Microsoft Edge#New Edge release history

The new Microsoft Edge is the default web browser, replacing Edge Legacy.

In Windows 11, Edge is the only browser available from Microsoft (for compatibility{{Cite web|title=Microsoft swallows its pride and releases new Chrome-based browser|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-edge-chrome-chromium-171841860.html|access-date=2021-11-17|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=January 15, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117125339/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-edge-chrome-chromium-171841860.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Shankland|first=Stephen|title=Google is loosening its grip on Chrome's foundations, but outside allies still help it control the web itself|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-gets-web-allies-by-letting-outsiders-help-build-chromes-foundation/|access-date=2021-11-17|website=CNET|language=en|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117125339/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-gets-web-allies-by-letting-outsiders-help-build-chromes-foundation/|url-status=live}} with Google Chrome).{{Citation|title=Microsoft Edge and Chromium Open Source: Our Intent|date=October 18, 2020|url=https://github.com/MicrosoftEdge/MSEdge/blob/14b03579d54acc5c294f846ad23f688a7eb8c124/README.md|publisher=Microsoft Edge|quote=our unique web-platform codebase still faces occasional compatibility problems as web developers focus less on HTML standards and rationally focus on widely used platforms like Chrome|access-date=2021-11-17|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117125339/https://github.com/MicrosoftEdge/MSEdge/blob/14b03579d54acc5c294f846ad23f688a7eb8c124/README.md|url-status=live}} However, it includes an "Internet Explorer mode", which is aimed at fixing compatibility issues; it provides the legacy MSHTML browser engine and supports the legacy ActiveX and BHO technologies.{{Cite web|date=2022-01-25|title=How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Windows 11|url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/enable-internet-explorer-mode-windows-11|url-status=live|access-date=2022-05-27|website=PCMag|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521131032/https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/enable-internet-explorer-mode-windows-11}}

New Edge also has a new feature called vertical tabs which allow users to move tabs on the left side of the screen.{{Cite web|last=Burgess|first=Brian|date=2021-02-05|title=How to Enable and Use Vertical Tabs on Microsoft Edge|url=https://www.groovypost.com/howto/enable-and-use-vertical-tabs-on-microsoft-edge/|access-date=2022-03-14|website=groovyPost|language=en-US|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625055752/https://www.groovypost.com/howto/enable-and-use-vertical-tabs-on-microsoft-edge/|url-status=live}}

As of December 2022, there are more than 9,000 extensions—called add-ons—available for Edge.{{cite web|url=https://edge-stats.com/|title=Compare and analyze Edge add-ons|author=ChromeStats|date=Dec 29, 2022|access-date=Dec 29, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228184921/https://edge-stats.com/|url-status=live}}

On February 7, 2023, Microsoft announced a major overhaul to Edge, revamping the user interface with Fluent Design, along with adding a Bing Chat (later known as Microsoft Copilot) button, which replaces the Discover button.{{Cite web|date=2023-02-07|title=Reinventing search with a new AI-powered Microsoft Bing and Edge, your copilot for the web|url=https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/02/07/reinventing-search-with-a-new-ai-powered-microsoft-bing-and-edge-your-copilot-for-the-web/|access-date=2023-02-07|website=The Official Microsoft Blog|language=en-US}}

Microsoft also added compatibility for split screen, i.e., 2 tabs can be viewed at the same time. A new feature, "Workspaces" was introduced, which basically lets the user create different spaces for various things. These workspaces are also collaborative, users can invite friends or colleagues and seamlessly have completely separate workspace for collaboration.

Starting with Edge version 116, Microsoft released Microsoft Edge for Business. A new business mode for Edge that enables end users to completely separates work and personal browsing into dedicated browser windows, in addition to offering other features aimed at admins.{{Cite web |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-for-business |title=Microsoft Edge for Business |date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=December 30, 2024 |website=Microsoft Learn}}

On April 8, 2019, Microsoft announced the introduction of four preview channels: Canary, Dev, Beta, and Stable and launched the Canary and Dev channels that same day with the first preview builds, for those channels, of the new Edge. Microsoft collectively calls the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels the "Microsoft Edge insider channels".{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2019/04/08/microsoft-edge-preview-channel-details/|title=What to expect in the new Microsoft Edge Insider Channels – Microsoft Edge Blog|date=April 8, 2019|website=blogs.windows.com|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604085534/https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2019/04/08/microsoft-edge-preview-channel-details/|url-status=live}} As a result, Edge updates were decoupled from new versions of Windows. Major versions of Edge Stable are now scheduled for release every 4 weeks, closely following Chromium version releases.

{{main|Surf (video game)|l1=Surf (video game)}}

File:Microsoft Edge Surf screenshot.png

In May 2020, an update to Microsoft Edge added Surf, a browser game where players control a surfer attempting to evade obstacles and collect power-ups. Similar to Google Chrome's Dinosaur Game, Surf is accessible from the browser's offline error page and can also be accessed by entering edge://surf into the address bar. The game features three game modes (classic, time trial, and slalom), has character customization, and supports keyboard, mouse, touch, and gamepad controls.{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Tom|title=Microsoft is adding a secret SkiFree-like surfing game into its Edge browser|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/26/21154821/microsoft-edge-surf-game-easter-egg-secret-skifree-modes|website=The Verge|access-date=25 March 2022|language=en|date=26 February 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414013714/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/26/21154821/microsoft-edge-surf-game-easter-egg-secret-skifree-modes|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft's surf game gets some handy new features on Edge Canary|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/forget-e3-update-just-rolled-out-microsoft-edge-surf-game|website=Windows Central|access-date=25 March 2022|date=10 June 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414013715/https://www.windowscentral.com/forget-e3-update-just-rolled-out-microsoft-edge-surf-game|url-status=live}} Its gameplay has been compared to the 1991 Microsoft video game SkiFree.{{cite web|title=Microsoft Edge has a cute game to play when you're offline|url=https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-edge-surf-game-214711550.html|website=Engadget|date=May 26, 2020|access-date=25 March 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325035857/https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-edge-surf-game-214711550.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Tom|title=You can now play Microsoft's new surf game inside the Edge browser|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/26/21270646/microsoft-edge-surf-game-now-available-download|website=The Verge|access-date=25 March 2022|language=en|date=26 May 2020|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325035812/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/26/21270646/microsoft-edge-surf-game-now-available-download|url-status=live}}

In 2021, Surf was updated with limited-time seasonal theming resembling SkiFree. Instead of surfing, the player skis down a mountain while being chased by a yeti.{{cite web|last1=Allan|first1=Darren|title=Microsoft Edge resurrects this classic Windows game when your internet dies|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-edge-resurrects-this-classic-windows-game-when-your-internet-dies|website=TechRadar|access-date=25 March 2022|language=en|date=25 November 2021|archive-date=April 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402012432/https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-edge-resurrects-this-classic-windows-game-when-your-internet-dies|url-status=live}}

In November 2017, Microsoft released ports of Edge for Android and iOS. The apps feature integration and synchronization with the desktop version on Windows PCs. Due to platform restrictions and other factors, these ports did not use the same layout engine as the current desktop version at the time (Edge Legacy) and instead use OS-native Blink and WebKit-based engines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/30/microsoft-edge-iphone-android-is-available/|title=Microsoft Edge for iPhone and Android is out of beta|website=Engadget|date=November 30, 2017|language=en|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206234953/https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/30/microsoft-edge-iphone-android-is-available/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/10/05/announcing-microsoft-edge-for-ios-and-android-microsoft-launcher/|title=Announcing Microsoft Edge for iOS and Android, Microsoft Launcher|last=Belfiore|first=Joe|date=October 5, 2017|website=Windows Blogs|publisher=Microsoft|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007021806/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/10/05/announcing-microsoft-edge-for-ios-and-android-microsoft-launcher/|archive-date=October 7, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

Codenamed "Anaheim", on December 6, 2018, Microsoft announced its intent to base Edge on the Chromium source code, using the same browser engine as Google Chrome but with enhancements developed by Microsoft. It was also announced that there will be versions of Edge available for older Windows versions, including Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, and macOS, plus that all versions will be updated on a more frequent basis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/6/18128648/microsoft-edge-chrome-chromium-browser-changes|title=Microsoft is rebuilding its Edge browser on Chrome and bringing it to the Mac|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2018-12-06|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206181617/https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/6/18128648/microsoft-edge-chrome-chromium-browser-changes|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-edge-to-morph-into-a-chromium-based-cross-platform-browser/|title=Microsoft's Edge to morph into a Chromium-based, cross-platform browser|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|website=ZDNet|language=en|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120135528/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-edge-to-morph-into-a-chromium-based-cross-platform-browser/|url-status=live}} According to Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore, the decision for the change came after CEO Satya Nadella told the team in 2017 that the product needed to be better and pushed for replacing its in-house rendering engine with an open source one.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsofts-joe-belfiore-opens-up-about-difficult-edge-decisions|title=Microsoft's Joe Belfiore opens up about difficult Edge decisions|date=May 6, 2019|access-date=October 14, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018160645/https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsofts-joe-belfiore-opens-up-about-difficult-edge-decisions|url-status=live}}

File:Microsoft Edge screenshot (macOS).png

On April 8, 2019, the first builds of the new Edge for Windows were released to the public.{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/04/08/microsoft-launches-first-chromium-edge-builds-for-windows-10/|title=Microsoft launches first Chromium Edge builds for Windows 10|last=Protalinski|first=Emil|publisher=Venturebeat|date=April 8, 2019|access-date=April 8, 2019|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615185334/https://venturebeat.com/2019/04/08/microsoft-launches-first-chromium-edge-builds-for-windows-10/|url-status=live}} On May 20, 2019, the first preview builds of Edge for macOS were released to the public, marking the first time in 13 years that a Microsoft browser was available on the Mac platform.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-releases-first-chromium-based-edge-preview-for-macos/|title=Microsoft releases first Chromium-based Edge preview for MacOS|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|publisher=ZDNet|date=May 20, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520181705/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-releases-first-chromium-based-edge-preview-for-macos/|url-status=live}} The last time a Microsoft browser was available on the Mac platform was Internet Explorer for Mac, which was withdrawn in January 2006.

On June 18, 2019, IAmA post on Reddit, an Edge developer stated that it was theoretically possible for a Linux version to be developed in the future, but no work had actually started on that possibility.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-edge-reddit-ama-edge-might-come-to-linux/|title=Microsoft Edge Reddit AMA: Edge might come to Linux|last=Cimpanu|first=Catalin|website=ZDNet|language=en|access-date=2019-06-18|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614150140/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-edge-reddit-ama-edge-might-come-to-linux/|url-status=live}} On June 19, 2019, Microsoft made Edge available on old Windows versions for testing.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/19/18692033/microsoft-chromium-edge-windows-7-8-available-download|title=Microsoft's Chromium Edge browser now available on Windows 7 and Windows 8|first=Tom|last=Warren|date=June 19, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=June 20, 2019|archive-date=June 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620000141/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/19/18692033/microsoft-chromium-edge-windows-7-8-available-download|url-status=live}} Then on August 20, 2019, Microsoft made its first beta build of Edge available for Windows and macOS.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/20/20813510/microsoft-chromium-edge-beta-download-release-macos-windows|title=Microsoft's Chromium Edge browser moves closer to release with new beta version|first=Tom|last=Warren|date=August 20, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=September 2, 2019|archive-date=September 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902160433/https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/20/20813510/microsoft-chromium-edge-beta-download-release-macos-windows|url-status=live}} At Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft released an updated version of the Edge logo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-edge-new-logo-vs-old-logo-2019-11|title=It looks like Microsoft is finally ditching the Internet Explorer branding for good with a revamped logo that looks like a wave|last=Meisenzahl|first=Mary|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-11-06|archive-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106185730/https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-edge-new-logo-vs-old-logo-2019-11|url-status=live}}

The new Edge was released on January 15, 2020, and was gradually rolled out to all Windows 10 users.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/4/20942038/microsoft-edge-chromium-release-date-new-logo-features|title=Microsoft's Edge Chromium browser will launch on January 15th with a new logo|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2019-11-04|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-11-06|archive-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106185632/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/4/20942038/microsoft-edge-chromium-release-date-new-logo-features|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2020/01/15/upgrading-new-microsoft-edge-79-chromium/|title=Upgrading to the new Microsoft Edge|last=Pflug|first=Klye|date=January 15, 2020|website=Windows Blogs|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604144525/https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2020/01/15/upgrading-new-microsoft-edge-79-chromium/|url-status=live}} The new Edge was also rolled out to Windows users via Windows Update.{{cite web|title=Windows 7 and 8.1 users: Now Microsoft is pushing out new Edge browser to you, too|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-7-and-8-1-users-now-microsoft-is-pushing-out-new-edge-browser-to-you-too/|website=ZDNet|access-date=30 January 2023|language=en}} Windows Vista and earlier were not supported at the time Edge started supporting older Windows versions.

On September 22, 2020, Microsoft announced that a beta version of Edge for Linux would be available in preview form in October 2020.{{r|Linux Preview Announced}} This comes after the company announced in November 2019 that a Linux version would be developed and confirmed in May 2020 that the Linux version was in development.{{cite news|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/hell-freezes-over-as-microsoft-edge-comes-to-linux|title=Hell freezes over as Microsoft Edge comes to Linux|first=Darren|last=Allen|publisher=Tech Radar|date=November 6, 2019|access-date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=January 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105232043/https://www.techradar.com/news/hell-freezes-over-as-microsoft-edge-comes-to-linux|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-edge-linux-shown-briefly-build-2020|title=Microsoft Edge for Linux shown off briefly at Build 2020|first=Sean|last=Endicott|publisher=Windows Central|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922230453/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-edge-linux-shown-briefly-build-2020|url-status=live}} The first preview build for Linux was released on October 20, 2020.{{r|Linux Preview Released}}

Full support for the new Edge on older Windows versions was scheduled to end on January 15, 2022, but was later extended to January 15, 2023.{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Edge Supported Operating Systems|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/DeployEdge/microsoft-edge-supported-operating-systems|date=2022-12-10|access-date=2023-03-05|website=Microsoft Learn|language=en-US|archive-date=2023-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111053412/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-supported-operating-systems|url-status=live}}

On April 29, 2022, Microsoft announced integrated VPN support for Microsoft Edge, coming in line with this privacy feature with Chrome and Firefox. There will be a free version of the integrated Edge VPN available but is limited to 1 GB of data transfer.{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Culturalist Press|date=2022-05-02|title=Microsoft Edge announces free (up to 1 gig) VPN integration in a bid to enhance online privacy and compete with Chrome|url=https://www.culturalistpress.com/microsoft-edge-announces-free-up-to-1-gig-vpn-integration-in-a-bid-to-enhance-online-privacy-and-compete-with-chrome/|access-date=2022-05-03|website=Culturalist Press: News, opinion on politics, technology, gaming, food & more|language=en-US|archive-date=May 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527115028/https://www.culturalistpress.com/microsoft-edge-announces-free-up-to-1-gig-vpn-integration-in-a-bid-to-enhance-online-privacy-and-compete-with-chrome/|url-status=live}}

On November 14, 2024, Microsoft announced that they will drop support for CPUs that lack the SSE3 instruction set with the release of Edge version 128.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-14 |title=Archived release notes for Microsoft Edge Stable Channel |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-relnote-archive-stable-channel |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=learn.microsoft.com}}

As of March 2, 2025, the Edge Canary channel has begun automatically disabling Manifest V2 extensions, notably impacting the uBlock Origin extension. However, thus far, they can be manually turned back on, and this doesn't affect the Dev, Beta, and Stable channels. This move, part of the transition to Manifest V3 (first imposed by Google in Google Chrome and subsequently in Chromium), has sparked notable debate among privacy advocates and users.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-11 |title=Microsoft begins turning off uBlock Origin and other extensions in Edge |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-begins-turning-off-ublock-origin-and-other-extensions-in-edge/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Neowin}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-03 |title=Microsoft Edge's Privacy Implications with uBlock Origin Disablement |url=https://doingfedtime.com/microsoft-edges-privacy-implications-with-ublock-origin-disablement/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Sam Bent}}{{Cite web |last=G |first=Jérôme |date=2025-03-03 |title=Microsoft Edge prépare un sale coup à uBlock Origin |url=https://www.generation-nt.com/actualites/microsoft-edge-ublock-origin-manifest-v3-extension-2055710 |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Génération NT |language=fr}}

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Microsoft's switch to Blink as Edge's engine has faced mixed reception. The move increases the consistency of web platform compatibility between major browsers. For this reason, the move has attracted criticism, as it reduces diversity in the overall web browser market and increases the influence of Google on the overall browser market by Microsoft ceding its independently developed browser engine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-rebuilds-edge-browser-on-chrome-tech-google-gains-web-power/|title=Three years in, Microsoft gives up on independent Edge browser and embraces Google's Chromium instead|last=Shankland|first=Stephen|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2018-12-29|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230030151/https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-rebuilds-edge-browser-on-chrome-tech-google-gains-web-power/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/4/16805216/google-chrome-only-sites-internet-explorer-6-web-standards|title=Chrome is turning into the new Internet Explorer 6|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2018-01-04|website=The Verge|access-date=2018-12-29|archive-date=January 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105185450/https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/4/16805216/google-chrome-only-sites-internet-explorer-6-web-standards|url-status=live}}

Edge sends the images that the users view online to Microsoft servers by default, although Microsoft has stated that it encrypts images before transfer.{{cite web|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/edge-sends-images-you-view-online-to-microsoft-here-is-how-to-disable-that/|title=Edge sends images you view online to Microsoft, here is how to disable that|first=Taras|last=Buria|date=June 12, 2023}} According to Douglas J. Leith, a computer science professor from Trinity College, Dublin, Microsoft Edge is among the least private browsers. He explained, "from a privacy perspective Microsoft Edge and Yandex are much more worrisome than the other browsers studied. Both send identifiers that are linked to the device hardware and so persist across fresh browser installs and can also be used to link different apps running on the same device. Edge sends the hardware UUID of the device to Microsoft, a strong and enduring identifier than cannot be easily changed or deleted."{{cite web|last1=Leith|first1=Douglas|title=Web Browser Privacy: What Do Browsers Say When They Phone Home?|url=https://www.scss.tcd.ie/Doug.Leith/pubs/browser_privacy.pdf#page=10|website=Trinity College Dublin - School of Computer Science and Statistics|publisher=Trinity College Dublin|access-date=24 March 2021|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101210528/https://www.scss.tcd.ie/Doug.Leith/pubs/browser_privacy.pdf#page=10|url-status=live}} In response, a spokesperson from Microsoft Edge explained that it uses user diagnostic data to improve the product.{{cite web|last1=Matyszczyk|first1=Chris|title=A professor says Edge is the worst for privacy. Microsoft isn't happy|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-professor-says-edge-is-the-worst-for-privacy-microsoft-isnt-happy/|website=ZDNet|access-date=24 March 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210324071724/https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-professor-says-edge-is-the-worst-for-privacy-microsoft-isnt-happy/|archive-date=March 24, 2021|url-status=live}}

In June 2020, users criticized newly released Windows updates that installed Edge and imported some user data from Chrome and Firefox prior to obtaining user permission. Microsoft responded by stating that if a user rejects giving Edge data import permission, then Edge will delete the imported data. However, if the browser crashes before the user has a chance to reject the import, then the already imported data will not be cleared.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-01|title=Microsoft Edge caught importing other browser data without permission|url=https://www.komando.com/news/microsoft-edge-caught-importing-data/743787/|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Komando.com|language=en-US|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702094609/https://www.komando.com/news/microsoft-edge-caught-importing-data/743787/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-06-29|title=Is Edge taking browser data without permission? Here's what Microsoft says|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-edge-filching-firefox-chrome-users-data-heres-what-microsoft-says|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Windows Central|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702010626/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-edge-filching-firefox-chrome-users-data-heres-what-microsoft-says|url-status=live}} The Verge called these "spyware tactics" and called Edge's "first run experience" a "dark pattern".{{Cite web|title=Microsoft is forcing Edge on Windows users with a spyware-like install|url=https://www.theverge.com/21310611/microsoft-edge-browser-forced-update-chromium-editorial|access-date=2020-07-04|website=www.theverge.com|date=July 2, 2020|language=en|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703110852/https://www.theverge.com/21310611/microsoft-edge-browser-forced-update-chromium-editorial|url-status=live}}

Microsoft uses proprietary URL handlers in Windows 10 and 11 to redirect URLs accessed via system search functions to Edge, deliberately ignoring the user's choice of default browser. In November 2021, a patch was released to frustrate a workaround employed by the third-party tool "EdgeDeflector", with a Microsoft spokesperson stating that search in the Windows shell is an "end-to-end customer experience" that is not designed to be modified.{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2021-11-15|title=Microsoft blocks EdgeDeflector to force Windows 11 users into Edge|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782802/microsoft-block-edgedeflector-windows-11|access-date=2021-11-30|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130233858/https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782802/microsoft-block-edgedeflector-windows-11|url-status=live}} The developer of EdgeDeflector, Daniel Aleksandersen, called this "clearly a user-hostile move that sees Windows compromise its own product usability in order to make it more difficult to use competing products."{{Cite web|date=2021-11-11|title=Windows 11 blocks Edge browser competitors from opening links|url=https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/microsoft-edge-protocol-competition.html|access-date=2021-11-30|website=www.ctrl.blog|language=en|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130204843/https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/microsoft-edge-protocol-competition.html|url-status=live}}

In November 2021, Microsoft announced that it would display integrated advertising for the buy now, pay later service Zip Pay in Edge during online purchases eligible for financing via the service,{{Cite web|last=Goodin|first=Dan|date=2021-11-30|title=Users revolt as Microsoft bolts a short-term financing app onto Edge|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/11/microsoft-plans-to-integrate-a-buy-now-pay-later-app-into-edge/|access-date=2021-12-02|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202162305/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/11/microsoft-plans-to-integrate-a-buy-now-pay-later-app-into-edge/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Roth|first=Emma|date=2021-11-30|title=Edge users aren't happy about Microsoft's built-in "buy now, pay later" tool|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/30/22810595/microsoft-edge-zip-buy-now-pay-later|access-date=2021-12-02|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202183625/https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/30/22810595/microsoft-edge-zip-buy-now-pay-later|url-status=live}} and allow users to link their Microsoft account to expedite registration for the service. Microsoft claims that it "does not collect a fee for connecting users to loan providers." This decision was met with criticism from users and the press, arguing that the feature was added bloat.

{{See also|Criticism of Microsoft#Advertising and public relations}}

File:Microsoft Edge, Recommendation, Set as default, outside EU APR 2024.jpg

In December 2021, Microsoft began testing the display of in-browser prompts on the Google Chrome website to discourage downloading the browser.{{Cite web|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|date=2021-12-02|title=Microsoft Edge will now warn users about the dangers of downloading Google Chrome|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/12/microsoft-edge-will-now-warn-users-about-the-dangers-of-downloading-google-chrome/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206101444/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/12/microsoft-edge-will-now-warn-users-about-the-dangers-of-downloading-google-chrome/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2021-12-02|title=Microsoft's new Windows prompts try to stop people downloading Chrome|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/2/22813733/microsoft-windows-edge-download-chrome-prompts|access-date=2021-12-02|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202183625/https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/2/22813733/microsoft-windows-edge-download-chrome-prompts|url-status=live}} Similar prompts intended to discourage Google Chrome downloads also appear when searching for "Chrome" or "browser" on Microsoft Bing search engine.{{cite web|last1=Honorof|first1=Marshall|title=Microsoft tries to stop users from installing Chrome — again|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/microsoft-edge-chrome-installation|website=Tom's Guide|access-date=5 July 2023|language=en|date=3 December 2021}} In February 2023, users reported seeing large banner advertisements for Microsoft Edge on the Chrome download page, a move that was criticized for deceptively altering part of Google's official website.{{cite web|last1=Li|first1=Abner|title=Microsoft aggressively trying to keep Chrome downloaders using Edge|url=https://9to5google.com/2023/02/21/microsoft-edge-chrome/|website=9to5Google|access-date=5 July 2023}} In October 2023, Microsoft began testing the display of a sidebar containing a survey related to Chrome when the browser is downloaded.{{Cite web|last=Gedeon|first=Kimberly|date=2023-10-23|title=Google Chrome users: Microsoft Edge wants to know why you don't want it|url=https://mashable.com/article/microsoft-edge-new-poll|access-date=2023-10-25|website=Mashable|language=en}}

{{Further|Usage share of web browsers}}

{{bar box

|title=Desktop/laptop browser statistics

|titlebar=#DDD

|float=left

|width=440px

|barwidth=250px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Google Chrome|#A3D3FF|65.7|65.7%}}

{{bar percent|Microsoft Edge|#A3FFA3|13.37|13.37%}}

{{bar percent|Safari|#A3D3FF|8.23|8.23%}}

{{bar percent|Mozilla Firefox|#A3D3FF|6.02|6.02%}}

{{bar percent|Opera|#A3D3FF|2.91|2.91%}}

{{bar percent|Other|#A3A3A3|3.77|3.77%}}

{{bar gap|height=11}}

|caption=Desktop web browser market share according to StatCounter for March 2025{{cite web|title=Desktop Browser Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#monthly-202503-202503-bar|website=StatCounter Global Stats|access-date=April 6, 2025}}}}{{clear}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.microsoftedgeinsider.com Official website for preview builds of Chromium-based Microsoft Edge]
• {{cite web|url=https://github.com/MicrosoftEdge/MSEdge|title=Microsoft Edge and Chromium Open Source: Our Intent|author=Microsoft Edge Team|website=GitHub|date=April 22, 2020}}
• {{cite web|website=GitHub|url=https://github.com/MicrosoftEdge|title=Microsoft Edge open source projects – demos, tools, data}}
• [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/features/translate?form=MA13FJ Translate; Microsoft Edge - microsoft.com]

{{Timeline of web browsers|the 2010s}}

{{Web browsers|active}}

{{Windows Components}}

{{Portal bar|Internet}}

Category:Microsoft Edge

Category:2020 software

Category:Cross-platform web browsers

Category:Windows components

Category:Windows web browsers

Category:Xbox One software

Category:IOS web browsers

Category:MacOS web browsers

Category:Android web browsers

Category:Linux web browsers

Category:Freeware

Edge

Category:Proprietary cross-platform software

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