Microsoft's next Windows 10 update will kill off the old Edge browser in favor of the new Chromium-based version

Microsoft caused something of a stir when it announced plans to develop a Chromium-based version to replace its own completely in-house. After all, its new Edge browser engine EdgeHTML and Chakra JavaScript engine had only been on the market for about three to four years at the time. Further, Chromium is an open-source platform developed by Google, a would be arch-enemy that it competes against in a number of markets.

The new Chromium-based version of Edge went live on January 15, 2020, but only as an optional download for Windows users -- separately, it was also made available to Mac users at the same time. Now, Microsoft has announced it plans to remove the Edge Legacy browser from Windows PCs in the as part of the Windows 10 cumulative monthly security update on April 13 (otherwise referred to as the Update Tuesday (or “B”) release). In its place, the new Microsoft Edge will be automatically installed.

For users who haven’t already switched to the new Chromium version of Edge, the top-level UI is well-aligned, if not identical to the Edge Legacy version. However, its performance and compatibility with web standards is vastly improved. If users, for whatever reason, decide to skip the April 13 update and stick with Edge Legacy, Microsoft advises that official support for it ends on March 9, 2021. After this date, Microsoft Edge Legacy will no longer receive security updates.

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