Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It was first introduced in 2015 alongside the Windows 10 operating system and later transitioned to the Chromium platform, making it available on multiple platforms. Edge is widely preferred due to its built-in security features and seamless integration with the operating system, supporting both desktop and mobile devices.

Development Process and Transition to Chromium

The initial version of Microsoft Edge was launched in 2015 to replace Internet Explorer. Originally powered by Microsoft’s proprietary EdgeHTML engine, Edge faced criticism from users and developers for limited extension support, low performance, and compatibility issues. These shortcomings prompted Microsoft to adopt the more flexible and widely adopted Chromium platform.

In 2019, Microsoft announced a new version of Edge based on Chromium, which became available to users in 2020. While this new version uses the same core engine as Google Chrome, it includes Microsoft-specific optimizations in areas such as privacy, performance, and Windows integration. This transition enabled Edge to be made available on platforms such as macOS, iOS, and Android. Additionally, the new version achieved compatibility with extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

Features and Applications

Microsoft Edge offers most of the core features found in modern browsers, along with several Microsoft-specific functions. The “Collections” feature helps users organize research and links, while the “Vertical Tabs” feature simplifies the management of multiple tabs. The “Sleeping Tabs” feature temporarily disables inactive tabs to conserve system resources.

Edge also incorporates built-in tracking protection and security tools such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. For enterprise users, integration with Microsoft 365 and an Internet Explorer mode provide easier access to legacy business applications. Additionally, productivity tools such as reading mode, PDF editing, and web capture are integrated directly into the browser.

Recent Developments and Usage Popularity

Since its transition to the Chromium-based version, Microsoft Edge has significantly increased its market share and has become one of the most widely used browsers after Google Chrome. Microsoft has further integrated Edge deeply into the Windows 11 operating system. For example, Edge-specific tabs are listed separately in the Windows Task Manager, and PDF files opened via Edge can be accessed directly, demonstrating this level of integration.

The browser’s AI-powered features are also being continuously updated. With the integration of Copilot, AI-assisted search and content generation are now possible through Bing Chat. Edge caters to diverse user groups through synchronization with Microsoft accounts, parental controls, child-specific modes, and a range of customization tools.