Microsoft Edge Archives

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Mozilla Firefox and Brave keep uBlock Origin alive while Chrome and Edge block the adblocker

Microsoft Edge will discontinue support for Manifest Version 2 (MV2), affecting extensions like uBlock Origin. Firefox has confirmed it will continue to support uBlock Origin, ensuring users can maintain ad-blocking capabilities. Users are encouraged to explore alternative browsers that support MV2 extensions.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

We now know exactly when uBlock Origin will stop working on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft is phasing out Manifest Version 2 (MV2) extensions, which will discontinue support for uBlock Origin on Microsoft Edge by the end of 2026. Users may start receiving notifications about this change, and MV2 extensions will be disabled by default in the coming months. In contrast, Mozilla Firefox and Brave will continue to support MV2 extensions.

Winsage

August 9, 2026

Microsoft confirms it accidentally installed new OneDrive app on Windows 11 PCs, and there’s no easy way to remove it yet

Microsoft has unintentionally rolled out its AI-powered OneDrive Photos app on Windows 11, affecting enterprise PCs where it is non-functional. The app was initially limited to select consumer PCs but became widely available starting August 1, 2026. Microsoft confirmed that this rollout was not intended and is working on a solution to allow users to remove OneDrive Photos independently from the OneDrive sync client. Currently, the app cannot be uninstalled without removing OneDrive entirely. OneDrive Photos serves as a centralized hub for viewing images stored locally and in the cloud, integrating with OneDrive.com’s Gallery. It appears in search results above the traditional Microsoft Photos app, even on systems not part of the Windows Insider Program. IT administrators have expressed frustration over its unexpected presence on enterprise PCs, as the app is designed for personal accounts.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge could quietly download up to 20GB AI models on Windows 11

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are phasing out support for Manifest V2 extensions, affecting popular add-ons like uBlock Origin. Google Chrome can automatically download a 4GB AI model for local functionalities, requiring approximately 20GB of free disk space for the download. Microsoft Edge has established a similar 20GB minimum storage requirement for downloading local AI models, with additional specifications including Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13.3 or later, at least 5.5GB of VRAM, and an unmetered network connection. Users can disable on-device AI features in Chrome, and Edge will automatically delete the AI model if available storage drops below 10GB.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Moving the Microsoft Edge extensions ecosystem forward with Manifest Version 3

In 2020, Microsoft committed to Manifest Version 3 (MV3) for the Chromium extensions platform. As of now, 95% of the top MV2 extensions have transitioned to MV3 in the Edge Add-ons store. Starting in August 2026, Microsoft Edge will begin transitioning consumers away from MV2 extensions, aiming to complete this by the end of 2026, with enterprise deprecation expected in early 2027. Currently, only 58 MV2-based extensions show meaningful usage, and three of these lack an MV3 version. Notifications will be sent to users and developers regarding the transition, and MV2 extensions will gradually be disabled by default. Developers are encouraged to finalize their transition to MV3 and submit updates via Microsoft Partner Center.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

I used this free Microsoft Edge feature to replace a $29 subscription, here’s how it held up

Microsoft Edge includes a Read Aloud function, which allows users to listen to content. Speechify has launched a Windows app that offers real-time text-to-speech and voice typing capabilities. Speechify provides a variety of natural-sounding voices and allows users to customize speech speed and tone, while Edge's Read Aloud is integrated into the browsing experience without additional downloads. Speechify's app includes voice typing, a feature not available in Edge's Read Aloud.

Tech Optimizer

August 3, 2026

How to Turn Off McAfee

McAfee provides various cybersecurity features, including real-time antivirus protection, firewalls, VPNs, and browser extensions. Users can adjust settings based on their device. To pause real-time scanning on Windows, open the McAfee app, click on My Protection Widgets, select Real-Time Scanning, and turn it off. For Mac, click the McAfee icon in the menu bar, access the product console, and turn off Real-Time Scanning. To shut down the Advanced Firewall, open the McAfee app, select Advanced Firewall, and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the McAfee app and using the Turn off control. To turn off Secure VPN, open the app, find the Secure VPN tile, and toggle it off. For disabling McAfee WebAdvisor in browsers, users should manage extensions in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. To stop notifications and alerts, users can adjust settings in Windows and various browsers. Uninstalling McAfee involves navigating through the device's settings, and to stop renewal billing, users must log in to their McAfee account and disable auto-renewal. Users should be aware of older and managed-device guides and how to stop notifications on mobile devices. Disabling features does not uninstall McAfee, and turning off auto-renewal does not remove the application from the device.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Stunning Windows 7 Remastered concept modernizes an extremely popular OS

AR 4789, a designer on YouTube, has introduced a concept called Windows 7 Remastered, which aims to modernize the classic Windows 7 interface by incorporating Fluent Design elements such as transparency effects and rounded corners. The project features a redesigned Start button and Windows 7 logo, along with new app icons in the Taskbar, including a merged browser icon for Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. The Start menu combines nostalgic elements with features from Windows 11, like app groups, widgets, and reminders. File Explorer has been revamped to include an AI-powered search that uses semantic meanings, and the Control Panel is integrated with the Windows Settings interface. The updated Taskbar includes enhanced transparency effects and a new "x" button. Additionally, users can personalize their experience with a Gadgets view that allows for customizable widgets on the desktop.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update highlights the part of Microsoft I genuinely enjoy covering the most

Windows Insiders can explore a new build of Windows 11 that enhances accessibility features, particularly the upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, which filters background noise for better voice command control in noisy environments. This update allows users to navigate their devices using voice commands alone, with a dock displaying spoken commands for immediate feedback. Voice Access now offers three speech recognition modes: Voice Isolation, which requires a one-time voice setup; Remove background noise only, which eliminates non-speech sounds without additional setup; and No filtering, the default mode. Additionally, the Narrator feature has improved support for HID-compliant braille displays, enabling plug-and-play connectivity via USB or Bluetooth, including during the initial Windows setup for users who are deaf-blind. Compatible HID displays include the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. Customization options for braille input and output are available in the Accessibility settings under Narrator.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft Edge exclusively had this Windows 11 feature for 10 years that Chrome finally got

Mozilla has raised concerns about a change in Windows 11 26H2 that may impact users' default browser choices. Firefox has recently introduced HDR support, but this came nearly a decade after Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Microsoft Edge has maintained an advantage over Google Chrome in media features, having announced 4K support for Netflix in 2016, while Google Chrome only recently gained 4K support for Netflix, as confirmed by a user on X. To watch Netflix in 4K on Chrome, users must use version 117 or newer and meet specific requirements, including a Netflix plan that supports Ultra HD, a steady internet connection of 15 Mbps or higher, and a compatible 4K display. Mozilla Firefox currently does not support 4K Netflix, remaining limited to 1080p. Additionally, Google Chrome lacks support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Digital Plus codecs, which have been available on Edge since 2015.