Microsoft released the stable version of its Chromium-based Edge browser to the public earlier this year. Like any other browser (not including Internet Explorer), users had to go out of their way to download and try the new browser. As expected, Microsoft is now pushing the browser to Windows 10 devices via a Windows Update.

Since the beginning, Microsoft has said the Chromium-based Edge browser would replace the pre-installed Edge browser. From this point forward, Chromium Edge is the default Windows 10 browser. Microsoft support articles KB4541301, KB4541302, and KB4559309 inform users and administrators that the old Edge browser is being replaced with the new Chromium-based browser. The updates will be available for Windows 10 v1803 and later systems up to Windows 10 v2004.

Installing Chromium Edge via the Windows Update will replace the old Edge browser. However, unlike manually installing, it can't be removed to restore the old Edge browser. There are a few different updates rolling out depending on your Windows 10 version. Microsoft also makes recommendations for which update you should be on before installing the Windows Update. As of right now, the update is not available through the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

  • KB4541301 -- for Windows 10 version 1803 and 1809 (Microsoft recommends the November 12, 2019 updates KB4525237 and KB4523205)
  • KB4541302 - for Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909 (Microsoft recommends the October 8, 2019 update KB4517389)
  • KB4559309 -- for all Windows 10 versions from Windows 10 version 1803 to 2004.

Microsoft will probably never live down Internet Explorer, but Chromium Edge is a very solid browser. If you haven't tried it out yet you really should. It can rival Google Chrome in many ways and it's only getting better. There is also an Android app.


Source: gHacks