Mastering Microsoft Edge Updates: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping your web browser up-to-date is crucial for a secure and efficient browsing experience. Microsoft Edge, like other modern browsers, receives regular updates that include bug fixes, security patches, performance improvements, and new features. These updates ensure your browser is functioning optimally and protect you from potential threats. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to update Microsoft Edge, addressing common scenarios and troubleshooting tips along the way.

Why It’s Essential to Keep Microsoft Edge Updated

Before we delve into the how-to, let’s emphasize why updating Edge is so important:

• Security: Updates often contain critical security patches that protect you from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats. Ignoring these updates leaves you vulnerable.
• Performance: Each update usually brings performance enhancements, making your browsing experience faster and smoother. Updated browsers also handle modern web technologies better.
• New Features: Microsoft Edge is continually evolving, adding new functionalities that enhance productivity and improve the overall user experience. Regular updates grant you access to these new features.
• Compatibility: Websites and web applications are constantly being updated, and older browser versions may not be compatible with the latest changes. Updating ensures you can access all online content seamlessly.
• Stability: Updates include bug fixes that address crashes and other issues, making the browser more stable and reliable.

Methods for Updating Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge provides multiple ways to update the browser. Let’s explore each method in detail:

1. Automatic Updates

By default, Microsoft Edge is set to update automatically in the background. This is the most convenient way to keep your browser current. Here’s how it typically works:

How it works:

• Edge periodically checks for updates when your computer is connected to the internet.
• If an update is available, it’s downloaded and installed automatically in the background.
• You may see a prompt to restart the browser to finalize the update.

Checking if Automatic Updates are Enabled:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner of the window. This is the “Settings and more” menu.
3. Select Help and feedback, then click on About Microsoft Edge.
4. A new page will open. Here, Edge will automatically check for updates.
5. If automatic updates are enabled, you will see the message “Microsoft Edge is up to date” or “Updates are being downloaded/installed”. If not, you will see the option to check for updates.

Verifying Updates are Working:

If you see a message indicating updates are available or have just been installed, you are on track. If not, try the manual methods outlined below. Restarting your browser after checking for updates can finalize any downloads.

2. Manual Updates (Checking for Updates)

If you suspect that automatic updates aren’t working correctly or you want to proactively check for new updates, you can manually trigger an update check. This is especially useful if you haven’t restarted Edge for a while.

Steps for Manual Update Check:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner of the window.
3. Select Help and feedback, then click on About Microsoft Edge.
4. The About Microsoft Edge page will load. Edge will automatically check for updates, and if an update is available, it will begin downloading and installing.
5. Once the update is complete, you may be prompted to restart the browser. Click the Restart button to finalize the update.

Troubleshooting Manual Updates:

• Connection Issues: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Firewall or Antivirus: Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software can interfere with updates. Temporarily disable these and try again.
• Restart Computer: If the update fails, restart your computer and attempt the manual update again.

3. Updating via Windows Settings (Applicable for Windows Systems)

On Windows systems, you can sometimes manage Microsoft Edge updates through the Windows Settings app, particularly when it’s integrated with the Windows Update process.

Steps for Updating via Windows Settings:

1. Click the Start button and then click on the Settings icon (gear icon).
2. Click on Update & Security (or Windows Update in Windows 11).
3. Click the Check for updates button.
4. Windows will then check for system and app updates, including Microsoft Edge.
5. If updates for Edge are available, they will be downloaded and installed.
6. You may need to restart your computer to complete the update process.

Important Notes:

• Edge updates through Windows Settings are often related to significant system-wide changes or when Edge is tightly integrated with the OS updates.
• Not all Edge updates are pushed through Windows Settings; most are handled internally within the Edge browser itself.

4. Updating via Microsoft Store (Windows Only, Less Common)

In some cases, especially if you’ve downloaded Edge from the Microsoft Store, you might be able to update it through the store. This is less common, but it’s worth considering.

Steps for Updating via Microsoft Store:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app from your start menu.
2. Click the three horizontal dots (…) at the top-right corner, and choose Downloads and updates.
3. Click the Get updates button.
4. The Microsoft Store will search for updates to all apps, including Microsoft Edge.
5. If Edge updates are found, they will be installed automatically.
6. You might need to restart the browser to fully install the changes.

Considerations:

• This method is less likely to be used for Edge updates, as they primarily occur within the browser itself.
• If you manage your apps through the store, it’s worth occasionally checking for updates.

5. Updating via Edge Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels

If you’re interested in trying out new features before they are released to the general public, you might consider using the Edge Beta, Dev, or Canary channels. These channels receive updates more frequently and are great for developers or tech enthusiasts. Here is how updating works with these channels:

How to Update the Edge Beta, Dev, or Canary Channels:

• These channels automatically update just like the main Edge browser. You can check for updates in the same way by navigating to: Edge Menu (…) > Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge

Important Considerations:

• Beta channel gets updates that are less frequent than Dev, and Dev channel less frequent than Canary. Canary is typically unstable, but gives access to features sooner.
• They are less stable than the main Edge browser, so use with care for critical tasks.
• You can install these alongside your main Edge browser.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might encounter issues while trying to update Microsoft Edge. Here are common problems and their solutions:

• Update Fails to Download:
  • Solution: Check your internet connection, restart your computer and attempt to manually download updates again.
  • Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus to check if that was causing the issue, don’t forget to turn it back on.
• Update Installation Gets Stuck:
  • Solution: Close Edge fully and restart it. If that fails, try restarting your PC.
  • Run the System File Checker tool (SFC) to fix corrupt system files, as explained later.
• Error Messages:
  • Solution: Note down the error message and search it online. Microsoft support pages or forums often provide specific fixes for specific codes.
  • Ensure you have enough disk space, as browser updates need space to download and install.
• Browser Not Updating Despite Multiple Attempts:
  • Solution: Check Windows update settings and install available updates.
  • Completely uninstall and reinstall Edge if all other steps failed.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

• System File Checker (SFC): To ensure system files are in order, follow these steps:
1. Search for “cmd” in the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
4. Let the process complete, then restart your computer.
• Disk Cleanup: Ensure you have enough free disk space for updates:
1. Search for “Disk Cleanup” and open it.
2. Select the drive where Windows is installed.
3. Check the boxes for files you want to remove, then click “OK.”
• Uninstall and Reinstall Edge: If none of the above steps work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Edge. Note that this will remove all your settings, history etc. Backup data before doing so.
1. Go to Windows Settings, select Apps, then locate Microsoft Edge.
2. Click Uninstall.
3. Download and install Edge from Microsoft Website.

Keeping Up with Update Notifications

Edge typically notifies you when updates are available. Look for the following cues:

• A small dot or notification badge on the Edge settings menu (three dots).
• A message in the “About Microsoft Edge” page indicating an available update.
• Prompts to restart the browser after the update has been downloaded.

Best Practices for Smooth Updates

To ensure the update process goes smoothly, consider these best practices:

• Regularly Close and Restart Edge: Closing and restarting your browser ensures updates that were downloaded in the background are fully installed.
• Use a Reliable Internet Connection: A stable connection will prevent issues with downloading the update files.
• Periodically Check for Updates: If automatic updates fail, do manual checks from time to time to ensure you have the latest updates.
• Close Background Applications: Close resource-heavy applications before updating to make sure system resources are readily available for Edge updates.
• Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer regularly to clear any temporary files or processes that could be affecting browser updates.

Conclusion

Updating Microsoft Edge is a simple yet critical practice that safeguards your online experience. By understanding the different update methods and troubleshooting steps, you can keep your browser running optimally and securely. Whether you rely on automatic updates or prefer manual control, following this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements in Microsoft Edge.