Microsoft Edge, Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer after a lot of effort, High speed is one of the strengths of the Edge browser.
but despite Firefox and Google Chrome, it still could not find a place among Internet users.
Finally, Microsoft decided to revive the this software browser with Chromium core, which looks similar to Google Chrome.
Many computers were running Windows XP and the default browser was Internet Explorer.
After presenting several different versions of this browser along with the introduction of new versions of the Windows operating system,
Microsoft gradually thought of a big change.
Browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, which had managed to take over a significant share of the web world, stopped the progress of Internet Explorer.
This incident caused Microsoft to unveil a completely new version of this browser called Microsoft Edge at the same time as Windows 10 was introduced.
Even though the it browser had great functionality,
simplicity and speed,
the possibility of dissuading people from the world of add-ons in the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome market seemed difficult and almost impossible.
A few years have passed since the life of its, and finally, with a new decision, Microsoft unveiled its new program for updating this software.
From now on, Microsoft Edge will be based on Chromium browser and you can search for the same features in Edge browser.
This will appeal to many current Chromium browser users; Because all its extensions can be used on Edge.
That is the support for various and widely used extensions, which, despite the Chromium core.
it is possible to download and install Google Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Now you can download the latest version of Microsoft Edge software from the idownload.uno site.
Table of Contents
Microsoft Edge: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Features, Performance, and Impact
Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft, originally launched in 2015 as part of the Windows 10 operating system. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, positioning itself as one of the top contenders in the browser market, alongside giants like Google Chrome
, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. With its new Chromium-based engine, It has redefined itself to be faster, more secure, and highly customizable.
In this article, we will explore the history, evolution, key features, and performance aspects of It, as well as its impact on the browser landscape and why it might be the best choice for many users.
History and Evolution of Microsoft Edge
The Early Days: Internet Explorer
Before It, the default web browser on Windows operating systems was Internet Explorer (IE). Launched in 1995 as part of Windows 95, Internet Explorer was the most widely used web browser for many years, but it eventually became outdated. Over time, Internet Explorer faced criticism for its sluggish performance, lack of modern web standards support, and security vulnerabilities. As web standards evolved and browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox gained market share, Internet Explorer’s relevance diminished.
The Birth of Microsoft Edge
In 2015, with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft introduced It as a successor to Internet Explorer. Edge was designed to offer better performance, security, and compatibility with modern web standards. It was built from scratch using Microsoft’s own rendering engine, called EdgeHTML.
Although Edge made a good start by offering features like Cortana integration, a reading mode, and a cleaner interface, it still struggled to gain widespread adoption. The browser didn’t provide the speed, customization options, and extension support that its competitors, particularly Google Chrome, offered.
The Shift to Chromium
In 2018, Microsoft made a major decision: to shift Edge from its proprietary EdgeHTML engine to the Chromium engine, the same open-source engine that powers Google Chrome. This move was intended to improve compatibility with websites and offer better performance, as the Chromium engine was already known for its speed and widespread adoption.
The new Chromium-based Edge was officially released in January 2020. It represented a major overhaul of the original browser, offering a faster, more secure, and more customizable experience. It, now based on Chromium, could finally compete with the likes of Chrome, Firefox, and Safari on equal footing, supporting extensions from the Chrome Web Store, offering better performance, and maintaining its focus on security and privacy.
Key Features of Edge internet browser
Speed and Performance
Performance has always been a crucial factor for a web browser, and It has made significant strides in this area. With the shift to the Chromium engine, Edge saw a major performance improvement. The browser is designed to be fast and lightweight, and it consistently performs well in benchmarking tests.
One of the standout features in Microsoft Edge is its sleeping tabs feature. This feature automatically puts inactive tabs to sleep, reducing the memory and CPU usage associated with open tabs. As a result, Edge can run faster and more efficiently, even with many tabs open.
Microsoft Edge also supports hardware acceleration, which uses your device’s graphics processor to speed up web page rendering. This is especially beneficial for users who engage in resource-intensive activities, such as gaming or watching 4K videos.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are paramount when it comes to web browsing, and It offers several features to protect users.
- Tracking Prevention: Edge comes with a built-in Tracking Prevention feature that blocks trackers from advertisers and other websites, reducing the amount of data shared across the web. Users can choose between three levels of tracking prevention: Basic, Balanced, and Strict, depending on how much they want to block.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: This is an integrated security feature that helps protect users from phishing websites, malicious downloads, and other threats. It works by analyzing websites and downloads in real-time to check for potential threats.
- Password Monitor: It includes a Password Monitor that alerts you if any of your saved passwords are part of a known data breach. This adds an extra layer of security for users who store passwords in the browser.
- InPrivate Mode: Edge offers an InPrivate browsing mode that ensures your browsing history, cookies, and temporary files are not stored. This feature prevents websites from tracking your activity while you’re online.
Microsoft Edge software Extensions and Customization
Edge’s shift to Chromium has allowed it to support extensions from the Chrome Web Store. This has greatly expanded the range of extensions available to Edge users, providing them with access to thousands of extensions, including ad blockers, password managers, productivity tools, and more.
Beyond extensions, Microsoft Edge also offers several customization options, including the ability to change the browser’s theme, set a custom homepage, and configure the new tab page to show personalized content. Users can choose between light, dark, or system themes to suit their preferences.
Integrated Microsoft Services
As a Microsoft product, Edge integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services, providing users with a unified experience across their devices. Some of the key integrations include:
- Microsoft Office: Edge offers built-in support for Microsoft Office, allowing users to easily open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents within the browser.
- Cortana: Microsoft Edge also features integration with Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant. Cortana can provide users with information, reminders, and even help with web searches.
- Collections: Edge offers a feature called Collections, which allows users to organize web pages, images, and text for easy reference. It’s especially useful for research, shopping, and planning.
- Microsoft Teams Integration: Microsoft Edge also includes integration with Microsoft Teams, allowing users to easily join meetings, chat, and collaborate without leaving the browser.
Web Capture and PDF Support
It includes several useful tools for web browsing and productivity. One such tool is Web Capture, which allows users to take screenshots of entire web pages or specific portions of a page. These images can be annotated, saved, or shared directly from the browser.
Edge also has robust support for PDFs, allowing users to view, annotate, and fill out PDF documents directly within the browser. It includes tools for highlighting text, drawing shapes, and adding comments to PDFs, making it a great option for those who need to work with PDF files regularly.
Gaming Features
In addition to performance improvements, It has started to focus more on gaming, with features like Gaming Performance Mode. This mode optimizes Edge for a smoother gaming experience by prioritizing CPU and memory for gaming-related activities, such as cloud gaming or browser-based games.
Furthermore, Edge supports integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud), allowing users to stream Xbox games directly in the browser without needing a dedicated gaming console.
Microsoft Edge for Developers
Developer Tools
It comes equipped with a robust set of Developer Tools (DevTools) that help web developers inspect, debug, and optimize websites. The DevTools suite includes:
- Elements Panel: Inspect HTML and CSS code of a page.
- Console Panel: View JavaScript errors and logs.
- Network Panel: Monitor network activity and analyze performance.
- Performance Panel: Profile the performance of a page in real-time.
These tools help developers ensure their websites work as intended across different devices and platforms.
Compatibility with Web Standards
One of the reasons for Edge’s rise in popularity is its full support for modern web standards. Edge supports HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript ES6, enabling developers to create rich, interactive websites that work seamlessly in the browser. Additionally, Edge is compatible with most popular web frameworks and technologies, ensuring broad support for modern web development practices.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Edge fully supports Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which are web apps that function like native apps. PWAs offer offline functionality, push notifications, and faster loading times. Developers can easily create PWAs, and users can install them directly from the Edge browser.
Performance and Speed of Edge web browser
Since its switch to Chromium, Microsoft Edge has become one of the fastest browsers on the market. The performance improvements are especially noticeable when compared to the original Edge (EdgeHTML) version, which struggled in terms of speed and compatibility.
Edge’s performance can be attributed to several factors, including its efficient use of system resources, optimized page rendering, and faster JavaScript execution. Additionally, the sleeping tabs feature helps reduce memory and CPU usage when multiple tabs are open, ensuring that Edge maintains a smooth experience even with heavy browsing.
Microsoft Edge vs. Other Browsers
When comparing Microsoft Edge to other popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari, Edge has several advantages:
- Privacy: Edge offers strong privacy features, such as built-in tracking prevention and password monitoring. While Chrome is known for its data collection practices, Edge focuses on providing users with more control over their privacy.
- Performance: Edge is faster and more resource-efficient than many other browsers, especially in terms of memory usage. The new Edge is also more stable than its predecessor, EdgeHTML.
- Customization: With support for Chrome extensions, Edge provides users with a highly customizable experience, allowing them to tailor the browser to their needs.
- Integration with Microsoft Services: Edge offers seamless integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem, making it the preferred choice for users who rely on Office 365, Teams, and other Microsoft services.
The Future of Microsoft Edge
Microsoft continues to enhance Edge with regular updates that focus on performance improvements, security features, and new functionality. Upcoming features include further integration with Windows 11, more customization options, and improved compatibility with emerging web standards.
Edge is expected to remain a strong competitor in the browser market, especially as Microsoft continues to prioritize user privacy, speed, and seamless integration with its other products.
Microsoft Edge Features
- The ability to use Google Chrome extensions in Edge
- Having exemplary security due to working in an open source framework
- Having collection capability to collect, organize and easily share web content
frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Microsoft Edge
1. What is Microsoft Edge?
It is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It is built on the Chromium engine, offering faster performance, better compatibility, and enhanced security features compared to its predecessors. Microsoft Edge is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
2. Is Microsoft Edge free to use?
Yes, Ms Edge is completely free to download and use. It comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, but it can also be downloaded for other operating systems like macOS, iOS, and Android.
3. How does Microsoft Edge compare to other browsers like Chrome or Firefox?
It is competitive with other popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox in terms of speed, privacy, and security. With its Chromium engine, Edge supports extensions from the Chrome Web Store, making it highly customizable. It also offers features like better privacy controls, Microsoft integration, and performance optimizations like sleeping tabs.
4. Is Microsoft Edge secure?
Yes, It is designed with security in mind. It includes features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to protect against phishing and malware, Tracking Prevention to block harmful trackers, and InPrivate Mode for anonymous browsing. Additionally, Edge is regularly updated with security patches to address new vulnerabilities.
5. Does Microsoft Edge support extensions?
Yes, It supports extensions. Since it’s built on the Chromium engine, it can use extensions from the Chrome Web Store. You can also find Microsoft-specific extensions in the It Add-ons store.
6. How do I install extensions on Microsoft Edge?
To install extensions on It:
- Open Edge and go to the Edge Add-ons store (or the Chrome Web Store for more options).
- Browse or search for the extension you want.
- Click Add to Chrome (even for Edge) and then click Add Extension when prompted.
- After installation, the extension will appear in the browser’s extension menu.
7. How can I make Microsoft Edge my default browser?
To set It as your default browser:
- Open Settings on your device.
- Go to Apps > Default Apps.
- Scroll down to the Web Browser section and select Microsoft Edge.
8. How do I use InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge?
To use InPrivate browsing in It:
- Click the three dots (menu) in the upper-right corner of the browser.
- Select New InPrivate Window.
- InPrivate browsing prevents your browsing history, cookies, and site data from being saved after the session ends.
9. What is Tracking Prevention in Edge?
Tracking Prevention is a feature in Edge that blocks third-party trackers from following your online activity. You can adjust the level of tracking protection to Basic, Balanced, or Strict, depending on how much you want to block.
10. Can I sync my data across devices in Microsoft Edge?
Yes, It supports synchronization across devices. By signing into your Microsoft account, you can sync your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, open tabs, and settings across all devices where you use Edge.
11. How do I enable or disable Tracking Prevention in Microsoft Edge?
To manage Tracking Prevention in It:
- Open Settings in Edge.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Tracking Prevention, choose from Basic, Balanced, or Strict.
- You can also toggle it on or off by clicking the shield icon in the address bar.
12. How do I update Microsoft Edge?
It updates automatically in the background. To manually check for updates:
- Open Edge and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Go to Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
- Edge will check for updates and install them if available.
13. Does Microsoft Edge support Dark Mode?
Yes, It supports Dark Mode. You can enable it through the browser’s settings:
- Go to Settings > Appearance.
- Under the Theme section, select Dark to enable Dark Mode.
- You can also set Edge to follow your system theme, so it switches automatically when your device switches to dark mode.
14. Can I use Edge on macOS?
Yes, It is available for macOS. You can download it from the official website or the Mac App Store.
15. How can I clear my browsing history in Microsoft Edge?
To clear browsing history in It:
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select History > Clear browsing data.
- Choose what you want to clear (browsing history, cache, cookies, etc.) and click Clear now.
16. What are Collections in Microsoft Edge?
Collections is a feature that allows users to organize and save web content like text, images, and links for easy access later. To use Collections:
- Click the Collections icon on the toolbar.
- Select Start new collection and begin adding content from the web.
17. What is the Microsoft Edge password manager?
It includes a built-in password manager that can store and automatically fill in your login credentials for websites. You can manage saved passwords by going to Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
18. How does Microsoft Edge compare to Google Chrome in terms of performance?
It, being Chromium-based, shares much of the same performance benefits as Google Chrome, such as fast page loading times and robust JavaScript execution. However, Edge offers enhanced performance optimizations like sleeping tabs (which reduces memory usage), which makes it more efficient than Chrome, especially when managing multiple tabs.
19. Does It work with Windows 7 or 8?
While It is primarily designed for Windows 10 and Windows 11, it is also available for Windows 7 and Windows 8. However, Microsoft no longer provides regular updates or support for these older operating systems, so users are encouraged to upgrade to a newer version of Windows.
20. What is the role of the “sleeping tabs” feature in Microsoft Edge?
The sleeping tabs feature in It helps improve the browser’s performance by putting inactive tabs to sleep after a certain period. This reduces memory and CPU usage, helping the browser run faster and more efficiently, especially when you have many tabs open.
21. Can I use Microsoft Edge on mobile devices?
Yes, It is available on both iOS and Android. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sync your data across devices, including desktop and mobile.
22. Does Microsoft Edge support Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?
Yes, It fully supports Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which allow web apps to function like native apps. PWAs can be installed from the Edge browser and accessed directly from your device’s app launcher.
23. How do I manage tabs in Edge?
It provides several tools for managing tabs, such as:
- Tab Groups: You can group related tabs together to organize your workspace.
- Vertical Tabs: This option allows you to move your tabs to a vertical sidebar for easier navigation.
- Sleeping Tabs: Automatically suspends inactive tabs to save system resources.
24. How can I restore a closed tab in It?
To restore a closed tab in It:
- Right-click on an open tab and select Reopen closed tab.
- You can also press Ctrl+Shift+T (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+T (macOS) to reopen the last closed tab.
Screenshots



Is Microsoft Edge Better Than Chrome
Conclusion
Microsoft Edge has come a long way since its launch as the successor to Internet Explorer. With its new Chromium-based engine, it offers faster performance, better security, and improved compatibility with modern web standards. Edge’s focus on privacy, customization, and seamless integration with Microsoft services makes it an excellent choice for many users, whether they’re casual web surfers or professional developers.
As the browser landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft Edge is poised to remain a strong player, offering features and performance that meet the needs of today’s internet users. Whether you’re looking for speed, security, or a smooth experience across all your devices, Microsoft Edge is definitely worth considering.
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Source
www.microsoft.com