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Microsoft Edge includes a free surfing game that you can open immediately by entering edge://surf in Edge’s address bar. It works as an offline mini-game, offers Endless, Time Trial, and Zig Zag modes, and supports keyboard, mouse, touch, and several controllers.
What is Microsoft Edge Surf?
Edge Surf is a surfing-themed game built into Chromium-based Microsoft Edge. Microsoft released it to the Stable channel on May 26, 2020, with Edge build 83.0.478.37. The project began as an Insider and Easter-egg experiment and was inspired by the classic Windows game SkiFree. Microsoft now describes Surf as a permanent offline game rather than a downloadable standalone Windows title.
Although this guide focuses on Windows 10 and Windows 11, Surf is an Edge feature rather than a Windows-exclusive game. Microsoft also documents support for other Edge platforms, while warning that availability can vary by device, market, and browser version.
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Microsoft’s launch announcement explains the game’s history and original feature set.
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How to open Edge Surf on Windows
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the address bar.
- Enter
edge://surf. - Press Enter.
- Choose a character or start the run using the on-screen instructions.
edge://surfEnter the command directly in Edge’s address bar—not in Google, Bing, or another browser. Edge may also display a link to Surf on its offline error page when it detects that the device has no internet connection.
The game is included with Edge, so it does not require a separate purchase, subscription, or game-store download.
The three Edge Surf modes
| Mode | Objective | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| Endless | Travel as far as possible. | A changing run with obstacles, the Kraken, collectible hearts, and speed boosts. |
| Time Trial | Complete a course as quickly as possible. | The course is fixed, so route memorization matters. Coins can reduce the recorded time. |
| Zig Zag | Pass through consecutive gates. | Missing a gate resets the current streak. The run continues until all lives are gone. |
Endless
Endless is the mode most closely associated with a traditional endless runner. Your goal is maximum distance while avoiding obstacles and the Kraken. Hearts provide recovery opportunities, while speed boosts can help you move through dangerous sections. Microsoft also highlights rescuing a friend, which provides temporary protection from pursuers.
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Time Trial
Time Trial uses a fixed course instead of an endlessly changing route. The fastest way to improve is to learn the layout, choose efficient lines, and collect coins when their time reduction outweighs the detour.
Zig Zag
Zig Zag focuses on accuracy and rhythm. You must pass through gates in sequence. A missed gate breaks the current streak, but the run does not immediately end; it continues until you run out of lives.
Controls and compatible devices
Microsoft confirms support for:
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Touch input
- Xbox controllers
- PlayStation controllers
- Switch Pro controllers
- Xbox Adaptive Controller
The launch announcement also documents controller rumble and haptic feedback. For exact keyboard or controller mappings, open the game’s settings screen and read the current prompts for your selected input method. Avoid relying on old control charts: prompts and supported actions can vary by browser version, device, or controller.
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Accessibility and comfort settings
Open edge://surf, then select the settings icon in the upper-right corner. Microsoft documents these options:
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- Reduced speed mode: Slows the game and gives players more reaction time.
- Screen-reader support: Included among the game’s accessibility features.
- Xbox Adaptive Controller support: Allows use of Microsoft’s adaptive input hardware.
If a setting is missing, the interface may differ because feature availability can vary by platform, market, device, or Edge version.
High scores, secrets, and replay value
Edge Surf maintains a high-score record for each mode and notifies you when you set a new record. You can reset the game’s statistics from its settings menu. Microsoft’s published material confirms the records but does not establish that they synchronize across Microsoft accounts or devices, so do not assume that a score will follow you to another installation.
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- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
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Microsoft also advertises hidden secrets and Easter eggs. Its current feature page mentions a main-menu cheat code that can provide unlimited hearts and boosts or unlock an iconic playable character. Because exact sequences and unlock behavior can change, treat unofficial code lists as version-sensitive. The existence of secrets is confirmed; a specific code should not be considered universal unless it works in the current game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Edge Surf may not launch
edge://surf shows an error
- Confirm that you entered the command in Microsoft Edge’s address bar.
- Make sure you are using current Chromium-based Edge rather than Internet Explorer or legacy EdgeHTML.
- Restart Edge and try again.
- Check whether the browser is managed by a school, employer, or other organization.
- Try launching the page while connected and again while offline.
Microsoft’s AllowSurfGame policy documentation states that disabling the policy blocks both direct navigation to edge://surf and access through the offline experience.
The offline prompt does not appear
The device may not be genuinely offline, Edge may not be showing its offline error page in that situation, or the feature may be restricted by policy. A browser or profile issue can also interfere. Use the direct edge://surf command instead of waiting for the prompt.
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- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
It is blocked on a work or school computer
An administrator can disable Surf with the AllowSurfGame policy. On Windows, Microsoft documents the policy registry location as:
SOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdgeAllowSurfGameA DWORD value of 0 disables the game. Do not change registry settings on a managed computer; contact the organization’s IT department instead.
The controls or accessibility options are hard to find
Open the in-game settings menu, located in the upper-right area according to Microsoft’s feature page. Read the controls for the input device you are using, then look for High visibility or Reduced speed. If these options are absent, the current platform or Edge build may not expose the same interface.
Is Edge Surf worth trying?
Yes, if you want an immediate, free distraction that requires no separate installation and can work without an internet connection. Its three modes give it more variety than a single endless run: Endless rewards distance, Time Trial rewards route optimization, and Zig Zag rewards consistent timing. Accessibility settings and broad controller support also make it more flexible than many browser mini-games.
Its limits are equally clear. Surf is a compact browser game, not a full surfing simulator or a replacement for an installed PC game with progression, multiplayer, narrative, or advanced graphics. It may also be disabled on managed devices, and the exact interface can change with Edge versions and platforms.
For Windows users who want to try it, the practical answer is simple: open Edge, enter edge://surf, and choose a mode.
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