There are a few other updates that rolled out in conjunction with the ones outlined above, including a significant facelift to the extensions store which makes it easier to navigate. If you want to replace your default browser with Edge, the option is there, but it’s certainly not a requirement with the new update. The updates won’t change your default browser or replace Explorer. The upside is that Microsoft isn’t forcing you to use the browser if you don’t want to - you’ll get access to the updates, but the Edge browser will simply be pinned to the taskbar and added as a shortcut to the desktop. The downside is that Microsoft hasn’t made the update available for enterprise devices.

RELATED: 5 mobile browsers that keep you safe online Note: you should consider investing in a newer version now that Microsoft is no longer offering support for older versions.

Until now, anyway: the new changes to Edge allow the browser to be rolled out to Windows 8 and unsupported Windows 7 machines. If you want to switch your browser to Microsoft Edge but are using an older version of Windows, it hasn’t been easy to do. “Individual device performance will vary based upon configuration and usage,” according to Denny, “but the lower memory usage is expected to create a better experience.” Expanded usage for Windows 7 & 8 users This Edge updated rolled out with Windows update, and according to the browser’s principal PM manager, Kim Denny, those with the Edge browser are seeing a memory usage reduction of up to 27% - which is a massive reduction. One update that was recently rolled out for Edge is meant to reduce memory usage by this browser, which will, in turn, improve the overall performance of your device. Recent improvements to Microsoft Edge Memory use reduction and faster speeds

Microsoft edge vs chrome performance