Edge Legacy replaced with the new Chromium browser

Apr 13, 2021 19:29 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has finally retired the original Windows 10 browser, with the company automatically replacing the legacy version of Microsoft Edge with the new Chromium-based sibling.

The switch happens as part of the April 2021 Patch Tuesday rollout and is powered by the new cumulative updates that were published today.

In other words, when you install the April 2021 cumulative updates, Windows 10 automatically removes the legacy version of Microsoft Edge and instead downloads and installs the Chromium replacement.

If you have already installed the Chromium-based Edge, then the new cumulative update just removes the original version of the browser.

“When you apply this update to your devices, the out of support Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application will be removed and the new Microsoft Edge will be installed. The new Microsoft Edge offers built-in security and our best interoperability with the Microsoft security ecosystem, all while being more secure than Chrome for businesses on Windows 10,” Microsoft says.

All data migrated automatically to the new browser

The transition to the new browser would be as smooth as possible, as all the data would be automatically transferred to the Chromium Edge, including bookmarks, history, and passwords.

“We do not recommend skipping this update. Windows cumulative monthly security updates provide critical updates to the Windows 10 operating system,” Microsoft explains. “Your Windows 10 defaults and personalization, such as your default browser or taskbar pins, will be respected (e.g. if you had Microsoft Edge Legacy pinned to the taskbar, this would be replaced with the new Microsoft Edge).”

The new browser is a cross-platform offering, so it runs not only on Windows 10, but also on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, macOS, and Linux. Mobile versions are also available on Android and iOS to use Edge even when on the go.