Microsoft Edge has become one of the most important web browsers for Windows users. Built on the Chromium engine, it combines speed, security, and compatibility with modern web standards. Since its launch, Microsoft has continued to update Edge with new features, performance improvements, and security patches. Like any other browser, knowing which version of Microsoft Edge you are using is essential for troubleshooting, verifying compatibility, or ensuring that you have the latest updates installed.
At the same time, many users may want to check the version history of Microsoft Edge—that is, the log of updates released over time. By viewing version history, you can track when certain features were introduced, when bugs were fixed, and when major performance upgrades were rolled out. In this guide, we will walk you through different methods to check your current Microsoft Edge version and explore how to access its version history.
Why Checking Edge’s Version History Matters
Checking the version history of Microsoft Edge is not just a technical curiosity; it serves multiple purposes for different kinds of users:
- Security Assurance: Each Edge update contains security patches. By knowing the version, you can confirm whether your browser is secure.
- Feature Awareness: New features like vertical tabs, collections, or sleeping tabs were introduced in specific versions. If you want to use them, you should check if your Edge version supports them.
- Troubleshooting Issues: Some websites or extensions may not work properly with older versions. Identifying your version helps when seeking technical support.
- Developer Needs: Web developers often test their websites across different browser versions to ensure compatibility.
- System Administrators: IT teams may need to verify which version of Edge is installed across different machines for compliance.
Understanding version history makes it easier to align your browser with the latest improvements and maintain smooth performance.
How to Check Your Current Microsoft Edge Version
Before exploring version history, the first step is to check your current Microsoft Edge version. Here’s how you can do it:
Method 1: From the Browser Settings
- Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
- Click on the three-dot menu (ellipsis) at the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- In the left sidebar, click on About Microsoft Edge.
- A new page will open, showing the current version number (e.g., Version 128.0.2739.42).
- This page also automatically checks for updates.
This is the most direct way to see the installed version.
Method 2: Using the Edge Menu (Help and Feedback)
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click on the three-dot menu.
- Navigate to Help and Feedback → About Microsoft Edge.
- The version number will be displayed at the top of the page.
This is simply another path to the same information.
Method 3: Via Command Prompt or PowerShell
If you prefer using command-line tools:
- Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type:
reg query "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Edge\BLBeacon" /v version - The version number will be displayed.
- PowerShell
- Open PowerShell.
- Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable | Select-Object -Property Version - This will show the installed version.
This method is particularly useful for IT administrators managing multiple systems.
Method 4: Checking on Mobile (Android/iOS)
- On Android:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Microsoft Edge.
- The version is listed under App info.
- On iOS:
- Open the App Store.
- Go to the Edge app page.
- Scroll down to Version History to see details.
How to View Microsoft Edge’s Version History
Now that you know how to check your current version, the next step is to explore Edge’s version history. There are multiple ways to do this:
Method 1: Official Microsoft Edge Release Notes
Microsoft maintains a dedicated page with release notes for Edge:
- Open your browser.
- Go to the official Microsoft Edge release notes page:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-relnote-stable-channel - Here, you’ll see detailed logs of all Edge updates, organized by version.
- Each version entry typically includes:
- Release date
- Version number
- New features
- Bug fixes
- Security updates
This is the most reliable way to track Edge’s version history.
Method 2: Edge Insider Channels (Dev, Beta, Canary)
Microsoft offers Insider versions of Edge for testing future updates. If you want to track upcoming features or historical builds:
- Visit the Edge Insider site:
https://www.microsoftedgeinsider.com/ - Here, you can view version history across different channels:
- Canary (daily updates)
- Dev (weekly updates)
- Beta (every six weeks)
- Each channel maintains a history of updates and features introduced.
This method is useful for developers and early adopters.
Method 3: Wikipedia and Community Resources
Surprisingly, websites like Wikipedia maintain a detailed version history of Edge. Searching for Microsoft Edge version history on Wikipedia provides a chronological list of major releases with dates and features.
While not as official as Microsoft’s own documentation, it provides a quick overview of Edge’s evolution.
Method 4: Mobile App Stores
For mobile devices:
- App Store (iOS):
Each update is listed under the Version History section of the Edge app, showing release dates and what’s new. - Google Play Store (Android):
You can scroll through the update log in the app’s details section.
This method is more convenient for mobile users who want to keep track of when updates were released.
Major Milestones in Microsoft Edge’s Version History
Let’s take a brief look at some key milestones to understand how Edge has evolved:
- 2015 – Legacy Edge: Launched with Windows 10, using Microsoft’s own EdgeHTML engine.
- 2019 – Chromium Announcement: Microsoft announced that Edge would switch to the Chromium engine.
- 2020 – Chromium Edge Release: The new version officially replaced legacy Edge.
- 2021 – Vertical Tabs and Sleeping Tabs: Performance-focused features rolled out.
- 2022 – Edge Secure Network: A built-in VPN feature was tested.
- 2023 – AI Integration: Edge integrated with Bing Chat and AI-powered sidebar tools.
- 2024 – Continuous Improvements: Microsoft focused on better performance, cross-device sync, and privacy features.
These milestones show why tracking version history can be so valuable.
Differences Between Edge Version Channels
To fully understand Edge’s version history, you should also know about its different release channels:
- Stable Channel: Standard version most users have, updated every 4 weeks.
- Beta Channel: Preview version, updated every 6 weeks.
- Dev Channel: Updated weekly, intended for developers.
- Canary Channel: Updated daily, most experimental.
Each channel has its own version history, and checking them can reveal upcoming features before they reach the stable release.
Tips for Keeping Track of Edge’s Version History
If you frequently need to check version history, here are some tips:
- Bookmark Microsoft’s Release Notes Page: This ensures quick access.
- Enable Auto Updates: Edge usually updates automatically, but you can force updates from the About page.
- Follow Microsoft Blogs: The Microsoft Edge Blog often posts detailed announcements about new releases.
- Use Third-Party Tools: Websites like ghacks.net or Neowin track Edge releases and changes.
- Subscribe to Insider Channels: If you like early access, join the Insider program.
Common Issues Related to Edge Version History
Sometimes, users encounter problems when dealing with version history:
- Edge Not Updating: If your browser isn’t updating, check Windows Update settings or reinstall Edge.
- Confusion Between Legacy and Chromium Edge: Remember that pre-2020 versions were based on EdgeHTML, while newer ones use Chromium.
- Version Numbers Look Different on Mobile: Mobile Edge updates may not match desktop numbering exactly.
- Corporate Restrictions: In enterprise environments, IT admins may delay updates.
Being aware of these issues helps you avoid confusion when checking version history.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Edge continues to evolve rapidly, with frequent updates that enhance security, performance, and usability. By checking your browser’s version and reviewing its version history, you gain better control over your browsing experience. Whether you are an everyday user who just wants to know if your browser is up to date, a developer who needs to ensure compatibility, or an IT administrator managing multiple systems, understanding version history is crucial.
With simple steps, you can easily check your current version through the settings menu, command line tools, or even mobile app stores. For a broader perspective, Microsoft’s official release notes, Insider channels, and other online resources provide comprehensive version history logs.
Staying informed about Edge’s updates not only helps you make the most of its features but also ensures that you are browsing securely and efficiently in today’s ever-changing digital landscape.
