Microsoft is experimenting with a redesigned Immersive Reader experience in Microsoft Edge, signalling a shift that prioritises artificial intelligence tools over traditional reading controls. The updated layout is currently being tested in Edge Canary and integrates Microsoft Copilot more prominently within reader mode.
Immersive Reader has long been positioned as a distraction-free environment, prioritising readability and comfort. Users have relied on quick access to features such as font sizing, spacing adjustments, themes, line focus, and read-aloud controls. Until now, those options formed the core of the interface.
That balance is changing with the new design. In the revised layout, Copilot-driven actions—including Summarise, Explain, and Chat with Copilot—occupy prime space in the reader toolbar.
These AI options visually dominate the interface, while familiar reading controls are no longer immediately visible. Although Microsoft has not removed them entirely, they appear to be pushed into secondary menus, potentially under a settings or gear icon.
When a Copilot action is selected, Edge opens the assistant in a sidebar rather than within the reader view itself. For example, choosing Summarise generates an AI-written overview of the article in the side panel, with similar behaviour for Explain and Chat with Copilot. The result is a split experience where AI interaction happens alongside the content, rather than inside the reading surface.
The redesign suggests a clear prioritisation of AI engagement over reading ergonomics, a move that may divide users. Those who value Immersive Reader for its minimalism and focus could find the new layout less conducive to long-form reading, while others may welcome faster access to contextual summaries and explanations.
Microsoft has not confirmed whether the current interface will ship in its present form. As with other Canary features, the company may revise or roll back elements based on feedback during testing.
How to try the new Immersive Reader layout
The updated experience is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux through Edge Canary. Users can enable it by navigating toedge://flags, searching for “Updated UX for Edge Immersive Reader,” enabling the flag, and restarting the browser. Immersive Reader can then be activated via the address bar menu or by pressing F9 on text-heavy webpages.
This test is part of a broader push to expand Copilot’s presence across Edge. Microsoft is also trialling Copilot access in InPrivate windows, a new main menu toggle for Copilot mode, and a redesigned New Tab page featuring dual sidebars.
Together, these changes reinforce Microsoft’s direction for Edge—one where AI assistance is increasingly central, even in features originally designed for simplicity and focus.
