Microsoft Edge Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Microsoft Edge update adds Apple sign-in and scam protection, but officially ends Edge Drop and real-time video translation

Microsoft Edge has introduced a feature allowing users to sign in with their Apple accounts on both Windows and macOS devices, with administrators able to manage its availability. The update includes a security enhancement that automatically unsubscribes users from notifications from scam or malicious sites. However, it also retires features such as Edge Drop, which allowed users to send messages and files to themselves, and the real-time video translation capability. An enhanced key icon in the address bar has been added for easier access to saved credentials. Additional updates include a new Copilot Cowork policy and clarifications on the DowngradeVersion policy for WebView2, while the LocalNetworkAccessRestrictionsTemporaryOptOut policy is set for removal in a future update.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Walmart’s bestselling $799 Windows 11 laptop is now 50% off

Walmart is offering the Sgin 15.6-Inch Windows 11 Laptop at a 50% discount, reducing the price from 9 to 9. The laptop features a 15.6-inch full HD display (1920 x 1080), an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad Core Processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). It runs on Windows 11, which includes security features like Microsoft Defender and facial recognition through Windows Hello. The laptop has a battery life of up to six hours and is noted for its multitasking capabilities, quiet cooling fan, and lightweight design. However, it lacks expandable storage options and may still be considered pricey by some consumers.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Microsoft Makes Rare Move to Optimize 8GB Memory as Windows Bloat Becomes Biggest Bottleneck for AI PCs

Microsoft is re-optimizing Windows memory performance for devices with 8GB or more RAM, moving away from its previous approach that treated 8GB as entry-level. The company is recognizing that hardware growth can no longer mask systemic inefficiencies, particularly with the rise of AI requiring substantial resources. Windows has accumulated background services and frameworks without a cohesive resource management strategy, leading to inefficiencies. Compatibility with legacy systems has complicated resource management, while commercial pressures have contributed to system bloat. The reliance on web technologies, particularly WebView2, has further increased memory consumption. Microsoft aims for Windows to achieve integration similar to macOS but faces challenges due to its diverse ecosystem. The demand for memory driven by AI has made system-level optimization a pressing issue, prompting Microsoft to adjust its guidance on memory requirements. The company must balance modernization with maintaining compatibility with older applications and drivers as it adapts to new computing demands.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft Edge is ending support for MDAG and WIP in Windows 10

Microsoft has phased out support for Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), starting with its deprecation for Office applications in November 2023 and for the Edge browser in December 2023. By April 2024, MDAG was removed from Edge and other browser stores, and it was completely eliminated from Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft is finalizing the retirement of MDAG by discontinuing support in Edge entirely. The advisory MC1459132 indicates that this phase affects Microsoft Edge users on Windows 10, as Windows Information Protection (WIP) was already phased out in favor of Microsoft Purview in 2022. Organizations using WIP are advised to transition to Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Endpoint DLP, and Intune app protection policies. Users of MDAG should utilize Edge's built-in security features and consider other isolation solutions. Support for WIP and MDAG will officially end by September 2026, and functionalities related to them will stop in Microsoft Edge 154 and later versions. IT administrators are encouraged to begin migration activities to avoid disruptions.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft built a dedicated app that forces Bing everywhere on Windows 11, including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave

Microsoft has introduced a standalone application called MicrosoftSettings.exe that prompts users to change their default search engine to Bing across all browsers on their PC. This application is not force-installed via Windows Update or available in the Microsoft Store; it can be downloaded from Microsoft's official servers. Upon installation, it encourages users to add a Chrome extension named Microsoft Bing Homepage & Search, which alters search settings and directs users to the Microsoft Rewards page. The installation process features a welcome screen with a pre-set toggle for changing the search engine to Bing, applicable to Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The extension has a 4-star rating and claims 5 million users, but it triggers alerts from Chrome regarding its permissions. Microsoft has also launched a sweepstakes for Bing users and made it possible to sign into Bing using Google or Apple accounts. Despite efforts to promote Bing, Microsoft has committed to decluttering MSN and simplifying its offerings in other areas.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Tested: Windows 11 has fully removed the legacy tool abused by cybercriminals for malware and ransomware, called WMIC

Windows 11 will remove the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool in the upcoming September 2026 Update, marking its complete elimination after being deprecated in earlier versions. Testing of early builds shows that WMIC is no longer accessible, with attempts to use it resulting in a "command not recognized" error. Previously, WMIC was available as an optional feature, but it will no longer be included or reactivatable in the new update. Microsoft stated that this removal aims to improve the security and reliability of Windows, as WMIC has been exploited by cybercriminals for attacks. The September 2026 Update will also introduce other enhancements, including the ability to disable Bing in Windows Search and improvements in app speed.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft has a new way to twist your arm to use Edge, this time on mobile

The Edge Canary build for Android is testing new image themes that require users to set Edge as their default browser to access them. This requirement has sparked debate among users who prefer their current default browser. Microsoft's efforts to promote Edge have received mixed reactions, with some features being well-received while others, like those in Windows 11, have faced criticism for making it harder to switch away from Edge. A survey by the Browser Choice Alliance indicates that PC users find it complicated to transition away from Edge, but the situation differs on Android. Microsoft is working to balance user preferences with its strategic goals as it refines Edge's features.

Winsage

August 16, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users

Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in Windows 11 that disrupts the functionality of Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge for certain users, affecting the loading of legacy websites and applications. This issue primarily impacts organizations that rely on IE mode for older internal web applications. Microsoft is investigating the matter and developing a fix, but no timeline for resolution has been provided. Organizations are advised to identify affected internal websites, monitor the Windows release health dashboard for updates, avoid altering IE mode configurations, and report issues through Microsoft support if they impact critical applications.

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.