Microsoft is starting to roll out its new Edge browser through Windows Update. The new Chromium-based version of Edge launched in January, but Windows users had to specifically download it. A Microsoft support article notes that it’s now available on Windows Update, meaning it will soon arrive on the more than 1 billion Windows 10 devices in use.
It appears that Edge will be automatically installed through Windows Update on Windows 10 version 1803 and higher. That covers the vast majority of versions of Windows 10 that are currently supported, meaning it should start showing up in Windows Update for everyone soon. As always, this is a gradual rollout, so you might not see it immediately on Windows Update just yet.
Having a shared codebase with Chrome, Edge is now more similar to Google’s browser compatibility with websites is improved, as is performance. It also can now run extensions, which are hosted on the Microsoft Store. When installing the browser via Microsoft Update, Windows will automatically migrate settings, bookmarks and other features, which should help to make the upgrade a smooth process.
Being part of Microsoft Update could put the improved Edge in the hands of many more users. Microsoft has a decent usage share with its browser, and this move may give it a boost. That said, Edge still has a long way to go if it wants to catch up with Chrome.
