Anyone know why the new MS Edge is installed to 'Program Files (x86) Microsoft Edge Application' when it's supposed to be a 64-bit application?
With a rather dismal reputation with its Internet Explorer browser, Microsoft had to come up with something to rival the giants in the Internet web browser market which had essentially been taken over by the likes of Google with its Google Chrome. That's where Microsoft Edge comes into play.
The new web browser by MS is a completely new browser that is powered by the same open source software called Chromium, a project started by Google employees which eventually lead to the creation of the Chrome browser.
With that said, the new Microsoft Edge browser is certainly faster a far more compatible with web technologies than Internet Explorer ever was. It is powered by Microsoft's EdgeHTML which attempts to keep up with standards.
The design and layout of Microsoft Edge have a distinct Microsoft look to them, which means it matches quite well with its operating systems, especially Windows 10. The settings and customization options include are not too dissimilar from Google Chrome, so there's an element of familiarity for those switching from that browser.
In terms of system resources, the browser is similar to other modern browsers in that it's fast and responsive. However during tests, it seems a bit faster than Chrome with many tabs open.
When increasing the functionality of this web browser, you're given access to a multitude of different extensions. You may access extensions from Google's Chrome store if you wish, however Microsoft does maintain its own store which is exclusively for Edge users.
Overall, the look and feel of Microsoft Edge is a very welcome change from the days of Internet Explorer and it seems to be the right path taken by choosing the widely utilized Chromium source. Speed has certainly improved and the different customization options available for users of Microsoft's browser are welcome.
This download is licensed as freeware for the Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) operating system on a laptop or desktop PC from web browsers without restrictions. Microsoft Edge 90.0.818.42 is available to all software users as a free download for Windows.
Filed under:Microsoft never appears to be completely happy with their web browser. Despite having far more powerful alternatives, users paranoid about the dangers lurking around the internet would insist on using Internet Explorer.
When Edge was first launched, in a rather basic form, with limited extension support, we used to receive complaints from people who'd bought a security suite and wanted a refund as their new security wouldn't support Edge (overlooking this was an issue with Edge, not their security). This is the trust placed by end users in Microsoft and their development.
With the above in mind, and the need to be able to produce a solid, competitive and secure web browser, Microsoft has decided to stop trying to build their own from scratch and move to a Chromium framework, which is the engine that powers Google Chrome and other browsers.
Edge is the release version of this new browser. Unlike Chrome, Microsoft has deployed their own account system which will eventually synchronise your data including favourites, extensions, themes and browsing history. Right now, only your favourites are synchronised.
What's instantly noticeable is support for existing Chrome extensions. So you can import some of your favourite Chrome extensions from the get-go.
Edge will now replace the old 'Edge' on Windows 10.
Finally, Edge Chromium comes to Windows 10 and we're impressed. Recommended.