Edge browser Archives

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Microsoft appears to be dumping native Copilot for Windows 11 in favour of web wrapper yet again

The latest update for Copilot has transformed it into a WebView-based application, marking it as a hybrid app rather than fully native. The new Copilot (version 146.0.3856.63) operates as a web application, evidenced by multiple sub-processes in the Task Manager that are characteristic of Microsoft Edge. The version number of Copilot aligns closely with that of Microsoft Edge. The revamped Copilot functions as a web app within a desktop shell but loads content from copilot.microsoft.com. Despite its web-based nature, it performs comparably to its native predecessor and launches more quickly. Microsoft had previously announced a "native" version of Copilot, which was misleading as it still relied on web components. In 2025, Microsoft began distributing a truly native Copilot app, free of web components, which started in March 2025. However, the Copilot has now reverted to a web-based format for users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans to extend this change to non-Insiders soon.

Tech Optimizer

March 12, 2026

Free vs. Paid Antivirus: Is Paying for Protection Really Worth It?

Antivirus companies often offer free protection to build brand awareness, but many restrict their free versions to non-commercial use. Examples include Avast One Basic, AVG AntiVirus Free, Avira Free Security, and Panda Free Antivirus. Free antivirus software typically comes with limited tech support, with direct assistance reserved for paying customers. Key features may be missing in free versions, such as the ability to redirect users from dangerous websites or real-time protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in option that activates when no other antivirus is present but can be cumbersome and has limited protection against malicious URLs outside the Edge browser. Avast One Basic and AVG AntiVirus Free are recognized as top free options, but leading commercial products like Norton AntiVirus Plus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus consistently outperform them. Both Norton and Bitdefender offer enhanced features beyond basic antivirus capabilities. While free antivirus can be effective, paid solutions provide greater protection and peace of mind.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 ad accidentally promoted Google Chrome, then quietly edited after people noticed it

On December 23, 2025, Microsoft launched a YouTube advertisement for Windows 11 that mistakenly featured the Chrome icon on the taskbar. After coverage by Windows Latest, Microsoft quickly edited the ad to replace the Chrome icon with its Edge browser. The inclusion of Chrome was seen as an oversight, as Microsoft aims to promote Edge over Chrome and Bing. The original ad, which included Chrome, is still available in saved copies, but the current version on YouTube has removed the Chrome icon. Microsoft has not publicly acknowledged the mistake, and similar competitive tactics are also used by Google to promote Chrome.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Microsoft Edge finally lets you hide the Copilot icon from the browser’s toolbar — Are you clicking “remove”?

Microsoft has released an update for its Edge browser, version 144.0.3719.82, which includes bug fixes, feature enhancements, and improvements. Key fixes include resolving a browser crash during file uploads. New features include: - Default Profile for External Links: Uses the Primary Work Profile for opening external links. - Management Enrollment Token Policy Update: Requires configuration directly from the platform. - Performance Settings Update: Renames efficiency mode to "Energy Saver" and PC gaming feature to "PC Gaming Boost." - Tenant Restrictions v2 (TRv2): Blocks access from unauthorized Microsoft 365 tenants. - Copilot Icon Management: Users can manage the visibility of the Copilot icon in the toolbar. - Contextual Nudges: Provides summaries of open pages from the address bar. - Enhanced Autofill Experience: Prompts users to save addresses intentionally. - Desktop Visual Search: Allows sending images to Bing Visual Search for identification. The update also allows users to hide the Copilot icon and discontinues the Collections feature.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited

On Tuesday, Microsoft released its first security update for 2026, addressing 114 vulnerabilities, including eight classified as Critical and 106 as Important. The vulnerabilities include 58 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning information disclosure, 21 linked to remote code execution, and five categorized as spoofing flaws. A notable vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, involves information disclosure within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and has a CVSS score of 5.5. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to implement fixes by February 3, 2026. Additionally, Microsoft announced the expiration of three Windows Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011, effective June 2026, urging customers to transition to newer certificates to avoid disruptions. The update also removed vulnerable Agere Soft Modem drivers due to a local privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2023-31096) and addressed another critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows Virtualization-Based Security (CVE-2026-20876) with a CVSS score of 6.7. Other vendors, including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, have also released security patches for various vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

If ChatGPT Atlas browser lands on Windows 11, Microsoft Edge already looks ready to “intercept” it with Edge/Bing upsell

Microsoft has a history of discouraging users from downloading Chrome through its Edge browser and Bing search engine. This practice may extend to OpenAI’s upcoming ChatGPT Atlas, which is designed as an agentic browser. Currently, searches for Google Chrome on Bing prompt users to continue using Edge, highlighting its features. If users attempt to download Chrome directly, they receive reminders of Edge's advantages. Microsoft is reportedly preparing to intercept the launch of ChatGPT Atlas on Windows, as indicated by experimental flags found in Edge Canary. These flags suggest that Edge will attempt to redirect users from ChatGPT Atlas, similar to its approach with Chrome. ChatGPT Atlas can autonomously navigate the web based on user prompts, posing a potential challenge to Edge's popularity. Microsoft is likely concerned about losing users to ChatGPT Atlas, which offers more advanced agentic functionalities than Edge's Copilot feature.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, noted user frustration with the aggressive integration of AI into Windows 11, despite the company's efforts to enhance user experience with features like Copilot, which operates on models similar to ChatGPT. Windows 11 includes various AI functionalities, such as Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, and aims to transform the OS into an "agentic OS" with features like Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with AI being present in applications like Notepad and File Explorer, perceiving it as intrusive rather than beneficial. Microsoft 365 applications have also integrated Copilot functionalities, but concerns about safety and privacy persist. User feedback indicates a desire for more thoughtful AI integration, as many feel that AI is being applied to problems that do not exist, leading to stress and uncertainty regarding the operating system's control.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Edge, Now With Incentives! Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips on Plan to Make Edge a Priority

Microsoft is launching an incentive program that rewards users with 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points for using the Edge browser, particularly when searching for Chrome on Bing. The Edge browser has a market share of 15.48%, while Chrome has 69.3%. The incentive is specifically aimed at Chrome users, as searches for other browsers do not trigger similar offers. Despite this initiative, Microsoft shares have seen a slight dip. Analysts on Wall Street have a Strong Buy consensus rating for Microsoft, with 34 analysts issuing Buy ratings in the past three months. The average price target for MSFT is 3.14 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 24.77%.