Keeping your web browser updated is one of the simplest, yet most important, things you can do for your computer’s health. For Microsoft Edge users, the process is incredibly straightforward. You just need to open the main menu, navigate to the “About Microsoft Edge” page, and the browser will automatically check for and download any available updates. A quick relaunch is all it takes to finish the job, getting you back to browsing with the latest features and security protections in a matter of moments. It really is that easy.
Tutorial – How to Update Microsoft Edge Browser
These steps will walk you through the simple process of manually checking for an update in Microsoft Edge. While the browser often handles this on its own, knowing how to do it yourself ensures you always have the latest and greatest version running on your machine. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge.
First, you need to launch the browser application on your computer.
You can usually find the Microsoft Edge icon on your desktop, taskbar, or in your Start menu. It looks like a blue and green wave. Just give it a click to open it up. If you already have it open for reading this article, then you are one step ahead.
Step 2: Click the three-dot menu.
In the top right corner of the browser window, locate the icon with three horizontal dots.
This is the “Settings and more” menu, and it’s your gateway to all of Edge’s options and tools. Clicking this will open a dropdown menu with a list of different actions and settings you can explore.
Step 3: Go to “Help and feedback.”
Near the bottom of the dropdown menu, hover your mouse cursor over the “Help and feedback” option.
This action will reveal a smaller, secondary menu to the side. You don’t need to click on “Help and feedback” itself, just let your cursor rest on it for a moment for the next set of options to appear.
Step 4: Select “About Microsoft Edge.”
In the new submenu that appears, click on the last option, which is labeled “About Microsoft Edge.”
This will take you to a dedicated settings page. This page is the command center for all things related to your browser’s version and update status.
Step 5: Let Edge check for updates and restart.
As soon as the “About” page loads, Edge will automatically start checking for a new version.
If an update is available, it will begin downloading right away. Once it’s finished, a button will appear that says “Relaunch” or “Restart.” Click that button to finish the installation. Don’t worry, Edge will save your open tabs and reopen them for you when it starts back up.
After you click the “Relaunch” button, Microsoft Edge will quickly close and then reopen. When it comes back, it will be running the newest version. You’ll land right back on the “About” page, which will now display a message confirming that “Microsoft Edge is up to date.”
Tips for How to Update Microsoft Edge Browser
- Microsoft Edge is designed to update itself automatically in the background. You usually don’t have to do anything at all. It checks for new versions periodically and installs them when you close and reopen your browser.
- Keep an eye on the three-dot menu icon. If an update has been downloaded and is ready to be installed, a small colored dot will often appear on the icon, letting you know it’s time to restart the browser.
- Updating isn’t just about getting cool new features. It’s a critical security step. Updates regularly include patches for vulnerabilities that could otherwise put your computer and personal information at risk.
- You can see exactly which version of Edge you are running on the “About Microsoft Edge” page. This is useful if you are ever trying to troubleshoot a problem and need to know the specific version number.
- If an update fails to install, the first thing to try is simply restarting your computer. This can solve a surprising number of minor glitches. Also, make sure you have a stable internet connection, as the update needs to be downloaded first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft Edge update automatically?
Yes, in most cases, it does. Microsoft Edge is built to handle updates in the background without you needing to do anything. It checks for, downloads, and installs updates on its own. The manual check is just a good way to make sure you get an update immediately after it’s released.
How do I know if my Edge browser is up to date?
The easiest way to check is to navigate to the “About Microsoft Edge” page using the steps outlined above. If your browser is current, you will see a checkmark and the message, “Microsoft Edge is up to date.”
Will I lose my open tabs when I update Edge?
No, you will not lose your work. When you click the “Relaunch” button to complete an update, Edge is designed to save your current session. When it reopens, all of your tabs and windows will be restored just as you left them.
Why is my Microsoft Edge not updating?
This can happen for a few reasons. A weak or unstable internet connection could prevent the update from downloading. Sometimes, a pending Windows update can interfere with the browser update. The simplest fix is often to restart your computer and try the update process again.
Is updating Microsoft Edge free?
Absolutely. Microsoft Edge and all of its updates are completely free. They are part of the Windows operating system, and Microsoft provides these updates at no cost to ensure users have the most secure and functional browsing experience.
Update Summary
- Open Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Hover over “Help and feedback.”
- Click “About Microsoft Edge.”
- Relaunch the browser if prompted.
Final Thoughts
In the end, keeping your digital tools sharp is a lot like maintaining a car. You can ignore the “check engine” light for a while, but eventually, neglecting basic maintenance will lead to problems. Updating your browser is the digital equivalent of an oil change. It’s a simple, quick task that prevents a world of potential trouble down the road. Microsoft has made the process for Edge so seamless that it often happens without you even noticing. It works quietly in the background, patching security holes and adding new features to make your time online smoother and safer.
However, knowing the manual process is empowering. It puts you in the driver’s seat. Maybe you heard about a big new feature and want it right away, or perhaps you’re concerned about a newly discovered security threat. Instead of waiting for the automatic process to kick in, you can take control and secure your browser in under a minute. This guide on how to update the Microsoft Edge browser shows just how accessible this process truly is. There are no complicated commands or confusing files to download. It’s just a few clicks through a clear and simple menu. So, take a moment every now and then to pop into the “About” page. It’s a small habit that pays big dividends in security, stability, and peace of mind. Your future self, happily and safely browsing the web, will thank you for it.
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.