Historically, Internet Explorer was the default web browser included with Microsoft Windows. However, with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft Edge became the default browser, replacing Internet Explorer. Microsoft Edge is designed to be faster, more secure, and more modern compared to its predecessor.
This change reflects Microsoft’s efforts to provide users with a more contemporary browsing experience right from the start, without needing immediate downloads or installations of third-party browsers. Users still have the option to download and install other web browsers according to their preferences.
Avoiding the installation of Microsoft Edge in a Windows environment, especially on versions included as an integral component like Windows 10 and later, can be challenging. Microsoft Edge is deeply integrated into the Windows operating system, and it serves not only as a web browser but also as a component for various system functions, including the rendering of web content within other applications and system processes.
For users who prefer not to use Microsoft Edge or would like to minimize its presence on their system, here are a few strategies:
- Use Another Browser: While you might not be able to prevent Microsoft Edge from being installed on your system, you can install and set another web browser (such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera) as your default browser. This way, links and web-related tasks will open in your browser of choice instead of Edge.
- Limit Microsoft Edge’s Visibility: You can unpin Microsoft Edge from the taskbar and the Start menu. While this doesn’t remove the browser, it makes it less prominent in your daily use.
- Windows Configuration and Updates: Regular system updates from Microsoft often include updates to Microsoft Edge, and in some cases, may reinstall it or reset certain settings even if previously adjusted by the user. Keeping an eye on what each update includes can sometimes allow you to opt-out of certain components, but this might require advanced management and customization of Windows Update policies, more commonly accessible to IT professionals.
- Group Policy for Enterprise: In an enterprise environment, IT administrators can use Group Policy to control the installation and use of Microsoft Edge. They can enforce policies that limit its usage or promote an alternative browser as the standard within the organization. However, this approach is typically reserved for managed IT environments and may not be practical or available for personal use.
Completely removing Microsoft Edge from a Windows system is not recommended and can lead to unintended system issues. Microsoft Edge plays a role in the Windows operating system beyond just web browsing, including the functionality of certain system components and features.
Web browsers can significantly influence online experiences, including digital marketing strategies and how content is displayed to users. Choosing a web browser for personal or company-wide use can impact the effectiveness of digital campaigns and the overall user experience on your digital platforms.
Should Designers Still Test With Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge changed its rendering engine significantly, shifting from its original EdgeHTML engine to the Chromium engine. This change occurred with the release of the new Microsoft Edge in January 2020. The Chromium engine is the same open-source web rendering engine used by Google Chrome, Opera, and several other browsers, offering improved compatibility and performance with web standards and technologies.
For designers, developers, and those involved in sales and marketing, this transition has several implications:
- Improved Compatibility: With Edge now using the Chromium engine, websites, and web applications are more likely to behave similarly across Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers. This reduces the burden of testing and optimizing for multiple web engines.
- Web Standards and Features: The shift to Chromium ensures better support for the latest web standards and features, making it easier for designers to use modern web technologies and create more engaging, dynamic, and interactive web experiences.
- Extensions and Tools: Designers and developers can now leverage a broader range of extensions and developer tools available for Chromium-based browsers, enhancing the design, development, and testing processes.
- Cross-Platform Availability: The new Microsoft Edge is available not only on Windows but also on macOS, iOS, and Android, providing a consistent browsing experience across devices. This is particularly important for testing websites and applications to ensure they perform well on different platforms.
- Testing is Still Essential: Despite the improved compatibility, designers should still test their websites and web applications on Microsoft Edge, along with other major browsers. This ensures that all users have a consistent and positive experience, regardless of their browser choice. Browser-specific bugs or differences can still occur, and performance optimizations may vary between browsers.
Understanding the technical aspects of how products and services are presented online, including the choice of web browser, is crucial. It can affect everything from how content is displayed to the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns. Ensuring that websites and digital assets perform well across all major browsers, including the new Microsoft Edge, can lead to improved user engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, conversion rates.
