Why is there a briefcase icon on my Microsoft Edge? The browser’s business logo explained and how to remove it
Microsoft Edge users have noticed a little briefcase has started appearing on the icon for the web browser.
“My coworkers and I discovered that the Microsoft Edge icon gets a little briefcase when you’re on a work computer and now all hell has broken loose,” one Twitter user commented.
Another added: “Came to work this morning and noticed Microsoft Edge got itself a little briefcase. Little guy is working now. So proud.”
But why has this briefcase suddenly appeared and what does it mean? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Microsoft Edge for Business?
Microsoft Edge for Business is the new work-focused version of the browser that launched for both desktop and mobile devices on 22 August.
It is designed to “enable organisations to maximise productivity and security”, and “create separation between work and personal browsing”, Microsoft said in a recent blog post.
All users signing in with their Entra ID received Edge for Business automatically this week. “An updated Edge icon with a briefcase designates they’re in the work browser window, and passwords, favorites, and data currently associated with their work profile are maintained,” Microsoft said.
Edge for Business gives work and personal accounts separate caches and storage locations, meaning user information stays separate and personal data can be excluded from business clouds.
Personal-to-work browser window switching is enabled by default, meaning when users that have both work and personal profiles try to access a work site in the personal browser window, such as Microsoft 365 apps and services, the site will automatically open in the work browser window.
How can I disable the briefcase icon?
Users that are only signed in with Entra ID will see the Edge for Business icon and not the Edge icon in their taskbar.
If you are not a fan of the briefcase icon it is possible to switch it off by following these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner to access the settings.
- Scroll down and select Appearance.
- Look for the option that says Show briefcase icon on work profiles and toggle it off.
To manually switch between personal and browser windows, click the icon in the corner of the search bar that looks like a person with a double-ended arrow in front of them.
To turn automatic switching on or off, go to Edge settings and toggle Automatic profile switching.
