Updating Microsoft Edge is a simple process that usually happens on its own, but you can also force it to happen right now. First, open your browser and look for the three dots in the top right corner of the screen. Click on those dots to open the main menu. Move your mouse down to the option that says Help and feedback. A side menu will pop up, and you should click on About Microsoft Edge. The browser will automatically check for new software and install it for you. Finally, you just need to restart the browser to finish the job.
Tutorial – How to update Edge manually
This section will guide you through the specific actions needed to get the latest version of your web browser. Even though the software tries to do this automatically, sometimes it gets stuck or waits too long. Following these steps ensures you have the newest features and security fixes immediately.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
You need to launch the program just like you would if you were going to search the web or visit a favorite site. Look for the icon that resembles a blue and green wave on your desktop or taskbar. If you already have it open, you are ready to move to the next part.
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal dots located in the top right corner.
This icon represents the main menu for the browser and holds all the important settings. It is usually located right next to your profile picture or the address bar. Clicking it will drop down a long list of options for you to choose from.
Step 3: Hover your mouse cursor over the Help and feedback option.
You will find this option near the very bottom of the menu list. You do not need to click it yet. Just holding your mouse over it will reveal a smaller side menu with more choices.
Step 4: Click on About Microsoft Edge in the side menu.
This is the specific button that takes you to the settings page regarding your current version. Once you click this, the browser takes over the work. It acts like a mechanic checking under the hood of your car.
Step 5: Wait for the browser to download and install the update.
As soon as that page opens, Edge talks to the internet to see if there is anything new. If there is an update available, you will see a progress bar moving across the screen. You can keep browsing in other tabs while this happens.
Step 6: Click the Restart button to finish the process.
Once the files are downloaded, they are not active until the browser turns off and turns back on. You will see a button appear that says Restart. Clicking this will close your windows and reopen them with the update applied.
After you click that restart button, your browser will close for a brief moment. It will then pop back up automatically with all your previous tabs restored. You are now running the safest and fastest version of the software.
Tips for how to update Edge successfully
- Make sure you are connected to the internet before you try to check for updates, or else the browser cannot download the new files.
- If you see a green, yellow, or red circle on the menu dots, it means an update is already waiting for you to restart.
- Check your computer settings to ensure you are not on a “metered connection,” because Windows often pauses downloads on these networks to save data.
- If you are using a computer from your work or school, the administrators might control when updates happen, so you might not be able to force it yourself.
- Remember that updating the browser on your phone is different and must be done through the App Store or Google Play Store.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to update my browser?
Yes, keeping your browser up to date costs absolutely nothing. Microsoft provides these updates to keep you safe and to ensure websites load correctly. You should never pay for a browser update.
How often does Microsoft release new updates?
The company releases small security fixes very often, sometimes every week. Larger updates that change how things look or add new features usually happen every four to six weeks. It is a continuous cycle of improvement.
Will I lose my bookmarks or passwords if I update?
No, your personal data is safe during this process. The update only changes the core files of the program, not your saved information. Your history and favorites will be there when the browser opens again.
What should I do if the update fails?
If you see an error message, try closing the browser completely and opening it again. If that does not work, restarting your computer often fixes the glitch. You can also try downloading a fresh installer from the Microsoft website.
Why is it important to update?
Updates are primarily about security. Hackers find holes in software, and updates are the patches that cover those holes. Using an old browser is like leaving your front door unlocked.
Summary
- Open the Edge browser.
- Click the three dots menu.
- Select Help and feedback.
- Click About Microsoft Edge.
- Wait for the automatic download.
- Restart the browser.
Conclusion
Keeping your technology in good shape is a lot like taking care of a car or a house. You have to do a little bit of maintenance to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. When you ignore updates, you are essentially driving on bald tires. It might work for a while, but eventually, you are going to run into trouble. The web changes very fast, and bad actors are always looking for new ways to trick users or steal data. By ensuring you have the latest version of your browser, you are putting up a strong shield against these threats.
It is also about performance. New updates often make pages load faster and use less of your computer’s battery life. If you feel like your internet is dragging, an out-of-date browser is often the culprit. The process is so quick and easy that there is really no reason to put it off. You do not need to be a computer genius to stay secure.
Make it a habit to check your settings once in a while. Even though automation works well, a manual check ensures nothing slipped through the cracks. Now that you know exactly how to update edge, you can browse the internet with total confidence. You have the tools to keep your digital life secure and efficient. Take that minute to check your status today. It is a small step that makes a big difference in your digital safety.
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.