No, Microsoft Edge is not being phased out; rather, its old "Legacy" version (based on EdgeHTML) was replaced by the current Chromium-based Edge, which Microsoft actively supports and integrates into Windows and Microsoft 365, with features and updates continuing through at least 2029 for IE Mode and longer for the browser itself. Microsoft is phasing out Internet Explorer 11, not Edge, and provides IE Mode for legacy business needs.
Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Microsoft Edge
It's not recommended to remove Microsoft Edge from Windows 11, as it's deeply integrated into the system for certain tasks like updates and default browser functionality. Attempting to uninstall it can cause issues with the operating system.
Ultimately, whether you should choose Microsoft Edge as your browser depends on what you're looking for. If you want something fast, reliable, and full of useful features, or maybe you're just tired of using Chrome, Edge might just be worth downloading.
What is the disadvantage of Microsoft Edge? According to some, Edge has a tendency to crash more often than its competitors. Aside from that, one of its biggest hurdles is reputation. Many users still associate it with Internet Explorer, which was slow and clunky – despite Edge being rebuilt from the ground up.
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Brave works on all PCs, and performs far better on Windows machines than Edge does. By blocking ads and trackers, it uses less RAM and CPU, and saves memory.
Support for Microsoft Edge Legacy ended on March 9. 2021. If you attempt to access Microsoft Web apps and services from Internet Explorer after August 17, 2021, you might experience degraded performance or be unable to connect at all.
You aren't able to uninstall edge as this is part of the operating system, however chrome will give you the option to set it as the default browser once installed.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect you from phishing scams, malware websites, and from downloading potentially malicious files. That's peace of mind for every click.
In its new version of Windows, Microsoft seems to have become especially aggressive in pushing its own apps over the apps that had been installed as defaults before the upgrade. In other words, Edge suddenly became your default browser.
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Will my Windows 10 computer stop working? No. Support for Windows 10 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after October 14, 2025, your computer running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates.
People look for software that's easier and feels good, and Firefox simply isn't smooth, doesn't offer as many features out of the box (even some common features), and it doesn't work as well. You might be a power user, but most people don't want to have to jump through the extra hoops.
Edge Has Features That Make it More Secure Than Chrome
Edge is based on the same Chromium engine as Chrome, but its features can enhance the privacy and protection of its users. For example, Edge has a built-in tracking prevention feature that blocks third-party trackers from collecting your browsing data.
Ultimately, Google Chrome collects anything and everything it can on users and their activity. Avoid using Google Chrome if you want a browser focused on privacy.
While popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox offer robust security features, specialized browsers such as Brave and Tor provide enhanced privacy and security.
DuckDuckGo is generally safe, but like any platform it isn't completely immune to threats like malware. DuckDuckGo's tracker blocker only covers well-known trackers, so it may not catch newer or unknown threats.
It's important to select a browser that will work seamlessly with the applications that you're planning on using. Different web browsers perform at different speeds, with the underlying code largely responsible for the discrepancies. Research shows that Google Chrome is the fastest, just beating Microsoft Edge.
Chrome continues to be the most widely used browser on both mobile and desktop platforms. Safari, benefiting significantly from being the default browser on iOS devices, holds a strong second place.