Anaheim (2019–present) On December 6, 2018, Microsoft announced its intent to base Edge on the Chromium source code, using the same rendering engine as Google Chrome but with enhancements developed by Microsoft. It was also announced that there will be versions of Edge available for Windows 7, Windows 8 and macOS, plus that all versions will be updated on a more frequent basis. While the Microsoft Edge browser is definitely a compelling upgrade to Internet Explorer in Windows 10, it's struggled against aggressive competition from Google, Apple, and Mozilla. Windows Vista is an operating system produced by Microsoft as a member of the Windows NT family of operating systems for use on personal computers. Development was completed on November 8, 2006, and over the following three months, it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers and retail channels.
-->This article describes how Windows will be updated to support the next version of Microsoft Edge.
Important
Refer to the Microsoft Edge product team blog post about Microsoft Edge Legacy end of service.
Note
This article applies to the Microsoft Edge Stable channel.
Microsoft Edge and the Windows release cycle
The next version of Microsoft Edge features more frequent and more flexible updating capabilities. Because browser releases aren't bound to the Windows major releases, changes will be made to the operating system to ensure that the next version of Microsoft Edge fits seamlessly into Windows. As a result, feature updates will be released on a 6-week cycle (approximately). Security and compatibility updates will be shipped as needed.
Updates and the user experience
Updates won’t change the user experience until the Stable channel of the next version of Microsoft Edge is installed. Installing Microsoft Edge Beta, Dev, or Canary won’t trigger any changes in Windows. These browser releases will be installed alongside existing browsers.
When all the updates are applied AND the Stable channel of the next version of Microsoft Edge is installed at the system-level, the following changes will take effect on the system:
All start menu pins, tiles, and shortcuts for the current version of Microsoft Edge will migrate to the next version of Microsoft Edge.
All taskbar pins and shortcuts for the current version of Microsoft Edge will migrate to the next version of Microsoft Edge.
The next version of Microsoft Edge will be pinned to the taskbar. If the current version of Microsoft Edge is already pinned, it will be replaced.
The next version of Microsoft Edge will add a shortcut to the desktop. If the current version of Microsoft Edge already has a shortcut, it will be replaced.
Most protocols that Microsoft Edge handles by default will be migrated to the next version of Microsoft Edge.
Current Microsoft Edge will be hidden from all UX surfaces in the OS, including settings, all apps, and any file or protocol support dialogs.
All attempts to launch the current version of Microsoft Edge will redirect to the next version of Microsoft Edge.
Note
User-level installs won’t trigger these behaviors.
Along with the previous changes, there are changes that will happen regardless of whether the Stable channel of the next version of Microsoft Edge is installed.
- Microsoft Edge will de-register for the books and XML protocols that the next version of Microsoft Edge doesn't support. Users attempting to open these protocols will get a dialog that prompts them to choose a default app. Learn more about changes to books support at Download an ePub app to keep reading e-books.
Timeline
The changes needed to support the described experience will be delivered with three updates for different versions of Windows.
Windows versions 1903 and 1909
First set of changes in optional July 2019 update, delivered with the August 2019 security update.
Second set of changes in the optional August 2019 update, delivered with the September 2019 security update.
Note
This is the update where Microsoft Edge will de-register for the XML protocol.
Third set of changes in the optional September 2019 update, delivered with the October 2019 security update.
Note
This is the update where Microsoft Edge will no longer support eBooks.
Windows versions 1709, 1803, and 1809
First set of changes in an optional August 2019 update, delivered with the September 2019 security update.
Second set of changes in an optional September 2019 update, delivered with the October 2019 security update.
Note
This is the update where Microsoft Edge will de-register for the XML protocol.
Third set of changes in an optional October 2019 update, delivered with the November 2019 security update.
Note
This is the update where Microsoft Edge will no longer support eBooks.
The following table gives the details for specific updates in each set of changes.
| Windows 10 | More Information | Required Download |
|---|---|---|
| Version 1709 | KB4525241 | Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1709 |
| Version 1803 | KB4525237 | Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1803 |
| Version 1809 | KB4523205 | Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1809 |
| Version 1903 and 1909 | KB4517389 | Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 and 1909 |
See also
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This article describes the supported operating systems that apply to Microsoft Edge.
Note
This article applies to the Microsoft Edge versions 77 and higher for the desktop.
Supported Operating Systems for Microsoft Edge
Note
Product functionality and feature availability may vary on older operating systems. To ensure that Microsoft Edge installs correctly, use the latest version of any operating system specified below. This guidance includes the latest cumulative update, as applicable.
Microsoft Edge follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy and is supported on the following operating systems.
Windows Client
- Windows 7 **
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 10 SAC 1709 and later ***
- Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSC
- Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSC
- Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC
- Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC ****
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC ****
Windows Server
Microsoft Edge Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2008 R2 **
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016 (LTSC)
- Windows Server 2019 (LTSC)
- Windows Server (SAC)
Important
** We will continue to support Microsoft Edge on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 until January 15, 2022. These operating systems are out of support and Microsoft recommends you move to a supported operating system such as Windows 10. While Microsoft Edge helps keep you more secure on the web, your PC may still be vulnerable to security risks. In order for IE mode to be supported on these operating systems the devices will need to have the Extended Security Updates for Windows 7. Without the Windows 7 Extended Security updates Internet Explorer functionality will be vulnerable to security risks. Additionally, IE mode functionality may cease to work without the continued servicing through the extended security updates.
*** In the same fashion as above, for Windows 10 SAC releases that are out of support but Microsoft Edge is supported it is recommended to upgrade to a supported Win10 SAC release as soon as possible to remain secure. Microsoft Edge being supported in this state should be considered a temporary bridge to getting to a supported OS state.
**** The Microsoft Edge OPK is available on MOO for IoT OEMs to preinstall and distribute as part of their Windows 10 IoT Enterprise based solution.
macOS
- Sierra (10.12) and later
iOS
Microsoft Edge for iPad® and iPhone® requires iOS 11.0 or later. Microsoft Edge for iPad Pro™ requires iOS 11.0 or later. Microsoft Edge is supported on the two most recent versions of iOS. When a new version of iOS is released, the Microsoft Edge Operating System requirement becomes the then-current two most recent versions: the new version of iOS and the previous version.
Android
Windows 7
Microsoft Edge for Android can be installed on tablets and phones that meet the following criteria: devices running Android KitKat 4.4 or later with an ARM-based processor.
Microsoft Edge Windows Vista Download
Apple Silicon Macs
Microsoft Edge native support as of Stable version 88 for Apple Silicon Macs.
Chromebooks
Microsoft Edge Compatible With Windows Vista
Microsoft Edge does not support Chromebooks.
Microsoft Edge Pour Windows Vista
Recent changes
- 12/17/2020 - Microsoft Edge support on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 extended to January 15, 2022.
- 01/28/2021 - Microsoft Edge support for Apple Silicon Macs.
See also