Forum Discussion
How Will Chromium-based Edge (ChrEdge) Roll Out When Released?
I've read/heard that when the stable version is released it will override and permentally delete out the old Edge. In other words the old Edge will be gone, and the new Chromium version of Edge will be it's replacement. However someone on here that works for Microsoft can confirm if it's officially true or not.
A few thoughts:
(1) Channels. I agree that Edge Canary, Dev and Beta channels are likely to continue after Edge Chromium is released. That's the Chromium development/testing/rollout convention, and Microsoft will probably follow suit.
(2) Internet Explorer. Microsoft has contractual obligations to enterprise customers to maintain IE for years to come, and Microsoft has indicated that the company will not renege on those obligations. While it is likely that IE Mode in Edge Chromium will fulfill Microsoft's obligations in most cases, obviating the need to maintain IE as a standalone browser in those cases, it is also probable that Microsoft will continue to maintain IE as a standalone browser supported within Windows 10 Enterprise builds during the contractual lifecycle to meet its obligations to other enterprise customers. I would not be surprised to see a bifurcation with respect to IE going forward, with IE available as a standalone browser in Enterprise builds but removed from Home and Pro builds. See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17454/lifecycle-faq-internet-explorer for additional information.
(2) Microsoft Edge. We know that Microsoft has tested a rollout process for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro builds in which installation of Edge Chromium removes Edge (Classic) from that Start menu. (See, for example, "Edge Deletes Edge" and the discussion surrounding the so-called "Stable Version", which, if installed, behaved similarly.) That testing (and the responses of Microsoft employees in "Edge Deletes Edge" discussion, suggests that Edge Chromium will replace Edge (Classic) when it is rolled out, at least for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro users.
(3) Rollout Plans. We have no information at all about when and how Microsoft intends to roll out Edge Chromium. Microsoft, to my knowledge, hasn't said a word other than that Edge Chromium will be rolled out when it is ready, and not a second beforehand.
Most current speculation in the trade press suggests that Edge Chromium will be rolled out in the Spring of 2020, perhaps in conjunction with the May 2020 Windows 10 Update (20H1).
To me, it would make sense to roll out Edge Chromium independent of the May 2020 Windows 10 Update, because of the complexity of moving Favorites from Edge (Classic) to Edge Chromium (the last thing that Microsoft needs is a botched rollout), and for that reason my guess is that Edge Chromium will be rolled out independently of the update.
- Maybe Microsoft will create a process that automatically syncs Edge classic data with the new Edge chromium to give users easy transition between browsers without losing anything.
the guy in the video keeps talking about giving users flexibility..multiple times mentioned that and to have 2 IE and 2 Edge. honestly he has a point. for those people who have never tried this Edge insider browser it will be a shock to see it as their default browser starting build 20H1. maybe the final replacement will happen in 20H2 or something.. tomscharbach
I have said the same previously as you have here Tom and I fully support & concur with all you have stated. It is exactly the understanding we (or I) have had for quite a while... including guessing @ a release date & whether with 2003 or not. And if the tradition is for more than a Canary after the GA release, um, ok, cool; makes it much like various "tracks" for Windows & other products doing 'Insider' projects.
Cheers,
Drew
