Microsoft Edge has transformed significantly since adopting the Chromium engine. Initially criticized for adding unwanted features, it now delivers a markedly improved browsing experience on Windows 11. Users switching back to Edge find it smoother and more integrated than before, making it a compelling choice for a primary browser.
One standout improvement is Edge’s deep integration with Windows 11, particularly through the Task Manager. This integration enables direct monitoring of each tab, extension, and browser process from the Windows Task Manager. Users can easily identify and terminate resource-heavy tabs without opening Edge’s built-in task manager. This level of detail surpasses what competitors like Firefox or Chrome offer, making troubleshooting more straightforward.
Built-In VPN: Secure Network
Edge comes with a built-in VPN feature called Secure Network, developed in partnership with Cloudflare. This service helps protect user privacy by routing traffic through nearby Cloudflare servers and encrypting data. It is not enabled by default and requires manual activation via Settings under Privacy & Services. Users can configure it to operate on all websites, only selected sites, or an optimized mode.
Despite its privacy benefits, Secure Network carries some limitations:
- Provides free usage of up to 5 GB per month for Microsoft account holders.
- Masks IP addresses to enhance privacy protection.
- Encrypts data, ensuring safer browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Works within Edge without needing additional apps.
- Has minimal system impact, maintaining fast performance.
- Does not support bypassing geo-restrictions or streaming services.
- Only protects browser traffic, leaving other apps unsecured.
- Performance may degrade when Cloudflare servers are heavily loaded.
- Offers basic privacy protection but should not replace premium VPN solutions.
Resource Management Features
For users with limited system resources, Edge provides powerful tools to optimize performance. The Sleeping Tabs feature automatically suspends inactive tabs after a set period, reducing RAM and CPU consumption. This setting is particularly beneficial for devices with 8 GB of RAM or less. Tab suspension is indicated by a faded tab appearance and activates after one hour of inactivity by default. Users can customize this via System & Performance settings.
Additionally, the Resource Control function lets users cap the maximum RAM Edge can utilize. By default, Edge maximizes RAM use for optimal speed, but users can restrict it (for example, to 4 GB) to leave room for other applications. These resource management options help prevent system slowdowns or crashes caused by excessive browser memory consumption.
Comprehensive Security and Privacy Controls
Edge includes robust security features like Tracking Prevention, Scareware Blocker, Website Typo Protection, and Download Protections. Most of these defenses are enabled by default and guard against malicious sites, scams, and unwanted downloads. However, despite these protections, some concerns about Microsoft telemetry remain. Data sent to Microsoft can be significant if privacy settings are left at their default, especially when syncing with a Microsoft account.
Areas for Improvement
Microsoft Edge still has some drawbacks, including built-in bloatware such as AI Copilot and Shopping integrations that cannot be fully disabled. Privacy-conscious users might find Edge less favorable compared to browsers like Firefox, which offer stronger default privacy protections. However, for users embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, especially those using Microsoft 365 and Windows 11, Edge provides tight integration and features worth trying out.
Since Edge is preinstalled and can’t be uninstalled from Windows 11, it makes sense to leverage its capabilities for browsing and streaming. Many users might benefit from using it as a primary browser or having it as a reliable secondary option alongside others.
Microsoft has developed Edge into a browser tailored to Windows 11 users, focusing on system resource efficiency, built-in privacy tools, and seamless system integration. These strengths position it as a practical and secure browser choice for modern Microsoft users.
