Microsoft Edge discontinues the popular 'Web Select' content capture feature

Microsoft has made the strategic choice to retire the popular 'Web Select' feature in its Edge browser, a move aimed to upgrade the overall user experience. The company disclosed in a support document that ‘Web Select’ will be deprecated, no longer accessible through Web Capture or keyboard shortcuts.

‘Web Select’ was used for its ability to capture and copy web content while preserving its native format and functionality, setting it apart from conventional screenshot tools.

What did ‘Web Select’ offer?

Users could interact with the copied text, edit it, and access embedded links, eliminating the need to contend with static images. Notably, 'Web Select' excelled in extracting specific sections of tables, allowing users to omit extraneous columns for more efficient copying.

Alternative solutions will be available to assist the users

In a related development, Microsoft has also announced the discontinuation of the Cortana app for Windows 11, following its earlier withdrawal from iOS and Android platforms.

While the standalone Cortana app for Windows is on its way out, support for Cortana in Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams Rooms will conclude in the fall of 2023. Microsoft has clarified that Cortana in Outlook mobile will remain unaffected. Although these changes may disrupt users' accustomed workflows, Microsoft is keen to reassure its user base that alternative avenues exist for accessing assistance with tasks, calendars, email, and more.

The decision to discontinue "Web Select" in Microsoft Edge and the Cortana app on Windows 11 aligns with Microsoft's continuous drive to refine its software offerings and elevate the user experience throughout its product ecosystem. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital tools, Microsoft is diligently working to streamline its offerings, ensuring that users continue to benefit from innovative and user-centric solutions.

This strategic pruning allows Microsoft to allocate resources more efficiently and devote greater attention to developing and enhancing the core functionalities that users rely on daily. By retiring 'Web Select' and the Cortana app on Windows 11, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to evolving with the needs and preferences of its vast user community, ultimately fostering a more fluid and satisfying digital experience.