New Microsoft Edge to replace Microsoft Edge Legacy with April’s Windows 10 Update Tuesday release
Published Feb 10 2021 12:45 PM 2.3M Views

Spartan_LCU_Comms_Walking Deck_long crop.jpg

 

Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 5, 2021.

 

Editor’s note: This article was updated on March 24, 2021 to reflect new update timelines for specific versions of Windows 10.

 

In August 2020, we announced that support for the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application M365_Edge_ProductTeams_0-1612454005979.png ends on March 9, 2021. After this date, Microsoft Edge Legacy will no longer receive security updates.

 

To replace this out of support application, we are announcing that the new Microsoft Edge M365_Edge_ProductTeams_1-1612454005984.png will be available as part of the Windows 10 cumulative monthly security update—otherwise referred to as the Update Tuesday (or “B”) release—on April 13, 2021. When you apply this update to your devices, the out of support Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application will be removed and the new Microsoft Edge will be installed. The new Microsoft Edge offers built-in security and our best interoperability with the Microsoft security ecosystem, all while being more secure than Chrome for businesses on Windows 10.

 

Note: This replacement will also occur if you apply the optional Windows 10 March Preview (or “C”) release.

 

What Windows 10 versions will be impacted?

 

This will be a part of the Windows 10 Update Tuesday (or “B”) release on April 13, 2021 for the following Windows 10 versions (other versions will follow):

 

This will also be part of the optional Windows 10 March Preview (or “C”) release for the versions below unless otherwise indicated.

 

  • Windows 10, version 1803, all editions (April 2018)
    • Note: This version will not be included in the optional Windows 10 March Preview release. Microsoft Edge will now be included with the Windows 10 Update Tuesday (or “B”) release on May 11, 2021 for version 1803.
  • Windows 10, version 1809, all editions (October 2018)
    • Note: This version will not be included in the optional Windows 10 March Preview release. Instead, Microsoft Edge will be included in the optional Windows 10 April Preview release, followed by the Windows 10 Update Tuesday (or “B”) release on May 11, 2021, for version 1809.
  • Windows 10, version 1903, all editions (May 2019)
    • Note: This version is out of support for desktop
  • Windows 10, version 1909, all editions (October 2019)
  • Windows 10, version 2004, all editions (May 2020)
  • Windows 10, version 20H2, all editions (October 2020)
    • Because Windows 10, version 20H2 already uses the new Microsoft Edge as its default browser, it will not be reinstalled; only Microsoft Edge Legacy will be removed.

Will this impact Windows 7 or Windows 8.X?

 

No, Microsoft Edge Legacy was not available for Windows 7 or Windows 8.X. This will only impact the Windows 10 versions listed previously.

 

What if the new Microsoft Edge is already installed?

 

If the new Microsoft Edge is already installed, applying this update will not reinstall the new Microsoft Edge and will only remove Microsoft Edge Legacy.

 

Can I still run Microsoft Edge Legacy and the new Microsoft Edge as a side-by-side experience after this update?

 

Because Microsoft Edge Legacy will no longer be on devices after you apply this update, the side-by-side experience will no longer be available.

 

Can I skip this update?

 

We do not recommend skipping this update. Windows cumulative monthly security updates provide critical updates to the Windows 10 operating system.

 

What will the end user experience be like?

 

Your Windows 10 defaults and personalization, such as your default browser or taskbar pins, will be respected (e.g. if you had Microsoft Edge Legacy pinned to the taskbar, this would be replaced with the new Microsoft Edge).

 

I use kiosk mode in Microsoft Edge Legacy—how will this affect me?

 

You will need to set up kiosk mode in the new Microsoft Edge. Please see this blog for details and recommendations for kiosk mode.

 

Will this affect other apps that use EdgeHTML?

 

EdgeHTML—the rendering engine for Microsoft Edge Legacy—will continue to be supported. To develop apps for the new Microsoft Edge, use WebView2, the Chromium-based version of Microsoft’s WebView.

 

If I use a private WSUS server for updates, how can I keep the new Microsoft Edge up to date?

 

After the update is installed, the new Microsoft Edge will check for and install updates automatically via its own updater. This requires an internet connection. If you manage devices that connect to a private WSUS server, you can use the updates for the new Microsoft Edge in the WSUS catalog to keep these devices up to date. See our guide for managing Microsoft Edge with Configuration Manager for more information.

 

What do I need to do?

 

We recommend that you update to the new Microsoft Edge prior to support ending for Microsoft Edge Legacy on March 9, 2021. For guidance, please refer to this Docs page. If you use kiosk mode in Microsoft Edge Legacy, you will also need to set up kiosk mode in the new Microsoft Edge.

If you decide to wait, Microsoft Edge Legacy will be replaced with the new Microsoft Edge when you apply the Windows 10 Update Tuesday (or “B”) release.

 

Note: This replacement will also occur if you apply the optional Windows 10 March Preview (or “C”) release.

 

How can I prepare? What support options are available?

 

To prepare, we recommend that you first read this article about how to plan for deployment. This article is a great starting point to help you with key questions and will offer a path forward for major steps in the transition to the new Microsoft Edge. There is also a dedicated Docs page for this transition.

 

To get help, we offer a variety of support options. If you have Microsoft Unified Support, you can reach out to that support service for help with the transition. There’s also FastTrack which is available at no additional charge to customers with 150 or more paid seats of Windows 10 Enterprise. And if you prefer to get started on your own, we have self-guided deployment and configuration materials, complete with a series from Microsoft Mechanics, ready for you on our Docs site.

 

Finally, if you run into compatibility or app issues as you transition to the new Microsoft Edge, there’s App Assure. The App Assure promise is this: if your web apps and sites work on IE 11, supported versions of Google Chrome, or any version of Microsoft Edge (including Microsoft Edge Legacy), those web apps and sites should work on the new Microsoft Edge. If not, you can contact App Assure at no additional cost for remediation support or by email if you experience any challenges submitting your request (ACHELP@microsoft.com). You can also read more about App Assure and Microsoft Edge in this blog.

 

Where can I learn more about the Windows 10 release as it becomes available?

 

Find more information about April’s Windows 10 Update Tuesday release (or the Windows 10 March Preview release) on the Windows message center Docs site.

 

The new Microsoft Edge offers built-in security and works with the Microsoft security ecosystem to help customers realize a holistic approach to security. We are excited for everyone to see the benefits of the new Microsoft Edge and we are thankful for your valued partnership.

 

- Microsoft Edge Team

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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110 Comments
Brass Contributor

What will happen with Windows Sandbox?  Will it no longer have a browser?

Brass Contributor

Just to make sure I understand it correctly. This update will also be automatically installed on devices that are managed by WUfB, right? 

Silver Contributor

We needed this information months ago. Now we are already moving forward with a deployment of Edge using our third party management tool. Because, you know, we can't wait until last minute.. I was asking here and on MS Q&A about what MS is actually planning and all i got is that there is an optional update and you can deploy that. And now you tell me it will be in CU anyway.

 

What about PDF viewer? Currently when installed manually or via WSUS using optional update it switches default PDF viewer to Edge instead of currently selected application. Will it do the same using this CU update?

 

You are saying that if new Edge is already installed, this will only remove legacy Edge. But it looks like it is already gone. So what do you mean by that?

Copper Contributor

And Internet Explorer will still remain on the Operating system Correct?

Hi,

when will it be added to the Windows Sandbox image? same date? and what about Windows insider builds?

@Lexington  @HotCakeX 

Thanks for your questions. Microsoft Edge Legacy will also be replaced by the new Microsoft Edge in Windows Sandbox.

@joel_grangier 
Thank you for your question! You will be able to deploy April's Windows 10 cumulative monthly security update using the same deployment options previously available through Windows Update for Business.

The e(n)dge is near!
And that's not an loosy April's joke
The King is dead, hail the new King.
Err Edge ofc.
@MSEdgeDev
I hope that the @windowsinsider working hard that 21H1 will have no fall back to the old Edge. Some people trick around to keep the old in and uninstall new :dizzy_face:

@MissyQ 

@chuckie300 yes unfortunately as with Internet Explorer disabled the edge IE Mode does not work.

Means you should not actively continue IE but using IE site assignments GPO for Edge.

However before doing so please contact app assure to make sure there is no way to support your Page natively. 

 

 

If you do not need IE at all this is my recommendation:

 

Go to settings app (winkey+I) >optional features remove features you don't need all of these listed incl IE are outdated or deprecated.

 

Do not remove IE using control panel programs > features

 

As for some reason this does not disable IE in settings optional features above.

 

 

After Reboot press Windows key and type 

 

Internet options. This IE remnants are still in use deep buried in the OS. 

 

You should consider to disable 

SSL 2/3 and TLS 1.0 / 1.1

 

In the advanced tab.

 

 

This will greatly improve security of Windows as some App and parts of Windows still rely on this framework.

 

The settings will be set to this in the next Windows 10 21h1 or 21h2 Release then also including TLS 1.3 support, given my Observations in insider releases.

 

Some apps like SQL,.net or powershell or Schannel have own parameters for TLS 1.2 independentdfrom these Internet options.

Consult docs.microsoft.com. 

If you are using Exchange online and need to manage Mailboxes like rules, OOF etc please mind that this is currently only possible with IE and the legacy Exchange online ECP. 

This is an issue reported to the exchange Team and they work on a modern solution. (new Edge + new ECP) 

Copper Contributor

@Karl_Wester-Ebbinghaus @But what about CHtmlView? That is what my application uses.

Silver Contributor

Isn't legacy Edge already removed when you install new Edge manually with the installer? Because then you are not able to search for old Edge. Or is it just hidden somewhere?

Silver Contributor

They are planning a group policy to disable IE, but let IEmode still work for 20H2.

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2021/01/21/releasing-windows-10-build-19042-782-20h2-to-be...

"We enabled administrators to disable standalone Internet Explorer using a Group Policy while continuing to use Microsoft Edge’s IE Mode."

Copper Contributor

I use

CHtmlView

Under the hood I think it uses IE7. But I use the following in my HTML files that I generate:

<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" />

This makes it render using the latest installed Edge browser.

So things will still be OK in my software?

@wroot yes depending the version it is just hidden like an IE uninstall. I have not checked if new versions will fully remove it and so the way to tinker with it as outlined above

Disable IE does not uninstall it just preventing Iexplore.exe from being started. As stated you may not uninstall IE feature in the described way if you need to rely on IE.

 

Next to Exchange ECP limitations there are also following things that do no longer work correctly with IE uninstalled (by design)

MHT support. found in following MS products:

 

- Outlook open HTML emails externally > there are 3rd party hacks to open with default browser

- Problem Steps recorder saves > use Powerpoint for step recording

- Cluster Management MMC / Cluster Test report > Workaround: Windows Admin Center / PowerShell Test-Cluster

- some parts of Group management console (neglible)

 

@chuckie300 have you read this?

Finally, if you run into compatibility or app issues as you transition to the new Microsoft Edge, there’s App Assure. The App Assure promise is this: if your web apps and sites work on IE 11, supported versions of Google Chrome, or any version of Microsoft Edge (including Microsoft Edge Legacy), those web apps and sites should work on the new Microsoft Edge. If not, you can contact App Assure at no additional cost for remediation support or by email if you experience any challenges submitting your request (ACHELP@microsoft.com). You can also read more about App Assure and Microsoft Edge in this blog.

please use this service to get help working your legacy pages. Otherwise use IE assignments to work with Edge and IE compat mode.

Copper Contributor

@Karl_Wester-Ebbinghaus Mine is not a "web app". Mine is a  MFC Windows App that uses a CHtmlView web browser control in my dialog.

So all the stuff about Azure and Web Apps is not really application. Nothing has clearly been stated about any affects to MFC and CHtml / WebBrowser control scenario.

I see now. You should test if the app works correctly when you uninstall IE and install new Edge.

if it does fine. If it does not go to settings > app > optional feature and add IE again. 

It should work then. The deprecation of Edge should have no effect to this legacy app, but if it does, please consult the app assure team. Testing is important.

Could you please tell us when WebView 2 will replace WebView 1 in Windows?

or at least when WebView 1 will be deprecated? 

 

I want the apps on Windows 10 to load better and faster using WebView 2, by default, and Windows 10 rely on the new Edge engine instead of EdgeHTML.

Iron Contributor

This may be off-topic - will Windows Server ever get Edge built-in? Having to use IE on Server 2019 makes me ill 🤮. And yes, I'm aware "you shouldn't be browsing the internet from a server" :expressionless_face:. Even browsing localhost websites is a pain with IE.

 
Copper Contributor

Which version of the new Edge will be included in the CU?

Hopefully the most recent one, but that wouldn't matter as Edge gets updated very regularly and you will have to update it to the latest version anyway.

Brass Contributor

I hope that devs does remember to add local group policies templates to windows with this update.

And i have canary installed on my system, do i now get two edge installs to my system? eh, that dont sound very optimal.

 

Also how insider builds work, does they offer stable? not even beta as default?

Good point, once Edge legacy is removed from Windows completely, its group policies should be removed as well and subsequently replaced by the new Edge's.

however since the new Edge is updated regularly and faster than Edge legacy, I think its policies should stay up to date either using Microsoft updates or Windows updates.

 

Windows 10 insider builds don't have the new Edge preinstalled yet, but Windows Server insider ISO file does have the new Edge preinstalled by default.

just tried yeterday.

Windows Server insider 2022 build 20289

 

 

Brass Contributor

Yes, perhaps they has been waiting for this update change. perhaps we seen very soon an insider build where they test this feature.

 

it is important to ask and give opinions about how insider builds should handle edge updates. I think it is smart to sync their build channels, windows dev build gets dev, beta for beta and so on.

 

Nightly dosnt get updates from windows update because it is mainly for hardcore testers and the devs themselves.

 

Yes, Canary/Nightly is too dynamic to be integrated, gets outdated very fast, I think that's why it neither has an offline installer nor is available in Winget repository.

 

 

 

Copper Contributor

First time posting here as I'm new to the position. I like reading through the comments, the useful guidance and directions on items I wouldn't have thought of asking yet. 

 

An item I might have missed; when this installs the new Edge (which I've ben using for some time) will this update transfer the end-user's favorites from the old Edge to the new, or prior to updates will the favorites need exported and later imported? I would assume (yes I know) it is written in the installer to back-up, then re-install. The only thing I read under user experience was that it will replace the pin on the taskbar.

Silver Contributor

I haven't tested this case as i don't have favorites in legacy Edge. But when you start new Edge for the first time it asks you i f you want to import favorites from other browsers. So i am guess the same will happen after April's patch.

Copper Contributor

That is my hope as well. My hope is that it doesn't uninstall the old Edge and files first, then installs the new Edge. It then wouldn't have any way to import files from the old Edge unless those preferences were stored, is that correct?

Silver Contributor

Favorites are user data and should be stored somewhere in appdata, not where binaries are, so it shouldn't be removed when legacy Edge is removed.

Copper Contributor

@HotCakeX , not every corporate want the latest without tests, and we have version control. Bad things happened when we put Edge v87 into 1909 and upgraded it to 20H2, which rolled Edge back to v84.

Copper Contributor

@wroot , the legacy Edge is a Windows Appx, and I don't think it stores user content the same place as the new Edge. I seriously doubt any user setting will be saved.

Copper Contributor

@survivor303 , it doesn't matter if the update includes local admx. If you are in a domain, updating the central store with Edge admx will be good enough. I don't believe anyone is controlling Edge via local GP, thus lcoal admx is not helpful.

Copper Contributor

@SpitFire-666 , I see no reason to use Windows Server to browsing... IE or Edge, it doesn't make much difference. But yea, I believe it will come...

Hi @rmiller01, thanks for you question! The new Microsoft Edge will important user data from Microsoft Edge Legacy with this update. If you want to important user data from other browsers, including IE, you can do so as part of the introductory wizard or by importing through the settings menu. There are also policies available for IT to import browser data.

@SpitFire-666 The new Microsoft Edge is available for Windows Server. You can download and install from our download page. Here is a full list of the supported skus.

@wroot Microsoft Edge Legacy was previously hidden when the new Microsoft Edge was installed. With this update, Microsoft Edge Legacy will be removed from the OS.

Brass Contributor

@billypenghui well, they who dont have server will use local groups (idea of local groups). we import lgp settings to our systems on elementary school. place where server logins dosnt make sense.

 

but because we dont have lgp for new edge, we have to make those changes from application settings by hand, it is a nightmare situation if you have many systems and want use new edge. 

@billypenghui 

 not every corporate want the latest without tests, and we have version control. Bad things happened when we put Edge v87 into 1909 and upgraded it to 20H2, which rolled Edge back to v84.

 

how did you exactly put it there? with regular install on users' machines or modified the base image?

 

 

@billypenghui 

it doesn't matter if the update includes local admx. If you are in a domain, updating the central store with Edge admx will be good enough. I don't believe anyone is controlling Edge via local GP, thus lcoal admx is not helpful.

 

not everyone is connected to a domain controller,

and it looks like you're missing the whole point. that's the whole idea of "local group policy editor", it is local. that's why Microsoft put it there.

 

of course server has access to a different variant of it which is called Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)

 

you say it is not useful, which is your opinion, but people and specially Microsoft think differently and that's why they put Edge legacy's group policy files, by default, in Windows 10 in the first place.

 

so group policy files that are already in Windows 10 and belong to Edge legacy, need to be removed and ideally replaced by the new Edge's.

@billypenghui 

I see no reason to use Windows Server to browsing... IE or Edge, it doesn't make much difference. But yea, I believe it will come...

Windows Server 2022, which is insider at the moment, has the new Edge preinstalled.

you don't see Internet explorer icon on the taskbar anymore when you first sign in, there is Edge's icon which was great and convenient as I just went on and signed into my account and got all my synced data there.

 

but there are lots of reasons to use a browser on Windows Server, specially when it is installed with GUI.

I agree with @HotCakeX about the group policies that need to be updated via Edge in c:\windows\Policydefinitions by the Edge Setup rather than relying on the user to manually download and manage them. As Edge is deliberately seperated from the OS, and should be that way to prevent any inflicts we had with IE, the ADMX should not be part of Windows CU as this would only raise the complexity at MSFT, but I see no issue (from my point of view) that the MSI file or automatic update will update the admx templates locally, even then based on the release.

@Microsoft365_MicrosoftEdge_Product @MissyQ  what is your idea about this solving this task HotCakeX described.

 

I also hope that Edge could be rolled out to Windows Server 2016 and 2019 in favor remove IE as default browser but keep it in the OS by default for various reasons.

of course enterprises could manage this on their servers on their own, however there are different usecases why an admin needs a competent browser on Windows Server 2016/2019 LTSC.

 

Microsoft Support is one example, access to some areas like Update catalog, IIS, Certification Web Services are some others. 

 

I understand the conflict of interest to integrate a 3rd party software into the lifecycle of a LTSC product though. So just wanted point out that it is just inconsistent and even a security issue to bring Server vNext "2022" with Edge as default browser - which is a good decision, but leave alone all older OS not yet in extended support. Edge has his own Support, other than IE. 

Silver Contributor

We can't test this now until they actually release monthly CU update in April. But i really doubt they want to harm current Edge users by not preserving settings. At least now if you install new Edge instead of legacy using msi, it imports your browsing history and favorites from legacy Edge automatically.

Iron Contributor

Will EdgeLeg(acy)  favorites be converted to one's in EdgeNew when the legacy version is removed ?   Are EdgeNew favorites in same format as EdgeLeg(acy) ?  Should we 'organize' our EdgeLegacy favorites prior to the conversion ?   Am unaware of 'organization' tools for EdgeNew whereas there is a tool by Emmet Grey that will allow EdgeLeg(acy) favorites to be organized and duplicate favorites removed.  Any plans for similar 'organization' tool in EdgeNew ?  

 
 
Iron Contributor

Please explain 'invalid HTML " in comment.  Have noted that some words were highlighted for spelling but cannot figure out anything typed that could be wrong or out of place. 

@R. Starzuft 

hi, if you have Editor extension installed, try disabling it, it has a temporary issue that will get fixed soon. 

Good news everyone,

 

With the release of Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 21313, Microsoft Edge Legacy will be replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This will be the case for Windows 10 Insider Preview builds moving forward.

 

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2021/02/12/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-213...

 

Brass Contributor

I don't think this is best way to add it to insider.

 

why it cannot be synced with edge channels? dev insider come with edge dev and so on. why there need to be stable on insider builds? I really don't want to see any other version of the browser on my system than that what i use regularly.

It's most likely because Windows insider builds are getting ready for stable Windows 10 builds, and the stable Windows 10 will have stable Edge preinstalled.

also Edge legacy only gets replaced with stable channel of Edge.

and since it's the only browser that the OS has, it should be stable.

it's not a problem, just install any channel you want from the site.

 

https://www.microsoftedgeinsider.com/en-us/download/

 

 

Brass Contributor

please, no general type replies ;)

 

Insider is for testing, Edge dev is for testing, i don't see that link to stable anywhere on there, other than great feedback from us.

 

Now we starting to get that same problem with insider updates when the upgrade going to change randomly those users default apps to windows defaults, so before you knowing it, it not open links to browser what you prefer, it open them to stable edge. it is middle finger for edge's dev testers.

 

Problem is solved if insiders can really upgrade their edge builds to beta or devs a way that it not left stable on the system.

Iron Contributor

For Insiders the removal of EdgeLegacy will probably help smooth things out in Windows. There really is no reason to continue updating it as all the NewEdge versions  have addressed complaints that first appeared when it was first introduced. 

Recommendations :  

1. If you click on the three dots in upper right hand corner of NewEdge and then  Click Settings You will see near the bottom of the middle panel a listing to import your settings from Legacy Edge. 

Would suggest doing this prior to next months update that will remove Legacy Edge.  

2. Suggest going over the Settings for the New Edge in order to tailor it for any future use.  Microsoft has been good about keeping (most) settings for subsequent times you use EdgeNew.

3. Checkout the Help Screens that Microsoft provides when you first install Edge and when you get updates. They can be very helpful in understanding 'where things are' and 'how to accomplish' things easier.  

4. In addition to Favorites, Microsoft has something new called 'Collections' . You may find it easier to use for some things compared to Favorites.   

5. If you like shortcuts for things at the top of your browser there are options for those like Sharing, Web Capture and more.  

6. You can still save shortcuts to Taskbar or Tiles

7. There are many more options to customize your Edge Home screen and make it your own.

8. If you like to try something new.  Lookup the 'Flags' option in Edge.  In there you can turn on things like Vertical Tabs and more... 

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Last update:
‎May 06 2021 12:51 PM