Microsoft Edge is Microsoft's default web browser, rebuilt from the ground up in 2020 on the open-source Chromium engine that also powers Google Chrome. It ships pre-installed with Windows and is also available as a free download for macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, supporting Chrome extensions and syncing bookmarks, passwords and settings across devices.
Why Microsoft Edge Switched to Chromium
The original Edge used Microsoft's own EdgeHTML engine, which struggled with site compatibility compared to Chrome. Moving to Chromium gave the new Edge the same rendering engine and extension compatibility as Chrome, while Microsoft layered on its own features like Collections, vertical tabs and tighter Windows integration.
Microsoft Edge Features
- Chromium engine — compatible with most Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
- Tracking prevention — adjustable levels of built-in cross-site tracker blocking.
- Vertical tabs & tab groups — organize large numbers of open tabs.
- Collections — save and organize web content, images and links for later.
- Copilot sidebar — built-in AI assistant panel for summarizing pages and answering questions.
- Immersive Reader — a distraction-free, read-aloud view for articles.
- Password Monitor — checks saved passwords against known data breaches.
- Sync across devices — syncs favorites, passwords and settings via a Microsoft account.
How to Install Microsoft Edge
- Open the official download page using the button on this site.
- Choose your operating system — Windows, macOS or Linux.
- Run the installer and follow the setup prompts.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account (optional) to sync bookmarks and settings.
- Import data from your previous browser if prompted.
Is Microsoft Edge really free?
Free. Microsoft Edge is completely free to download and use, with no paid tier for the browser itself.
How to download Microsoft Edge safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.microsoft.com/edge — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Microsoft Edge. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Microsoft Edge
Other free web browsers software worth comparing before you decide:
Google Chrome
The most widely used Chromium-based web browser.
Mozilla Firefox
A free, open-source browser built on Mozilla's independent Gecko engine.
Brave
A Chromium-based browser with built-in ad and tracker blocking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Edge based on Chrome?
Yes, since 2020 Edge is built on the same open-source Chromium engine that powers Google Chrome.
Can I use Chrome extensions in Edge?
Yes, Edge supports most extensions from the Chrome Web Store in addition to its own Microsoft Edge Add-ons store.
Is Edge available on Mac and Linux?
Yes, Microsoft Edge has official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Can I change my default browser away from Edge on Windows?
Yes, Windows lets you set any installed browser, including Edge, as the system default.
Does Edge have privacy controls?
Yes, it includes adjustable tracking prevention levels and an InPrivate browsing mode.
Tell us what went wrong — a person reads every message and replies. Corrections to this page are treated as priority fixes.
People also search for
The terms visitors use to find this page. Each one lands here because it describes the same program.
Searches from India
Microsoft Edge is identical worldwide — these are search phrasings, not different downloads. Every one of them gets the same official build from www.microsoft.com/edge.
