Edge browser Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Windows 11 finally fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer

Microsoft has released Build 26200.8313 (KB5083631) for the Release Preview Channel, enhancing File Explorer by ensuring that folder view settings remain consistent across all access points. This update allows user preferences, such as sorting, icon sizes, and layouts, to persist regardless of how a folder is accessed, addressing previous inconsistencies where settings would reset when opening folders from different applications. The update also includes improved launch performance, reduced white flash in dark mode, expanded support for additional archive formats, and reliability improvements for explorer.exe. The update is expected to roll out to standard Windows 11 PCs by May.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s mandatory update is pushing users to Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has programmed its Edge browser to automatically launch after a Windows 11 update, displaying a page that informs users their update is complete and prompts them to explore new features. This page lacks a close button, directing users to click a blue "Next" button to proceed. The features highlighted include the reinstatement of the taskbar clock, the ability to pin Emojis to the taskbar, Copilot's document summarization, the Snipping Tool's Quick markup, and AI actions in File Explorer's context menu. Users can provide feedback via like and dislike buttons, but these do not close the page. Windows 11 also includes pre-installed Get Started and Get Help apps that could showcase features instead of redirecting users to Edge. Edge, built on the Chromium engine, supports all extensions from that platform and includes features like AI tab organizer, Vertical Tabs, and Immersive Reader.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM

A new iteration of Copilot is being released for Windows 11, transitioning from native code (WinUI) to web components and including a full version of Microsoft Edge. The update replaces the previous native app and is available for download through the Microsoft Store, which now requires an installer similar to the Microsoft Edge installer. The new Copilot resembles the web version and has higher RAM usage, consuming up to 500MB in the background and nearly 1GB during use, compared to less than 100MB for the previous version. The new Copilot is a hybrid web application that operates with a rebranded instance of Edge within a WebView2 container, including a complete Microsoft Edge installation that occupies approximately 850 MB. It contains the msedge.dll file, confirming the presence of a full Chromium browser engine, and includes Edge subsystems like Browser Helper Objects and Trust Protection Lists. The Copilot app functions as a web app rendered via WebView2, raising questions about the necessity of such applications on Windows 11 given the existing alternatives.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Microsoft pushes Edge to auto-launch on Windows 11 startup in latest beta

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the beta version of its Edge browser for Windows 11, which includes a banner notifying users that Edge will automatically launch upon signing into Windows. This banner can be dismissed with a "No Thanks" button, but it remains visible even if users change their default browser. The feature is currently being rolled out to a limited group for testing, and it is uncertain if it will transition to a public release. Microsoft has a history of implementing features that encourage users to stick with its browsers.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Edge to automatically open by default every time you turn on your Windows 11 PC

Microsoft is testing a new feature for its Edge browser on Windows 11 that allows the browser to launch automatically upon startup. A banner in the latest Edge Beta build informs users that the app "now launches when you sign into Windows." If users do not select "No thanks," Edge will open automatically each time the PC starts. This feature operates on an opt-out basis and may be available even if Edge is not the default browser. Additionally, Edge is increasingly integrated with Copilot, which has transitioned to an Edge-powered web experience.

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.