Microsoft Edge 128: New Features and Security Improvements

Microsoft Edge is constantly innovating to meet the expectations of its users, and version 128 continues that tradition. This update brings a host of exciting new features, from making it easier to take screenshots to making the Edge Bar more accessible. It also includes security improvements and new management options. Read on to discover how these new features in Microsoft Edge 128 can make your browsing experience faster, more secure, and more enjoyable!

Copilot Integration for Screenshot Capture

Edge 128 makes capturing screenshots more convenient by integrating Copilot into the screenshot interface. Users can now find a Copilot button in the screenshot tool, allowing them to analyze or share the captured content directly with Copilot. This integration not only enhances workflow efficiency but also increases the overall utility of Copilot.

Selenium-Related Updates

Edge 128 addresses a significant issue related to Selenium testing, improving how the browser handles these tests. Previously, the ‘driver.quit()’ command used to end test sessions was causing increased CPU usage due to a problem. This update resolves the issue, making test automation processes more stable.

Edge Bar Improvements

For Windows 10 users, the functionality and accessibility of the Edge Bar have been significantly improved. The path to access settings is now more user-friendly, redirecting directly to the “edge://settings/sidebar” page. The Edge Bar also launches automatically when the device starts, giving users quicker access to frequently used tools. Additionally, Copilot integration has been moved from the Edge Bar to the main browser.

Removal of SSE3 Support

With Edge 128, Microsoft has ended support for browsers on processors that do not support SSE3 (Streaming SIMD Extensions 3). This means that users with older hardware will no longer receive updates for this version. This move is aimed at ensuring a more modern and secure browsing experience.

Copilot and Browser Context Access Control

Edge 128 introduces new policies to manage Copilot’s access to the browser context in more detail. For enterprise users using Microsoft Entra ID profiles, it is now possible to configure how Copilot can access browser data more flexibly. The new “CopilotPageContext” and “CopilotCDPPageContext” policies offer more granular control over this access.

Warnings for Insecure Downloads

A new policy in this version alerts users about insecure downloads over HTTP. The “ShowDownloadsInsecureWarningsEnabled” policy enables warning messages in the browser interface for potentially unsafe content. This feature is a valuable addition for security-conscious users and administrators.

Removal of the “Followable Web” Feature

With Edge 128, the “Followable Web” feature, which allowed users to track updates on web pages, has been disabled. The policy for this feature, “EdgeFollowEnabled,” has also been removed. This change reflects Microsoft’s strategy to focus on more modern functionalities in the browser.

Dynamic Code and Application-Bound Encryption Management

To enhance browser security, Microsoft has added new policies such as “DynamicCodeSettings” and “ApplicationBoundEncryptionEnabled.” These additions provide better security controls for applications running through the browser and dynamic code. These policies play a crucial role in improving application security in enterprise environments.