14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has created a new Microsoft Store category that groups all Edge browser extensions, making it easier for Windows 10 users to find and download browser add-ons.
While the existing extension collection on Windows 10 does not compare with the one of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, for example, it’s certainly getting bigger, and the essentials are already available for download. Truth be told, several super-popular extensions are still missing, but sooner or later they should be released for Edge as well.
The new “Edge Extensions” category is placed at the top of the Microsoft Store app next to Home, Apps, Games, Movies & TV, and Books, but it’s worth mentioning that not everyone appears to be seeing it, so it’s most likely just an experiment for now ahead of a more widespread release.
The new category requires Microsoft Store version 11802.1001.8.0, but I’m running the exact same version on a testing system powered by Windows 10 Redstone 5 preview build 17618 and the extensions category is missing.
Not available for everyone just yet
On the other hand, Microsoft does highlight “Extensions for Microsoft Edge” in all stores without a dedicated section, so the only difference is that a new entry is now placed at the top of the screen.
As compared to its rivals, Microsoft Edge is still lagging in terms of adoption. Google’s Chrome browser is currently the number one desktop browser with a share that exceeds 60%, while Firefox is the runner-up with some 10%, according to NetMarketShare data.
Microsoft Edge is still being used as the daily driver on approximately 5% of the systems, despite Microsoft’s rather aggressive push that included desktop popups and a more complex approach to change the default browser.
It remains to be seen how fast Microsoft Edge can improve its adoption figures but offering easier access to extensions with a dedicated category in the Store is something that perfectly makes sense.
