Update to the new Microsoft Edge

Applies To
Microsoft Edge

Why move to Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge provides a fast, secure, and modern browsing experience built on Chromium. Support for legacy browsers such as Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge Legacy has ended. Some Microsoft services, including Microsoft 365 web apps, may not work as expected in older browsers.

Faster performance

Microsoft Edge is designed for speed and efficiency:

  • Startup boost helps the browser open faster by running core processes in the background.
  • Sleeping tabs improve performance by freeing system resources from inactive tabs.

Improved security

Microsoft Edge includes built-in security features to help protect you while browsing:

  • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps identify phishing and malware sites and warns you about unsafe downloads. For more information about security in Microsoft Edge, see How can SmartScreen help protect me in Microsoft Edge
  • SmartScreen checks websites and downloads against known threats to help keep your device safe.

More control over privacy

Microsoft Edge helps you manage how your data is tracked online:

  • Tracking prevention lets you choose between Basic, Balanced, and Strict levels to control trackers. For more information about tracking prevention, see Learn about tracking prevention in Microsoft Edge.
  • InPrivate browsing helps keep your browsing history, cookies, and form data from being saved on the device after you close all InPrivate windows. For more information about InPrivate browsing, see Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge.

Built-in tools for browsing and accessibility

Microsoft Edge includes features to help you read and interact with web content:

  • Immersive Reader simplifies webpages and provides tools like Read Aloud and text customization.
  • Accessibility and reading tools help improve focus and comprehension when viewing web content.

For more information about how to use Immersive Reader, see Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge.

Sync across devices

Sign in to Microsoft Edge to access your data across devices:

  • Sync your favorites, passwords, browsing history, and settings.
  • Continue browsing from one device to another.

Your data stays consistent across devices when you use the same account. For more information about syncing across multiple devices, see Sign in to sync Microsoft Edge across devices.

Download and install Microsoft Edge

  1. Select Start, then search for Microsoft Edge.
  2. If you see the Microsoft Edge app, open it.
  3. If you don’t see it, use the below link to download Microsoft Edge.

Download Microsoft Edge

When prompted, Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?, select Yes.

Import your browser data

To bring your bookmarks, passwords, and settings into Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Select Settings and more (...) > Settings.
  3. Select Profiles > Import browser data.
  4. Choose the browser to import from, then select Import.

For more information about importing your browser data, see Import your favorites and passwords in Microsoft Edge or watch the video Microsoft Edge Import Browser Data Tutorial.

Make Microsoft Edge your default browser

Windows 11

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Apps > Default apps.
  3. Search for Microsoft Edge.
  4. Select Set default.

Windows 10

  1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Default apps.
  2. Under Web browser, select your current browser.
  3. Select Microsoft Edge.

macOS

  1. Open the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
  2. Select Desktop & Dock.
  3. Choose Microsoft Edge as your default browser.

Customize Microsoft Edge

Change appearance

  1. Select Settings and more (...) > Settings.
  2. Select Appearance.
  3. Choose your theme, fonts, zoom level, and toolbar options.

Set startup behavior

  1. Go to Settings > Start, home, and new tabs.
  2. Choose what opens when you start the browser.

Customize the new tab page

  1. Open a new tab.
  2. Select Page settings (gear icon).
  3. Choose a layout, background, and content preferences.

What if I don't have administrator privileges on my device?

To fully upgrade to the new Microsoft Edge, you must be signed in to your device using an administrator account. If you don't have this level of access, contact your IT administrator to request access or have someone complete the upgrade who has an administrator account on your device.