Microsoft is not giving up on pushing its Edge browser to Windows users, and another mandatory update proves that.
Despite adopting the Chromium engine, the company doesn’t want you to use Chrome or any other browser, and just released a new Chromium-based version of Edge in the KB4576754 update.
According to the official advisory, “this new version provides best in class compatibility with extensions and websites“. This version also provides great support for the latest rendering capabilities, modern web applications, and powerful developer tools across all supported OS platforms, the company promises.
In truth, the KB4576754 update forces the installation of the latest Edge version, and removes the previous one. However, since the update is mandatory, Windows users should take special actions to avoid using the browser. Note that the update is made for certain Windows 10 versions – 1809, 1903, 1909 and 2004, but it was also released for Windows 10 version 1803 in the form of KB4576753. However, it is not aimed at Windows Update for Business (WUfB) managed devices.
So, what does KB4576754 introduce to Edge?
Features of your current version of Edge will be migrated to the new one, including start menu pins, tiles, shortcuts, taskbar pins, etc. In addition, the latest version will be pinned to the taskbar. Other changes include:
– The new Microsoft Edge will add a shortcut to the desktop. If the current version of Microsoft Edge already has a shortcut, it will be replaced.
– By default, most protocols that Microsoft Edge handles will be migrated to the new Microsoft Edge.
– The current version of Microsoft Edge will be hidden from UX surfaces in the OS. This includes settings, applications, and any file or protocol support dialog boxes.
– Trying to start the current version of Microsoft Edge will redirect to the new Microsoft Edge.
– The First Run Experience (FRE) will auto-launch the first time that a device restarts after the new Microsoft Edge is installed. This does not occur on devices joined to a Domain, Active Directory, Azure AD or on Windows 10 Enterprise and Surface Hub Editions.
– Data from earlier versions of Microsoft Edge (such as passwords, favorites, open tabs) will be available in the new Microsoft Edge.
– The new Microsoft Edge does not support the removal of this update.
What to do if you want to get rid of the new version of Edge
It turns out that there is a way to remove the update even if it was already installed on your device. You just need to use the Command Prompt to run the following two commands:
cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\[latest_version]\Installer
setup.exe –uninstall –system-level –verbose-logging –force-uninstall
Last month (August 2020), Microsoft Defender, the security suite which guards the Windows operating system received an important update which prevents software and programs to disable it via the Windows Registry. This functionality was often misused by malware operators in attacks against Windows.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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