SoftNexi

Windows · Web Browsers

Microsoft Edge for Windows

Chromium-based browser preinstalled on Windows 11, with Microsoft account sync, built-in Copilot features, and workplace management tools.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Microsoft Edge rebuilt itself on the Chromium engine in 2020, gaining Chrome-level site compatibility and the ability to install extensions from the Chrome Web Store in addition to Microsoft's own add-on store.

Edge is preinstalled and set as the default browser on every Windows 11 install, and it is used by Windows features like widgets and some Start menu search results, which some users find intrusive.

Its differentiators are Microsoft-account integration (syncing with OneDrive, Microsoft 365 sign-in), built-in Copilot AI features in the sidebar, vertical tabs, and Efficiency Mode for battery life on laptops. Enterprise IT admins also get deep group-policy control through Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Edge suits Windows users who want Chrome-level compatibility with somewhat lower memory use and tighter integration with Microsoft accounts and Office, but who don't mind Microsoft's own set of default suggestions and data collection.

Key features

  • Chromium engine with Chrome Web Store extension compatibility
  • Vertical tabs and tab grouping for heavy multitaskers
  • Built-in Copilot sidebar for AI-assisted browsing and summarization
  • Efficiency Mode to reduce CPU and battery use on laptops
  • Sync tied to a Microsoft account, integrating with OneDrive and Microsoft 365
  • Built-in tracking prevention with Basic, Balanced, and Strict levels
  • Enterprise management via Microsoft Endpoint Manager group policies

System requirements

Operating system
Preinstalled on Windows 11; also available for Windows 10 (64-bit)
Architecture
x64 or ARM64 build
Account
Optional Microsoft account for sync

How to install Microsoft Edge

  1. 1. Already on Windows 11

    Edge is preinstalled; no download is needed unless reinstalling or updating an older build.

  2. 2. Manual download

    For Windows 10 or a fresh install, go to microsoft.com/edge/download and choose the Windows 64-bit or ARM64 build.

  3. 3. Sign in (optional)

    Sign in with a Microsoft account to sync favorites, passwords, and open tabs, and to connect Microsoft 365 apps.

  4. 4. Import from Chrome

    Edge offers a one-click import of bookmarks, passwords, and extensions from Chrome on first run.

How to use it

  1. 1. Adjust tracking prevention

    Settings > Privacy, search, and services lets you choose Basic, Balanced, or Strict tracking prevention.

  2. 2. Reduce default suggestions

    Turn off sponsored links and personalized ads under Settings > Privacy if you find them intrusive.

  3. 3. Try vertical tabs

    Enable vertical tabs from the tab bar toggle for easier navigation with many open tabs.

  4. 4. Use Efficiency Mode on laptops

    Enable it under Settings > System and performance to extend battery life when running on battery power.

Safety and privacy

  • Edge is preinstalled and code-signed by Microsoft; the standalone installer at microsoft.com/edge/download is the only channel we link to for manual installs.
  • Because Edge shares Chromium's codebase, most Chrome-related security research and patches apply here as well.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle unrelated third-party software.
Privacy
Edge collects diagnostic telemetry and, when signed into a Microsoft account, some browsing signals used for personalization and Microsoft advertising products. Settings > Privacy, search, and services lets you reduce telemetry to a 'Basic' level and disable personalized ads.

Known risks

  • Third-party extensions, whether from the Microsoft store or the Chrome Web Store, are the main practical risk; review permissions before installing.
  • Some default features (sponsored links, Bing search suggestions) are on by default and need manual opt-out.

What's new

  • Current stable channel

    Edge updates automatically alongside Windows Update and its own updater. Check the developer's release notes at microsoft.com/edge for the current version.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Preinstalled and deeply integrated with Windows 11
  • Chrome Web Store extension compatibility
  • Generally lower memory use than Chrome with similar tab counts
  • Strong enterprise management tools for IT admins

Cons

  • Default settings include sponsored content and suggestions some users find pushy
  • Telemetry and Microsoft account data collection is comparable to Chrome's Google ties
  • Copilot sidebar and other AI features can't be fully removed, only minimized
  • Uninstalling Edge entirely on Windows is discouraged and sometimes blocked by system components

Verdict

Edge is a solid, low-friction choice for Windows 11 users, especially those in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and it's already there by default. Users bothered by its default suggestions or Microsoft account ties may prefer Firefox or Brave.

Frequently asked questions

Is Microsoft Edge free?

Yes, Edge is free and preinstalled on Windows 11 with no paid tier.

Can I uninstall Edge on Windows 11?

Microsoft discourages full removal since some system components rely on it; you can set another browser as default instead, which covers most users' needs.

Can Edge use Chrome extensions?

Yes, Edge can install extensions directly from the Chrome Web Store in addition to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store.

Does Edge use less RAM than Chrome?

Edge generally uses somewhat less memory than Chrome with sleeping tabs enabled, though actual usage depends heavily on open tabs and extensions.