14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s new Chromium-powered version of Microsoft Edge is already available for download, and the company has already confirmed that eventually, the new browser would be pushed automatically to devices running Windows 10.
And it looks like the rollout is ready to start, as Microsoft has recently published support articles for all versions of Windows 10 to detail what’s changing once the new Edge goes live on Windows Update.
More specifically, Microsoft has released the following KB articles, as spotted by German site Deskmodder:
- KB4541302 - Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909
- KB4541301 - Windows 10 version 1803 and 1809
- KB4559309 - Windows 10 version 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004
Replacing the original Edge
Microsoft says that starting the original version of Edge would no longer be possible, as “attempts to start the current version of Microsoft Edge will redirect to the new Microsoft Edge.”
Furthermore, most data, such as passwords, favorites, and open tabs, will be automatically transferred to the new browser, which will be also pinned to the taskbar, replacing all Start menu pins, tiles, and shortcuts.
More interesting is that Microsoft explains that while the legacy version of the browser would be hidden, removing the new version once it’s installed via Windows Update is no longer possible.
“The current version of Microsoft Edge will be hidden from UX surfaces in the OS. This includes settings, applications, and any file or protocol support dialog boxes. This new Microsoft Edge does not support uninstalling of this update,” the software giant notes.
The new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge is available on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and macOS. Microsoft is also working on a Linux version that should launch later this year in preview.