Microsoft Edge now installed on version 2004 too

Sep 14, 2020 16:12 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has recently re-released Windows update KB4576754 to offer support for Windows 10 version 2004, or May 2020 Update, essentially forcing the new Edge browser on its latest desktop operating system release.

Windows 10 version 2004 was officially launched in late May, and since then, devices across the world have been receiving it in stages. The rollout still continues today, as general availability is yet to be reached, despite the fact that Microsoft is expected to complete another feature update as soon as this month.

Windows 10 version 20H2 should be completed in September, while the rollout for production devices should kick off in October or November.

If you think you’ve heard of update KB4576754 before, you’re not wrong. This is a rather infamous update that pushes the new Chromium-powered Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 devices, replacing the legacy version of the browser, as well as its files and browsing data.

Borncity first report about KB4576754 being re-released earlier this month when the update landed on the first devices running Windows 10 version 2004. The rollout most likely happens gradually, as I still haven’t received the update on my laptop running the May update.

According to the official KB page, the latest revision to this update was released on August 31, and now KB4576754 is aimed at Windows 10 version 1809 and newer, with version 2004 included too.

“Microsoft has released a new Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge. This new version provides best in class compatibility with extensions and websites. Additionally, this new version provides great support for the latest rendering capabilities, modern web applications, and powerful developer tools across all supported OS platforms,” Microsoft explains.

Once the update is installed and Microsoft Edge legacy is replaced with its Chromium-based sibling, you should see the new browser launching after a system reboot to provide you with the first-run welcome screen.

“The First Run Experience (FRE) will auto-launch the first time that a device restarts after the new Microsoft Edge is installed. This does not occur on devices joined to a Domain, Active Directory, Azure AD or on Windows 10 Enterprise and Surface Hub Editions,” Microsoft explains.

What you need to know is that the Chromium version of Edge replaces pretty much everything that is linked with the legacy browser, thus making the transition as smooth as it can be. The browsing history, the bookmarks, the shortcuts, and the desktop icons, everything is moved to the new browser, so there’s a chance that many might not even notice that a new browser was installed on the devices.

Needless to say, many have complained that Microsoft is forcing the new browser on their devices. The company, however, provides users with a blocker toolkit that can be installed to prevent this update from being offered on Windows Update.

Leaving aside all the criticism that Microsoft has been forced to deal with lately due to this update, the new Microsoft Edge browser is actually worth a try.

The application comes with a feature lineup that’s obviously similar to the one of Google Chrome, but at the same time, it also bundles additional tools that remind of the legacy version of Edge. Needless to say, it also comes with support for Microsoft accounts, and you can configure sync features to have data like the passwords and the bookmarks roaming across devices, with Android support also offered.

Going forward, it’s pretty clear that this Chromium version of Edge is the chosen one for Windows 10, so sooner or later, the legacy version of the browser should just get the ax and go away from Windows. No ETA has been provided, however, as to when the switch is supposed to happen.