Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update.

Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update.

      Alan Truly / Digital Trends

      In a recent post on Microsoft's Windows blog, the technology company stated that the Edge browser is now 9% faster following the update to version 134. These enhancements are based on Speedometer 3.0, a tool that assesses real-world web activity. Microsoft also mentioned that the extent of these improvements may differ depending on the device, running applications, and user browsing patterns.

      Microsoft elaborated on how these upgrades were realized, stating, “Our distinct approach and commitment to optimizing speed, along with the ongoing code changes we apply to Edge and the Chromium rendering engine it uses, have resulted in significant performance boosts for users on various hardware configurations utilizing Windows and macOS!”

      The Redmond-based firm also indicated that in addition to benchmark improvements, they observed enhancements in several core performance metrics between versions 133 and 134. These upgrades include a 2% improvement in startup times, navigation times that are 1.7 times faster, and web page response times that are 5% to 7% quicker. Testing was performed on a Windows 11 PC equipped with a 13th-generation Intel Core i5. In theory, this implies that Edge will provide a more responsive experience when opening new tabs, loading websites, and navigating between web applications such as Google Docs, Gmail, and online retailers like Amazon.

      These advancements illustrate Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance the speed of the Edge browser. Last year, the company initiated a transition of Edge’s interface from React to the WebUI 2.0 framework in an effort to boost performance and responsiveness. Various features have emerged in Edge, including Scareware protection in version 133, designed to safeguard users from misleading pop-ups that suggest their computers are infected. Version 134 of Edge was released to the stable channel just over a month ago and introduced changes such as limiting the capability to create profiles for Entra users, among other updates.

      Judy Sanhz is a Digital Trends computing writer who covers all computing news and has a passion for operating systems and devices.

      It seems that the Edge Browser cannot be uninstalled after all.

      I regret to share that, according to Windows Latest, it appears you cannot uninstall Microsoft Edge from your computer. In a purported "uninstall" support document, Microsoft fails to provide guidance on uninstalling Edge; instead, it attempts to persuade users to retain it. The document intended to explain the uninstallation process instead presents a list of perceived advantages over Chrome, which is not entirely accurate. The table highlights features like Vertical Tabs, Copilot, Read Aloud, Designer, Coupons, and VPN.

      Microsoft is discontinuing the VPN feature from Office 365, shortly after raising prices.

      In a support document, Microsoft revealed the termination of a free VPN feature just weeks after increasing the monthly subscription cost for the first time in 12 years. The free VPN included with Microsoft 365, which utilized the Defender app to mask IP addresses and encrypt internet traffic, is set to be removed by February 28 of this year, allowing Microsoft to reallocate its priorities. Microsoft explained this decision by stating, “Our aim is to ensure you and your family remain safer online. We routinely assess the usage and effectiveness of our features, leading us to remove this privacy protection tool to focus on new areas that better meet customer needs.” Therefore, the software giant is redirecting its efforts elsewhere.

      Microsoft Edge has recently gained an effective tool for combating scareware.

      Microsoft introduced its new scareware blocker during the 2024 Ignite conference a few months ago, and it is now available for users. This preview is accessible to all Edge users; they simply need to ensure that previews are enabled and their browser is up to date.

      Awareness of malware is widespread, and users can quickly become anxious if they suspect their PC is infected. Scareware scams exploit this anxiety, using deceptive methods to instill a sense of loss of control over their PCs, prompting users to call the “tech support” number displayed on the screen. The scammer then gains access to the computer by guiding the user over the phone.

Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update. Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update. Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update. Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update. Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update.

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Microsoft asserts that the Edge browser has become 9% faster following an update.

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