Web browsers have a rich history. Back in the day, we used browsers like Netscape and Mosaic to browse the internet. Eventually, browser security and functionality increased, leading to more browser options. One of the notable options when it comes to Microsoft browsers is Internet Explorer.
In the early 2000s, Internet Explorer was the most used browser, with over 90% usage share in 2003. But the key reason why this number was so high is likely because IE was bundled with the Windows operating system (OS) at the time. Unfortunately, IE was plagued with issues: it often crashed, had its fair share of bugs, and didn't follow typical standardizations (like with displaying CSS, as an example). This soured people's perception of Microsoft-developed browsers, and that has leaked into the discussion surrounding Microsoft Edge, even though it's arguably a better version of Google Chrome and was built using the same technology (Chromium).
The reality is many users, business professionals, and IT teams included use the included Edge browser in current versions of Windows as a tool to download Mozilla or Chrome. But are those other popular web browsers really the best option for businesses? This article takes a closer look at each of them.
Microsoft Edge was introduced in 2015 to replace Internet Explorer. Edge is available on major Operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
But is Microsoft Edge good? Edge has a modern user interface with several features, such as integration with OneDrive and Office 365, Developer Tools, and SmartScreen Filter, to enhance productivity and user experience while keeping you safe against phishing and malware attacks.
While regular users would use Microsoft Edge for browsing the internet, it has specific security functions and other features that cater to business use.
The following security features of Edge help ensure a secure browsing experience:
The range of security features on the Microsoft Edge browser helps protect users from various online threats, thus ensuring their privacy and security while surfing the net.
Microsoft Edge has a rich, user-friendly interface and advanced features. Some of its features include:
In addition, you can pause or “sleep” inactive tabs so your browser runs smoothly. Open the Edge menu (the three dots on the top right), click Settings, and open System and performance. Under Optimize Performance, turn on the "Save resources with sleeping tabs" setting. While still under Optimize performance, you can decide how long it takes for tabs to sleep.
Compatibility Mode for Edge allows users to view websites designed for older Internet Explorer versions without major issues. The browser switches to the rendering engine in Internet Explorer when you enable Compatibility Mode.
This feature allows legacy websites to render correctly and is handy for businesses yet to modernize their website and experience compatibility issues with other browsers. Consequently, users can still access important information and services, even if the website is outdated.
However, Edge is a modern, standards-compliant web browser, and Microsoft recommends turning off Compatibility Mode whenever possible.
Since Edge is built with the same Chromium code as Google's browser, Chrome-compatible add-ons work in Edge. This feature lets you download and install extensions directly from the Chrome Web Store or the Microsoft Edge Extension library to Edge.
Let's take a look at how Microsoft Edge can be used to conduct business operations effectively.
Microsoft Edge provides vital features to benefit IT teams. These features include:
Microsoft Edge offers specific security features that help businesses protect their data, devices, and users. These features are:
Windows Defender Application Guard: Users can open websites and files in a virtualized container. The container restricts malware and other threats. This feature is useful when a user must access a suspicious file.
Microsoft Information Protection (MIP): This feature allows organizations to label, classify, and protect sensitive data, such as financial data, personal information, or confidential documents.
Once you label data as sensitive, MIP applies labels to the file defining the protection level. For example, some labels require encrypting the file, preventing copying, printing, or unauthorized access.
Device Guard: The feature ensures that only trusted applications can run on a device, helping protect against malware and similar threats.
Azure Active Directory Integration: This feature allows organizations to manage access controls and user identities. Also, users can enable single sign-on (SSO) across Microsoft services. SSO improves security by reducing the number of credentials users must remember. As a result, users can have complex and stronger passwords that are difficult to crack or guess.
The security features on Microsoft Edge protect organizations from a range of cyber threats while also providing a productive browsing experience.
Microsoft Edge has specific features that are designed for businesses. Some of its business features include:
Microsoft Search integration: Edge integrates with Microsoft Search, thus providing a unified search experience across different Microsoft services, such as SharePoint and Microsoft 365. As a result, employees can find the information they need quickly.
Collections: The Collections feature means users can save and organize web content, such as research materials or travel itineraries. Consequently, employees can stay organized and productive while browsing the web.
Group Policy Management: Administrators can configure and manage Microsoft Edge settings for their organization, including security, and privacy settings, with this feature.
The Internet Explorer (IE) Compatibility feature in Microsoft Edge means businesses can access web applications designed for Internet Explorer, even without using the Internet Explorer browser. This feature is helpful for businesses since it allows them to utilize modern web standards while still supporting legacy web applications.
Intune is a cloud-based service from Microsoft used by IT departments for managing and securing business devices, apps, and data. When used with Microsoft Edge, Intune has features that help businesses manage their browsing environment efficiently.
Resources and Management via Intune for Edge have the following benefits:
Centralized Management: Intune allows businesses to manage and configure Microsoft Edge on their devices from a central location. This feature ensures consistency in settings and security policies across the organization.
Simplified Deployment: Intune helps businesses deploy Microsoft Edge to their devices more easily without manually installing or configuring each browser. This can save time and reduce the risk of errors.
Enhanced Security: It's easy to enforce security policies, such as blocking access to certain websites or preventing downloads of particular files for Microsoft Edge with Intune. This measure prevents Microsoft Edge viruses and protects sensitive data.
Remote Wipe: Intune can be set to remotely wipe Microsoft Edge data from the device if a device is lost or stolen, thus preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Real-time Monitoring: Intune monitors and reports Microsoft Edge usage and performance across the organization. Consequently, businesses nip challenges in the bud before they become major problems.
Automatic Updates: Intune helps keep Microsoft Edge up-to-date by deploying automatic updates and patches to the browser. This feature ensures the browser is secure and stable.
Microsoft Edge Profiles are separate user profiles so users can customize their browsing experience and separate their data and preferences from others who use the same computer or between work and personal use. Each profile has its own settings, bookmarks, and extensions, and you can switch between profiles with two clicks.
Microsoft Edge Profiles have these benefits:
The same user can have multiple Microsoft Edge profiles. For example, a user can have a work and personal profile. As a result, settings, bookmarks, and extensions necessary for work can be applied to the appropriate profile. This partitioning improves work focus and allows for better work-life balance.
Edge Profiles sync across devices so that users can access their bookmarks, passwords, and other data on all their devices. This feature is helpful for remote employees or workers who travel frequently. With syncing enabled, employees can easily access their work data from any device, ensuring business continuity and productivity.
For businesses using Microsoft 365, the profile feature can be further enhanced by linking it with a Microsoft 365 account. This connection allows seamless integration between your work data and your Microsoft 365 account. As a result, you can access Microsoft 365 apps and services easily.
Microsoft Edge Workspace is an Edge feature that allows users to create a dedicated work environment or workspace for different projects or activities. Microsoft Edge Workspaces are separate instances of the browser with their own tabs, history, settings, and extensions. Users can switch between workspaces or open new ones to separate and organize browsing activities.
These benefits of using Microsoft Edge Workspace:
Visit the workspace settings URL edge://flags#edge-workspaces on Edge to start exploring this feature.
Microsoft Edge also seamlessly integrates browsing and chat into one unified experience using the power of Bing. This allows users to have a more robust browsing experience through the following features:
[blog-cta-2]
How does Microsoft Edge compare to Google Chrome? The table below places Chrome and Edge side by side:
Features |
Google Chrome |
Microsoft Edge |
Browser engine |
Blink |
Blink |
Supported platforms |
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Extensions |
Available |
Available on Chrome Web Store and Edge Add-ons Library |
User Interface |
Simple and minimalist |
Simple and minimalist |
Privacy features |
Incognito mode, tracking prevention, password manager (may have privacy concerns due to data collection by Google) |
InPrivate mode, tracking prevention, password manager |
Security features |
Sandboxing, phishing protection, safe browsing |
Sandboxing, phishing protection, smart screen |
Developer tools |
Available |
Available |
Internet Explorer Compatibility |
No |
Yes |
Integration with OS |
Limited |
Tight integration with Windows 10 and Office |
Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are powerful browsers. However, If you want a fast and straightforward browsing experience focused on privacy, Microsoft Edge may be the right choice.
The table below shows a comparison of some of the features offered by Microsoft Edge and Firefox
Features |
Mozilla Firefox |
Microsoft Edge |
Supported platforms |
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
User interface |
Simple and minimalist |
Simple and minimalist |
Integration with OS |
Limited |
Tight integration with Windows 10 and Office |
Developer tools |
Yes |
Yes |
Extensions |
Available |
Available |
Internet Explorer Compatibility |
No |
Yes |
Cross-platform sync |
Sync across devices with Firefox account |
Sync across devices with Microsoft account |
Microsoft Edge and Firefox are popular browser choices. However, if you want a fast and simple browsing experience, Microsoft Edge may be the right choice.
To get started with Edge, follow these simple steps:
Follow these steps to import your custom data from another browser:
You can visit a few places to learn more about Microsoft Edge features. These are:
The following are key points from the Microsoft Edge privacy policy:
You can find the full privacy policy on the Microsoft website.
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox have noteworthy features that simplify browsing.
However, Microsoft Edge offers features and functionalities that make browsing personal and productive while keeping you safe from various security threats.
Additionally, Microsoft Edge has key business features, such as Workspaces and Microsoft Search Integration, to enhance collaboration while eliminating distraction and labor.
Amaxra is a Microsoft partner with decades of experience helping teams make the best use of Microsoft's products and licenses.
Would you like to know how specific business optimizations will save your organization time and money? Contact our team to get started.
[blog-cta-1]