Microsoft is now automatically downloading its new Edge web browser to Windows 10 PCs
Edge is dead. Long live Edge
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Microsoft’s new and improved Edgeweb browser, which is based on the same Chromium engine as its arch rival Chrome, will now be automatically downloaded to users’ computers.
The original version of Edge was shipped by default withWindows 10,but it struggled to win over users, who mainly flocked toGoogle’s Chrome browser. In a bid to boost its popularity, Microsoft has rebuilt Edge using the same tech as Chrome, bringing a lot more functionality, better performance and access to thousands of existing Chrome extensions.
It’s a big improvement, but before now you could only manually download the new version. However, Microsoft is now including it in a number of automatic updates forWindows 10, so if you’ve not downloaded it already, you will likely soon find the new Edge installed on your PC.
Welcome replacement
The new version of Edge will be included in the KB4541301, KB4541302 and KB4559309 updates for Windows 10, and these will be automatically downloaded on your PC.
While we’re not always fond of Microsoft forcing changes on users without them being able to do anything about it, the Chromium version of Edge is a genuine improvement over the existing one, and we’d recommend you moving to the new version to take advantage of the new features. Microsoft will also stop supporting the older version of Edge, and we recommend you never use an outdated, unsupported browser, as it may not get regular security updates.
However, you should know that unlike when you manually download the new version of Edge, with the automatic download, you won’t be able to switch back to the old version.
For people whoreallywant to stick with the old version of Edge, the only option is to block those updates from automatically updating. Again, that’s not something we’d recommend.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
ViaGhacks
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
Alt + Tab trouble: Windows 11’s 24H2 update turns time-saving shortcut into ten-second headache
Windows 11’s Paint and Notepad apps are getting smart new AI features – though one of the best will be for Copilot+ PCs only
Arcane season 2 confirms the hit series isn’t just one of the best Netflix shows ever made – it’s an animated legend that’ll stand the test of time
