Updating Microsoft Edge is usually an automatic process, but sometimes you need to nudge it manually. Open the browser and look at the top right corner of the window. Click on the three horizontal dots to open the main menu. Go down the list to Help and feedback, then click on About Microsoft Edge. The browser will check for updates immediately upon opening this page. If one is found, it downloads right there. You just need to click the restart button to finish. It is a simple process that keeps you safe online.
Tutorial – How to update Edge browser
This guide shows you exactly where to click to get the latest version. Following these steps ensures your browser runs smoothly and stays secure against threats. It only takes a few moments to complete the whole process.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
You need to launch the program to access its internal settings. Look for the blue and green wave icon on your desktop or taskbar. Clicking this brings up your main window so we can get started.
Step 2: Click the three dots in the top right corner.
This button is often called the meatball menu or the ellipsis. It holds all the main controls and tools for the browser. Clicking it drops down a long list of options for you to choose from.
Step 3: Hover your mouse over Help and feedback near the bottom.
You do not actually need to click this one yet. Just move your pointer down the list until it rests on these specific words. A smaller side menu will pop out to the left or right automatically.
Step 4: Click on About Microsoft Edge in the side menu.
This is the specific page where the magic happens. It takes you to the settings page that displays your current version number. This action triggers the automatic check for new software immediately.
Step 5: Wait for the download and click Restart.
The browser checks Microsoft’s servers and pulls down the update files. You will see a percentage bar moving across the screen as it works. Once it finishes, a button appears asking you to restart to apply the changes.
Once you click restart, the browser closes and reopens all by itself. All your open tabs should come back exactly where you left them. You are now running the safest and newest version available.
Tips for how to update Edge browser
- Check your internet connection before starting to ensure a fast and smooth download.
- Save your work in other tabs just in case the browser does not restore them perfectly.
- Look for a colored arrow on the menu button which indicates an update is already waiting.
- Enable metered connection settings in Windows if you have limited data to stop big downloads.
- Keep your Windows operating system updated since Edge updates often come bundled with system updates.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have the latest version?
When you go to the About page, it will tell you the status explicitly. It usually says “Microsoft Edge is up to date” in clear text. There is no need to guess or search for version numbers manually.
Will I lose my bookmarks when I update?
You will not lose your favorites or bookmarks during a standard update. The software is designed to keep your personal data safe while changing the underlying code. Your history and passwords remain exactly where they were before the restart.
Why does Edge update automatically?
Microsoft pushes updates to keep security tight against new viruses and malware. It also ensures websites load correctly as technology changes on the internet. Turning off automatic updates is generally a bad idea for average users.
Can I go back to an older version?
Going back to an older version is difficult and not recommended for safety reasons. Older versions have security holes that hackers can exploit to steal data. Stick to the newest release to keep your personal information private.
What do the colors on the menu button mean?
A green dot means an update has been ready for a day or less. Orange indicates it has been waiting for about four days. Red means your browser has been out of date for at least a week.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots menu.
- Hover over Help and feedback.
- Select About Microsoft Edge.
- Wait for download and Restart.
Conclusion
Keeping your software fresh is like changing the oil in your car. It might seem like a small chore, but it prevents major breakdowns later. When you learn how to update Edge browser, you are taking a proactive step toward digital safety. The internet is full of threats that change every single day. Developers work hard to patch holes and fix bugs that could let bad actors in. By ignoring these updates, you leave the front door of your computer unlocked. Hackers are always looking for easy targets running old software.
Beyond security, updates often bring cool new features to your screen. You might get better tools for organizing tabs or faster loading speeds. Maybe the text looks sharper or the battery life on your laptop improves. You miss out on all these little upgrades if you stay on an old version. The process we covered is quick and painless. It usually takes less than two minutes from start to finish. There is really no downside to keeping things current.
Make it a habit to check this setting once a month. Even though automatic updates work well, a manual check never hurts. It gives you peace of mind knowing you have the latest defenses. So, take a moment right now to follow the steps above. Your computer will thank you for the extra care. Stay safe out there and enjoy a faster, smoother browsing experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.