Cortana Helps You Shop By Automatically Finding Coupons in Edge

Microsoft Edge may not be the most capable Web browser but it has some unique features that make it worthy of a second look, even if it’s not your browser of choice in Windows 10. One cool feature is Cortana integration, which provides context-sensitive info as you browse the web. Starting with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (released in August 2016), Cortana’s “smarts” can also help save you money by automatically finding and displaying applicable coupons at popular online stores. Here’s how it works.

First, make sure you’re running at least the Anniversary Update build of Windows 10, as the feature discussed here isn’t present in earlier versions of the operating system. Next, launch the Edge browser from your Start Menu or taskbar and navigate to the website of a large online store (e.g., Target, Best Buy, Sears, etc.).

Based on data provided by mobile coupon service Shopular, Cortana will check for any available coupons. If she finds any, Cortana will display a notification in your Edge toolbar or alert you via voice, depending on your Cortana settings.

To access the coupons, you can verbally ask Cortana to display (again, if you’ve set up voice control), click on the notification in your toolbar, or use the keyboard shortcut Alt-C.

The Cortana interface will slide out of the right side of the Edge window and display any current coupons for the applicable store, along with terms, expiration dates, and coupon codes if necessary. If a coupon code is required, you can copy it with a single click, making it ready to paste into the order form at checkout.

Cortana coupons aren’t available at every online store, but she often has something to display at most of the major online retail outlets. Having quick access to coupons via Cortana also eliminates the need to search for and visit the many shady coupon sites around the Internet.

This feature probably isn’t enough to persuade Chrome and Firefox users to switch to Edge but, especially with the holiday shopping season fast approaching, it may be enough to keep Edge in mind when it’s time for some online shopping.

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