Windows Mixed Reality and the new Microsoft Edge

The new Microsoft Edge is available for download and has begun automatically rolling out to customers via Windows Update.

The new Microsoft Edge adopts the Chromium open source project on the desktop. This creates better compatibility for customers and less fragmentation for web developers. It will also support WebXR at launch, which is the new standard for creating immersive web experiences for VR headsets, in place of WebVR.

When you install Microsoft Edge on an up-to-date Windows 10 device, it will replace the previous (legacy) version on your PC.

Installing the new Microsoft Edge

Before you install the new Microsoft Edge, upgrade to Windows 10 Version 1903 or later for native Win32 application support like the new Microsoft Edge in Windows Mixed Reality. Check Windows Update or manually install the latest version of Windows 10.

Once you have Windows 10 Version 1903 or later, you’re ready for the new Microsoft Edge! The new Microsoft Edge is rolling out via Windows Update, but you can manually install the new Microsoft Edge from the Microsoft Edge website if you want it sooner.

The new Microsoft Edge launches with support for WebXR, the new standard for creating immersive web experiences for VR headsets. When you install the new Microsoft Edge, you will no longer be able to play WebVR experiences in Microsoft Edge.

Known issues

Known issues resolved by the 2020-01 Cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 1903 (or later)

• Launching any Win32 app, including the new Microsoft Edge, causes the headset display to briefly freeze.
• The Microsoft Edge tile disappears from the Windows Mixed Reality Start menu (you can find it in the “Classic apps” folder).
• Windows from the previous Microsoft Edge are still placed around the mixed reality home, but cannot be used. Attempting to activate those windows launches Edge in the Desktop app.
• Selecting a hyperlink in the mixed reality home launches a web browser on the desktop instead of the mixed reality home.
• The WebVR Showcase app is present in the mixed reality home, despite WebVR no longer being supported.
• General improvements to keyboard launch and visuals.

Monitor and input handling issues

After taking the 2020-01 Cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 1903 or later, virtual monitors will appear as generic physical monitors in Settings > System > Display during Windows Mixed Reality sessions. Some customers, especially those with more than one physical monitor, may notice issues with desktop layout and input handling as a result.

Why this happens

Support for classic Win32 applications in Windows Mixed Reality was introduced with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. To enable this support, a virtual monitor must be created to host the Win32 application. Each time a new Win32 application is launched, another virtual monitor has to be created. Unfortunately, creating a virtual monitor is an intensive task that can cause the headset display to briefly freeze. Customers offered feedback that the experience was uncomfortable and disruptive. Because of that feedback, alongside increased usage of Win32 applications, we decided to pre-allocate three virtual monitors during startup of Windows Mixed Reality to prevent this disruption and enable customers to launch up to three concurrent Win32 applications without experiencing the headset display freeze.

Workaround

We’ve since received feedback that some customers, especially those with multiple physical monitors, would prefer to disable this virtual monitor pre-allocation. To give customers more control, we’ve enabled a workaround that involves changing a registry key value, available with the following Windows Updates:

• 2020-07 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 10 Version 2004 (KB4568831)
• 2020-10 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 10 Version 1909 (KB4580386)
• 2020-10 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 10 Version 1903 (KB4580386)

Modifying registry key values is intended for advanced users.

Disabling virtual monitor pre-allocation may result in your headset display briefly freezing when you launch a Win32 application (such as Steam, the new Microsoft Edge, or Google Chrome) in Windows Mixed Reality.

To disable virtual monitor pre-allocation:

1. Check Windows Update for one of the Windows 10 Cumulative Update Preview versions listed above, and install the update when available. You may find the update under Optional updates or Advanced options on the Windows Update settings page
2. Launch Registry Editor
3. Navigate to «HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Holographic»
4. If the «PreallocateVirtualMonitors» REG_DWORD isn’t present, create it by selecting Edit > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and entering PreallocateVirtualMonitors as the name
5. If the «PreallocateVirtualMonitors» REG_DWORD is present (or you just created it), double-click the entry and change «Value data» from 1 (its default value) to 0 (zero)
   • TRUE — 1
   • FALSE — 0

Virtual monitors will now allocate when you attempt to launch a Win32 application in Windows Mixed Reality instead of pre-allocating. To reset this and re-enable virtual monitor pre-allocation, return the DWORD «Value data» to 1.

Microsoft Edge is the best browser for shopping

Microsoft Edge is the only browser with built-in tools to help you save time and money when shopping online.

Also available for

Windows 10

Windows 8.1

Windows 8

Windows 7

Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2019

macOS

iOS

Android

Microsoft Edge is the best browser for shopping

Microsoft Edge is the only browser with built-in tools to help you save time and money when shopping online.

Also available for

Windows 10

Windows 8.1

Windows 8

Windows 7

Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2019

macOS

iOS

Android

Bring the best of the web to your Windows 7 PC

Even though Windows 7 is no longer in support, you can still get the Microsoft Edge browser on your PC. Experience world-class performance, with more privacy and more productivity. Just as a reminder, while Microsoft Edge will help keep you more secure on the web, your PC may still be vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft recommends that you move to a supported operating system and Microsoft Edge can help. Make the transition easier by importing your favorites and passwords so they’ll be there whenever you sign in to your Windows 10 PC.

World-class performance

You get it all with Microsoft Edge—performance, compatibility, and speed to make browsing the web even more effortless.

More protection & control

Microsoft Edge has built-in features designed to give you more control over your data and to protect your privacy online.

More productivity

Microsoft Edge comes complete with features designed to customize your browsing experience and to help make you more productive.

More value

When you Give with Bing 1 through Microsoft Rewards, your searches will earn points that are automatically donated to the cause of your choice.

Introducing Kids Mode in Edge

A browsing mode for kids with built-in protection and custom designs so your kids can surf a web tailored just for them.

Browse across devices

Microsoft Edge is available on all supported versions of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Using Windows Server? Get Microsoft Edge here.

Windows

Microsoft Edge is available across many devices, and can sync your passwords, favorites, and settings.

Also available for

Windows 10

Windows 8.1

Windows 8

Windows 7

Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2019

macOS

Microsoft Edge was designed to feel at home on a Mac. Easily sync your passwords, favorites, and settings across many devices. Download the Edge web browser today.

DOWNLOAD
for macOS

Microsoft Edge is available to download on your iOS device. Sync your passwords, favorites, and collections, across your signed-in devices. Scan the QR code to install the app.

Android

Microsoft Edge is available to download on your Android device. Sync your passwords, favorites, and collections, across your signed-in devices. Scan the QR code to install the app.

Your privacy, respected

Microsoft Edge gives you the tools to protect your privacy online.

Browse smarter, not harder

With the most comprehensive set of built-in learning and accessibility tools on the web, Microsoft Edge was designed to help you get things done.

Save time and stay in the flow

Search within your open window, sort through your tabs with ease, and enjoy other features that make surfing the internet seamless.

Make a difference: Give with Bing

Introducing a new way to support the causes you care about. To try it, join Microsoft Rewards 1 .

Ready for business

With enterprise-grade security, and Microsoft Search in Bing, Microsoft Edge is the only browser your organization needs.

Looking for info about the legacy version of Microsoft Edge?

Get the latest from Microsoft Edge Insider.

Need support? We’re happy to help.

Support for Windows 7 has ended

Which version is best for your Mac?

Microsoft Edge has been optimised for both Macs with Intel chips (most common) and Macs with Apple chips (some newer Mac models).

Not sure? See instructions

Find your Mac’s chip type

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Select About This Mac. A dialogue should appear.
3. Make sure the Overview tab is selected.
4. Look for Processor or Chip and check whether it says “Intel” or “Apple”.

Download Microsoft Edge

To install the browser, you must be the PC administrator and might need to download updates to your Windows 10 PC and restart it.

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS

After installation, these terms are also viewable in Microsoft Edge at edge://terms.

Source code for portions of Microsoft Edge is available free of charge from https://thirdpartysource.microsoft.com under the third party open source license terms provided at http://aka.ms/thirdpartynotices and in Microsoft Edge at edge://credits after installation. Or to obtain this source code you may send a check or money order for US $5.00, including the Edge version number, to:

Source Code Compliance Team
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
USA

These license terms are an agreement between you and Microsoft Corporation (or one of its affiliates). They apply to this software published by Microsoft and any software updates (“Software”) (except to the extent such Software or updates are accompanied by new or additional terms, in which case those different terms apply prospectively and do not alter your or Microsoft’s rights relating to pre-updated Software ). IF YOU COMPLY WITH THESE LICENSE TERMS, YOU HAVE THE RIGHTS BELOW. BY DOWNLOADING OR USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO AND MUST NOT DOWNLOAD OR USE THE SOFTWARE.

1. MICROSOFT EDGE FOR WINDOWS DEVICES

1.1. Windows License Terms . Your installation and use of the Software on any Windows platform shall be governed by the license terms for your Microsoft Windows Operating System software (“Windows License Terms”) on which you are using the Software, and those terms are incorporated by reference. If the Software is downloaded from Microsoft and labeled preview, insider, beta or pre-release, or is otherwise indicated as not being a final retail version of the Software, the applicable terms in Section 1.2 also apply to your use of the Software. Section 1.3 applies to your use of other services that may be made available for use through your use of the Software.

1.1.1. Updates . Notwithstanding above Section 1.1 as applied to Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, the terms of the applicable Windows License Terms, or any Windows update settings you have configured, the Software periodically checks for updates, and downloads and installs them for you. You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources, and Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with those updates. By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.

1.2. Previews . Microsoft may make preview, insider, beta or other pre-release versions of the Software (“Previews”) available to you. You may use Previews only up to the Software’s expiration date (if any) and so long as you comply with the applicable Windows License Terms. Previews are experimental, which means that Previews may not operate correctly and may be substantially different from the commercially released version. In some instances, Previews may even inadvertently damage your device rendering it inoperable or cause occasional crashes, data loss or apps to stop working or be deleted. To recover, you may have to reinstall your apps, the operating system or re-flash your device. In some instances, you may not be able to go back to your prior version of the Software. Because Previews may contain more errors or inaccuracies, you should back-up your device before installing any Previews. We recommend installing Previews on non-production devices that are not business critical because you are more likely to experience crashes, setting and policy changes, loss of data or apps, feature and functionality changes, cause other apps to stop working, be updated, or removed from your device automatically without notice and other potential issues. We highly recommend that you do not install the Previews on any systems you don’t directly control or that you share with others. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this agreement, Previews are nontransferable and provided “AS IS.” By installing Previews on your device, you may void or impact your device warranty and may not be entitled to support from the manufacturer of your device or network operator, if applicable. Microsoft may not provide support services for Previews. If you provide Microsoft comments, suggestions or other feedback about the Preview (“Submission”), you grant Microsoft and its partners rights to use the Submission in any way and for any purpose. You will not give a Submission that is subject to a license that requires Microsoft to license its Software or documentation to third parties because Microsoft includes your Submission in them. These rights survive this agreement. Microsoft may change or discontinue the Previews, or terminate your access to the Previews, at any time without notice and for any reason whatsoever. You may stop using the Previews at any time by un-installing and deleting all copies of any Previews.

1.2.1. Data Collection for Previews . Previews may not have included, reduced, or different security, privacy, accessibility, availability and relatability standards relative to commercially provided services and software. For Previews covered under Section 1.2, privacy and feature settings may not work as intended, and the Previews may not work with other Windows privacy settings, including the diagnostic data settings for Windows 10. Data collected from your use of the Previews, including diagnostic, technical, error reports, crash dumps and other related data from your devices running Previews may be used, stored, processed and analyzed to keep Windows and the Previews up to date, secure, and operating properly. It also helps us improve Microsoft products and services and may be used for any other purpose described in the Microsoft Privacy Statement. If you disable data collection through controls available in the Previews, we may continue to collect diagnostic information about the download, the installation and removal of the Previews and “basic” data as described in the Windows Diagnostics section of the Microsoft Privacy Statement. The Microsoft Privacy Statement ( https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839 ), and this paragraph, applies to Previews under Section 1.2.

1.3. Other Services . The Software may include features that provide an access point to, or rely on, other services, websites, links, content, material, integrations or applications, including as provided by independent third parties (“Other Services”). Your use of Other Services or of Software features that rely on Other Services may be governed by separate terms and subject to separate privacy policies. You can view these separate terms and policies through the Other Services’ websites or settings, as applicable. The Other Services may not be available in all regions. You may not use tokens the Software uses to call into a Microsoft Azure service separate from the Software.

2. MICROSOFT EDGE FOR NON-WINDOWS DEVICES

IF YOU LIVE IN (OR ARE A BUSINESS WITH A PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN) THE UNITED STATES, PLEASE READ THE “BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER” SECTION 2.14 BELOW. IT AFFECTS HOW DISPUTES ARE RESOLVED.

2.1. Installation and Use Rights . For installation and use of the Software on any non-Windows platform, including but not limited to macOS and Linux, you may install and use one copy of the Software on any device running such non-Windows platform.

2.2. Third Party Software . The Software may include third party software that is licensed to you under this agreement or under their own terms or under open source licenses with source code availability options. License terms, notices, and acknowledgements, if any, for the third party software may be accessible online at http://aka.ms/thirdpartynotices or in an accompanying notices file. Even if such software is governed by other agreements, the disclaimer, limitations on, and exclusions of damages below also apply to the extent allowed by applicable law.

2.3. Previews. Microsoft may make preview, insider, beta or other pre-release versions of the Software (“Previews”) available to you. You may use Previews only up to the software’s expiration date (if any) and so long as you comply with these license terms. Previews are experimental, which means that Previews may not operate correctly and may be substantially different from the commercially released version. In some instances, Previews may even inadvertently damage your device rendering it inoperable or cause occasional crashes, data loss or apps to stop working or be deleted. To recover, you may have to reinstall your apps, the operating system or re-flash your device. In some instances, you may not be able to go back to your prior version of the Software. Because Previews may contain more errors or inaccuracies, you should back-up your device before installing any Previews. We recommend installing Previews on non-production devices that are not business critical because you are more likely to experience crashes, setting and policy changes, loss of data or apps, feature and functionality changes, cause other apps to stop working, be updated, or removed from your device automatically without notice and other potential issues. We highly recommend that you do not install the Previews on any systems you don’t directly control or that you share with others. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this agreement, Previews are nontransferable and provided “AS IS.” By installing Previews on your device, you may void or impact your device warranty and may not be entitled to support from the manufacturer of your device or network operator, if applicable. Microsoft may not provide support services for Previews. Microsoft may change or discontinue the Previews, or terminate your access to the Previews, at any time without notice and for any reason whatsoever. You may stop using the Previews at any time by un-installing and deleting all copies of any Previews.

2.3.1. Data Collection for Previews . Previews may not have included, reduced, or different security, privacy, accessibility, availability and relatability standards relative to commercially provided services and software. For Previews covered under Section 2.3, privacy and feature settings may not work as intended, and the Previews may not work with other operating system privacy settings. Data collected from your use of Previews, including diagnostic, technical, error reports, crash dumps and other related data from your devices running Previews may be used, stored, processed and analyzed to keep the Previews up to date, secure, and operating properly. It also helps us improve Microsoft products and services and may be used for any other purpose described in the Microsoft Privacy Statement. If you disable data collection through controls available in the Previews, we may continue to collect diagnostic information about the download, the installation and any removal of the Previews and “basic” data as described in the Windows Diagnostics section of the Microsoft Privacy Statement. The Microsoft Privacy Statement ( https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839 ), and this paragraph, applies to Previews under Section 2.3.

2.4. Other Services . The Software may include features that provide an access point to, or rely on, other services, websites, links, content, material, integrations or applications, including as provided by independent third parties (“Other Services”). Your use of Other Services or of Software features that rely on Other Services may be governed by separate terms and subject to separate privacy policies. You can view these separate terms and policies through the Other Services’ websites or settings, as applicable. The Other Services may not be available in all regions.

2.5. Communications with You . Microsoft may use your contact information (i) to communicate with you about your use of the Software, and (ii) to provide you with additional information, about the Software and other Microsoft products or services. This contact may be by email, SMS, instant message, web chat, phone, in the user interface, or other means, and may include offers. You can always choose whether you wish to receive promotional email, SMS messages, telephone calls and postal mail from Microsoft.

2.6. Feedback . If you provide Microsoft comments, suggestions or other feedback about the Software to Microsoft (“Submission”), you grant Microsoft and its partners rights to use the Submission in any way and for any purpose. You will not give Microsoft a Submission that is subject to a license that requires Microsoft to license its Software or documentation to third parties because Microsoft includes your feedback in them. These rights survive this agreement.

2.7. Data Collection . The Software may collect information about you and your use of the Software and send that to Microsoft. By accepting this agreement and using the Software you agree that Microsoft may collect, use, and disclose the information as described in the Microsoft Privacy Statement at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839 , and as may be described in the user interface associated with the Software features.

2.8. Scope of License. The Software is licensed, not sold. This agreement gives you only some rights to use the Software. Microsoft reserves all other rights. Unless applicable law gives you more rights despite this limitation, you will not (and have no right to):

(a) work around any technical limitations in the Software that only allow you to use it in certain ways;

(b) reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, decrypt or otherwise attempt to derive the source code of the Software, except and only to the extent that the foregoing restriction is (i) permitted by applicable law; (ii) required by third party licensing terms governing the use of certain open-source components that may be included with the Software; or (iii) required to debug changes to any libraries licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License which are included with and linked to by the Software.

(c) remove, minimize, block, or modify any notices of Microsoft or its suppliers in the Software;

(d) when using Internet-based features, you may not use those features in any way that could interfere with anyone else’s use of them or to try to gain access to or use any service, data, account, or network, in an unauthorized manner;

(e) use the Software in any way that is against the law or to create or propagate malware; or

(f) share, publish, distribute, or lend the Software, provide the Software as a stand-alone hosted solution for others to use, or transfer the Software or this agreement to any third party.

(g) use tokens the Software uses to call into a Microsoft Azure service separate from the Software.

2.9. Documentation . If documentation is provided with the Software, you may copy and use the documentation for personal reference purposes.

2.10. H.264/AVC and MPEG-4 Visual Standards and VC-1 Video Standards . The Software may include H.264/AVC, MPEG-4 Visual, and/or VC-1 codec technology. MPEG LA, L.L.C. requires this notice:

THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE H.264/AVC, THE VC-1, AND THE MPEG-4 PART 2 VISUAL PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSES FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE OF A CONSUMER TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ABOVE STANDARDS (“VIDEO STANDARDS”) OR (ii) DECODE AVC, VC-1, AND MPEG-4 PART 2 VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE SUCH VIDEO. NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE http://aka.ms/mpegla .

2.11. Export Restrictions. You must comply with all domestic and international export laws and regulations that apply to the Software, which include restrictions on destinations, end users, and end use. For further information on export restrictions, visit http://aka.ms/exporting .

2.12. Support Services. Microsoft is not obligated under this agreement to provide any support services for the Software. Any support provided is “as is”, “with all faults”, and without warranty of any kind.

2.13. Updates. The Software may periodically check for updates, and download and install them for you. You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources. Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with updates. You agree to receive these automatic updates without any additional notice. Updates may not include or support all existing Software features, services, or peripheral devices.

2.14. Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver. This Section applies if you live in (or, if a business, your principal place of business is in) the United States. If you and Microsoft have a dispute, you and Microsoft agree to try for 60 days to resolve it informally. If you and Microsoft can’t, you and Microsoft agree to binding individual arbitration before the American Arbitration Association under the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury. Instead, a neutral arbitrator will decide. Class action lawsuits, class-wide arbitrations, private attorney-general actions, and any other proceeding where someone acts in a representative capacity are not allowed; nor is combining individual proceedings without the consent of all parties. The complete Arbitration Agreement contains more terms and is at http://aka.ms/arb-agreement-1 . You and Microsoft agree to these terms.

2.15. Entire Agreement. This agreement, and any other terms Microsoft may provide for supplements, updates, or third-party applications, is the entire agreement for the Software.

2.16. Applicable Law and lace to resolve disputes . If you acquired the Software in the United States or Canada, the laws of the state or province where you live (or, if a business, where your principal place of business is located) govern the interpretation of this agreement, claims for its breach, and all other claims (including consumer protection, unfair competition, and tort claims), regardless of conflict of laws principles, except that the FAA governs everything related to arbitration. If you acquired the Software in any other country, its laws apply, except that the FAA governs everything related to arbitration. If U.S. federal jurisdiction exists, you and Microsoft consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the federal court in King County, Washington for all disputes heard in court (excluding arbitration). If not, you and Microsoft consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the Superior Court of King County, Washington for all disputes heard in court (excluding arbitration).

2.17. Consumer Rights; Regional Variations. This agreement describes certain legal rights. You may have other rights, including consumer rights, under the laws of your state, province, or country. Separate and apart from your relationship with Microsoft, you may also have rights with respect to the party from which you acquired the Software. This agreement does not change those other rights if the laws of your state, province, or country do not permit it to do so. For example, if you acquired the Software in one of the below regions, or mandatory country law applies, then the following provisions apply to you:

(a) Australia. You have statutory guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law and nothing in this agreement is intended to affect those rights.

(b) Canada. If you acquired this Software in Canada, you may stop receiving updates by disconnecting your device from the Internet (if and when you re-connect to the Internet, however, the Software will resume checking for and installing updates), or uninstalling the Software. The product documentation, if any, may also specify how to turn off updates for your specific device or Software.

(c) Germany and Austria .

i. Warranty. The properly licensed Software will perform substantially as described in any Microsoft materials that accompany the Software. However, Microsoft gives no contractual guarantee in relation to the licensed Software.

ii. Limitation of Liability. In case of intentional conduct, gross negligence, claims based on the Product Liability Act, as well as, in case of death or personal or physical injury, Microsoft is liable according to the statutory law.