There’s a new Microsoft browser in town, as Microsoft has started the automatic rollout of Chromium-based Microsoft Edge to users on Windows 10.
Many are reluctant to use it once the browser lands on their devices, and too many believe that it’s still just another Microsoft browser that should be used to download Google Chrome.
But at the end of the day, the new Edge is actually worth a try, and there are three key things that everybody needs to know about it. And there’s a good chance these would convince you to take it for a spin.
Based on the same engine as Google Chrome
- Grab a build: Grab the latest special build, these retain all previous drivers, including Broadcom.
- Extensions that add a little fun to your browsing. This category includes extensions that add special effects to web pages; games, comic strips and more.
First and foremost, if you’re one of those who think Microsoft Edge is the best browser to download Google Chrome, well… this is no longer the case.
Chrome OS's split-screen mode can be a helpful way to multitask while using a Chromebook in its tablet mode. (Click the image to enlarge it.) 15. While viewing two apps in a split-screen setup. If you're having problems downloading Chrome on your Windows computer, you can try the alternate link below to download Chrome on a different computer. On a computer connected to the Internet, download the alternate Chrome installer.; Move the file to the computer where you want to install Chrome.
And it’s all pretty simple. Microsoft Edge is now running on the same engine as Google Chrome, so Microsoft and Google are now both contributing to improving Chromium simply because they need it to be better and support more features.
So the feature lineup of Microsoft Edge is now nearly on part with Google Chrome’s, and while there still are differences between the two, the browsers can work with the same extensions, themes, and boast similar features.
At the end of the day, Microsoft Edge is now a fully-featured alternative to Google Chrome, and this is the reason its adoption is also improving. Edge has already managed to overtake Mozilla Firefox, so it’s now the second most-used desktop browser out there.
Cross-platform browser
While many still consider Microsoft Edge a Windows 10 browser, it’s actually a cross-platform application now. The transition to the Chromium engine allowed Microsoft to step beyond the Windows 10 world, so the new Edge is offered to users on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and even non-Windows platforms like macOS. Microsoft is also working on a Linux version, but this one doesn’t have an ETA now.
At the same time, Microsoft Edge is also available on mobile devices, so you can also install it on Android and iPhone to benefit from sync features and have your data with you even on the go.
As a summary, here are the platforms where Microsoft Edge is now available:
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 10
- macOS
- Linux (coming soon)
- Android
- iOS
In other words, it’s available everywhere where Google Chrome is also offered – except for Chrome OS.
Downloads Folder On Chromebook
The new default on Windows 10
Needless to say, the Chromium-powered Microsoft Edge is offered as the new default browser on Windows 10, and the change takes place automatically regardless of the installation method.
How To Download Things On Chromebook
If you install the browser manually (using the stand-alone installer), Microsoft Edge automatically replaces Edge Legacy and becomes the new default. At the same time, if the browser lands on the device via Windows Update (Microsoft is now automatically offering the browser on Windows Update for all Windows 10 devices), it also replaces Edge legacy without any input required from the user.
This is something that makes sense going forward, and the transition is as smooth as possible, with all your data from old Edge transferred to its modern sibling.
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This means the switch from Edge Legacy to its Chromium successor is pretty seamless, so when launching the new app, everything should already be there, including bookmarks, passwords, and history.
The new browser also takes over shortcuts, pins, and everything else on Windows 10, and while the old version will continue to be there on your device, it’s much harder to launch it after installing the Chromium browser.