
... why is it so [removed] difficult to find a help page that actually shows me screens that are the same as my computer?
It's because Microsoft is continuously updating the user interfaces of its products as new features are introduced. I have the same problem with Google's apps. When you're looking online for advice, use the most recent advice you can get. Also, it helps if you are au courant with the latest terminology to know what to search for. The right search term is like a bar of gold.
In Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Start, home, and new tabs
There you can choose what the Home button and the New tab page will show.
I hope that helps. If it doesn't get you to where you want to be, you can further customize what you will see when you launch Microsoft Edge for the first time. Just look for the gear symbols - it's the new icon for settings.
Not to flex, but this is what I see when I launch Microsoft Edge for the first time:
Is that not a thing of beauty?