Edge just got a useful AI tool that Chrome doesn't have - here's how to try it

2026-02-19 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

Microsoft Edge now integrates an AI-based skill leveraging Copilot to summarize and interpret PDF documents, both online and locally stored. This new feature, available in Edge version 145.0.3800.58 or higher, allows users to obtain key points, explanations in plain language, and answers to specific questions about a PDF's content. Unlike Chrome or Firefox, Edge offers this built-in AI assistance, enabling users to engage in a conversational back-and-forth with Copilot to deepen their understanding of complex documents. The AI can also generate follow-up materials like checklists or personalized action plans based on the document's information.

Key takeaway

For IT professionals and business analysts frequently reviewing lengthy or complex PDFs, Microsoft Edge's new Copilot integration offers a significant efficiency gain. You should consider using Edge for PDF review to quickly grasp key points, understand intricate details through plain language explanations, and get specific questions answered. Always double-check AI-generated summaries and explanations, especially for critical legal or technical documents, by cross-referencing with the original content.

Key insights

Microsoft Edge integrates Copilot for AI-powered PDF summarization, explanation, and interactive Q&A.

Principles

• AI can streamline document comprehension.
• Interactive AI enhances information extraction.

Method

Update Edge to version 145.0.3800.58+, open a PDF, click "Ask Copilot," then select "Summarize," "Explain," or type specific questions for AI-driven analysis.

In practice

• Summarize lengthy online or local PDFs.
• Get plain language explanations for legal documents.
• Ask specific questions about document content.

Topics

• Microsoft Edge
• Copilot
• PDF Summarization
• AI Browser Features
• Document Analysis

Best for: General Interest, IT Professional, Business Analyst

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.