[Tip] Enable Backspace Key to Go Back to Previous Page in Microsoft Edge

Today in this tutorial, we’ll tell you how to activate and enable use of “Backspace” key to go back to the previous page in Microsoft Edge web browser. You’ll also be able to use Shift+Backspace keys to go forward to a page using the same trick.

All web browsers provide Back and Forward buttons in the toolbar to go backward and forward in visited webpages. But many people prefer to use keyboard shortcuts/hotkeys to navigate between pages.

Back_Forward_Buttons_Microsoft_Edge_Toolbar.png

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In Mozilla Firefox web browser, you can use Backspace and Shift+Backspace keyboard shortcuts to go backward and forward in recently visited webpages. For example, you can press Backspace key to go back to previously visited page and you can press Shift+Backspace keys to go forward to next page (if exists in tab history/cache).

Related: [Tip] How to Restore Backspace Key to Go Back to Previous Page in Mozilla Firefox

The same hotkeys used to work in Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome but some time back, Google removed this functionality from Chrome browser. The functionality was disabled because some users might press the Backspace key accidentally and it’ll go back to previous page. In such situation, if the user was filling an online form, all data will be lost.

PS: Alt+Left Arrow and Alt+Right Arrow keys can be used to go backward and forward in pages in all web browsers.

Still there are many people who want to get the functionality back. Google released an extension/add-on for Chrome browser called “Go Back With Backspace” which brings back the removed functionality. Interested Chrome users can download and install the extension from here.

If you are using Microsoft Edge browser, here is a good news for you. Newer versions of Microsoft Edge (version 86 and later) come with a hidden secret flag/preference which can be enabled to add Backspace key support.

Once you activate the functionality, you’ll be able to use Backspace key to go back to previous page and use Shift+Backspace keys to go forward to a page in existing tab.

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Following steps will help you in enabling Backspace key to go backward and forward in Microsoft Edge web browser:

1. Open Microsoft Edge web browser and type edge://flags/ in addressbar and press Enter. It’ll open the advanced configuration or experiments page.

2. Now type backspace in the “Search flags” box.

It’ll directly go to following option:

Assigns the Backspace key to go back a page
If enabled, user can press Backspace to go back a page and Shift+Backspace to go forward a page. – Mac, Windows
#edge-backspace-key-navigate-page-back

3. To activate and enable Backspace key support, select Enabled for Assigns the Backspace key to go back a page option from the drop-down box.

Enable_Backspace_Key_Go_Backward_Forward_Webpages_Microsoft_Edge.png

4. Microsoft Edge will ask you to restart the browser. Click on “Restart” button to restart Microsoft Edge.

That’s it. You have successfully enabled Backspace key support in Microsoft Edge web browser.

Now try to browse a website and open a few links in same tab. Now press Backspace key and you’ll be able to go back to a page. Pressing Shift+Backspace keys will let you go to next visited page.

Also Check:

[Tip] Google Chrome Tips-n-Tricks Which Also Work in Microsoft Edge Browser

Published in: Microsoft Edge

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. after setting up backspace in edge flags it still does not work with mouse back click!

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