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New Chromium Based Edge Browser Update From Windows 10

By June 17, 2020May 5th, 2022Technology News

Microsoft has been talking for months about their new Edge browser based on Chromium technology. Users will finally be able to see it in action as of the KB4559309 Windows 10 update, which will replace the legacy Edge browser with the company’s latest offering.

It should be noted that previous Windows 10 releases did include the new Chromium-based Edge browser, but it was installed alongside the legacy Edge browser.

Also, in order to use the new Chromium-based browser, you had to make the conscious choice to open the new browser. Your legacy Edge browser would open by default.

That changes with the KB4559309 update, which purges the legacy Edge browser. At that point, if you want to use a Microsoft-based browser, your only option will be the new Chromium Edge. Any attempt to open the legacy browser will automatically redirect to the new product.

As part of the update, all of your user data stored in the legacy Edge browser will be ported to the new code. That includes tabs from previous sessions, saved passwords, and bookmarked websites. A small point, but one still worth mentioning, is the fact that unlike previous updates, a system restart is not required to begin making use of the new browser.

If you don’t want to have the new Edge browser installed on your device, you can prevent it. However, doing so requires you to go deep into the system, adding a “DoNotUpdateToEdgeWithChromium” key in your Windows Registry.

That, however, is not a step recommended for anyone except the most experienced Windows users. That is because any time you start playing in the Registry, you run the risk of doing serious damage to the system, so proceed with extreme caution.

On balance, the new Chromium-based Edge browser looks like a good upgrade and the early sense is that most users will be pleased with the change. Stay tuned, because it’s coming soon!

Jason Manteiga

Jason J. Manteiga, Vice President of Olmec Systems, has been part of the company for over the past 20 years. He believes that having a great work environment and supportive team, is the ultimate key to success. Since being in the IT realm for over 25 years, Jason, along with Olmec Systems, has been on the Inc. 5000 “List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” and Channel Futures MSP 501 “Top Managed Service Providers in North America,” along with other awards and nominations. Jason earned his Bachelor Degree in Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also holds certifications in Microsoft MCSE, VMWare VCP, and Cisco CCNA. In his spare time, Jason is a contributor for The Center for Social & Legal Research (Privacy Exchange) and a member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies include cycling and kayaking. He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters and son.