How does Microsoft Edge work?
Microsoft Edge works as a Chromium browser that uses the Blink rendering engine and the V8 JavaScript engine, the same core technology as Google Chrome. This means a page that renders correctly in Chrome almost always renders the same way in Edge. On iOS, iPadOS and visionOS, Edge uses Apple’s WebKit engine, as Apple requires for all browsers there.
Microsoft adds its own layer on top of Chromium: Bing as the default search engine, the Copilot AI assistant in the sidebar, Microsoft account sync and enterprise controls for IT teams.
History of Microsoft Edge
Edge has had two generations: the original EdgeHTML browser (2015) and the Chromium rebuild (2020).
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Edge (now called Edge Legacy) ships with Windows 10 on the EdgeHTML engine |
| 6 Dec 2018 | Microsoft announces a rebuild on Chromium, codename “Anaheim” |
| 15 Jan 2020 | Chromium-based Edge is released to the public |
| 15 Jun 2022 | Internet Explorer 11 desktop app reaches end of support |
| 7 Feb 2023 | Bing Chat (later Copilot) button added to the sidebar |
| 28 Jul 2025 | Microsoft announces Copilot Mode for Windows and Mac |
Key features of Microsoft Edge
Edge stands out from Chrome through four groups of features: AI, productivity, compatibility and business management.
Copilot and Copilot Mode
Copilot Mode replaces the new tab page with a single box for chat, search and navigation. With the user’s permission, Copilot reads open tabs to compare products or summarise research.
Productivity tools
Vertical tabs, split screen (two tabs side by side) and Workspaces (shared tab groups) target people who work with many tabs at once.
Internet Explorer mode
IE mode runs old intranet apps built for Internet Explorer. Microsoft commits to supporting it through at least 2029.
Edge for Business
Since version 116, Edge for Business separates work and personal profiles and gives administrators central policies.
Microsoft Edge market share
Edge is the second most used desktop browser in the world, but a minor player on mobile. Statcounter data for September 2026:
| Market | Edge share | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop, worldwide | 14.64% | Chrome 65.09% |
| All platforms, worldwide | 6.04% | Chrome 66.36% |
| Desktop, Poland | 10.91% | Chrome 53.74% |
Microsoft Edge in SEO and AI search
Edge matters to marketers because it is the main entry point to Bing and Copilot for Windows users. Many office workers never change the default engine, so their searches go to Bing, and Bing results also feed Copilot answers. In my B2B SEO projects Bing traffic is visibly higher than in B2C, precisely because corporate laptops run Edge.
Three practical consequences for SEO and paid media:
- Verify your site in Bing Webmaster Tools and submit a sitemap, not only in Google Search Console.
- Test landing pages in Edge, especially on desktop, where the browser’s share is highest.
- Track AI referrals from Copilot alongside ChatGPT and AI Overviews when you measure AI search visibility.
Pros and cons of Microsoft Edge
Edge suits Windows and Microsoft 365 users best, while people deep in Google’s ecosystem gain less from switching.
- Compatibility: the Chromium core runs Chrome extensions and renders pages like Chrome.
- Integration: Copilot, Microsoft account sync and IE mode work out of the box on Windows.
- Management: Edge for Business gives IT teams central policies and separate work profiles.
- Defaults: Bing as the preset engine and frequent Microsoft prompts annoy some users.
- Mobile reach: a small share on phones limits Edge’s role outside the desktop.
Microsoft Edge vs Google Chrome
Edge and Chrome share the Chromium core, so the differences lie in services and defaults.
| Aspect | Microsoft Edge | Google Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Default search engine | Bing | |
| Built-in AI | Copilot, Copilot Mode | Gemini |
| Preinstalled on | Windows | Android, ChromeOS |
| Legacy support | IE mode (to at least 2029) | None |
Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Edge
Is Microsoft Edge based on Chrome?
Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium, the open-source project behind Google Chrome, not on Chrome itself. Microsoft released this version on 15 January 2020.
What search engine does Microsoft Edge use?
Microsoft Edge uses Bing as its default search engine. Users can switch to Google or another engine in Settings under Privacy, search and services, then Address bar.
What is Microsoft Edge's market share?
Edge held 14.64% of desktop browser traffic worldwide in September 2026, according to Statcounter. Across all devices its share was 6.04%.
Is Microsoft Edge free?
Microsoft Edge is free on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Copilot features inside the browser are also available without a separate browser licence.
Related terms
- Browser Market Share Worldwide · Statcounter Global Stats
- Desktop Browser Market Share Worldwide · Statcounter Global Stats
- Desktop Browser Market Share Poland · Statcounter Global Stats
- Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge lifecycle FAQ · Microsoft Learn
- Change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge · Microsoft Support
- Microsoft Edge · Wikipedia
