Microsoft Edge
Originally code-named "Anaheim," the current iteration of Microsoft Edge was released in January 2020. This open-source version of the browser (which now ships with Windows 10 and 11) uses the source code from Chromium, the open-source version of Google Chrome. Consequently, it shares many features and menu options with Chrome, but has a different overall structure and aesthetic.
The new Microsoft Edge is more lightweight than the original browser and has improved performance. Microsoft Edge can also be used on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, and is available through the Windows update process and by direct download from the Microsoft Edge download page.
Microsoft Edge features
- More modern, lightweight, and reduced resource consumption.
- Support for "inking" or the ability to write on a web page.
- Support for Firefox and Chrome add-ons.
- Faster page rendering.
- Integration with Cortana.
- Automatic form fill, or autofill.
- Private browsing.
- More security features.
- No longer includes ActiveX.
Microsoft Edge Legacy
Codenamed "Spartan," the first version of Microsoft Edge was an Internet browser introduced with Microsoft Windows 10 to replace Internet Explorer. It was officially announced on April 29, 2015.
When the Chromium-based version of Edge came out, the version shipped with Windows 10 was rebranded to Microsoft Edge Legacy. Computers getting automatic Windows updates received the latest iteration mentioned above on April 13, 2021, as part of a monthly security update (if not installed it before that date).