructions telling you to open Edge settings and select Blank Page are outdated or refer to another browser. Microsoft’s current Edge support instructions place New Tab customization under Settings and more (…) > Settings > Start, home, and new tab page. The New Tab Page itself also has a Settings button for changing its layout and content.
Those controls customize Edge’s built-in page; they do not replace it with about:blank. The Edge home-page setting is separate and offers the New tab page or a specified URL, not a consumer-facing blank New Tab Page option.
FAQ
Can I set Edge’s New Tab Page to blank without an extension?
Not through the normal settings on an unmanaged personal installation. Use a New Tab replacement extension, or have an administrator configure the NewTabPageLocation policy.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What is the correct blank-page URL for Edge?
Use about:blank. Do not use about://blank.
Why does Edge still show a page when I start the browser?
The startup page and New Tab Page are separate. NewTabPageLocation controls new tabs and windows, while startup behavior is controlled separately by Edge’s startup settings or the RestoreOnStartup policy.
Can I use the NewTabPageLocation policy on a home PC?
Microsoft documents this policy for managed installations, such as devices joined to an organization or enrolled in device management. For a normal personal Edge installation, an extension is the supported practical approach.
Why is my blank New Tab extension not working in InPrivate mode?
Extensions are not automatically enabled for InPrivate windows. Open Extensions, select Manage extensions, open the extension’s Details page, and enable InPrivate access if available.
The Bottom Line
For a personal computer, install a reputable blank New Tab extension through Extensions > Get Extensions for Microsoft Edge. For a managed deployment, set NewTabPageLocation to about:blank and verify it at edge://policy. Edge’s ordinary settings do not currently include a direct Blank Page choice for new tabs.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
