Microsoft tests no-restart updates for Edge

Microsoft is testing a new method for updating its Edge browser that allows changes to be applied without requiring users to restart the program or lose open tabs. This approach aims to make updates less disruptive and more frequent, with updates now released every two weeks.

Update process works in three stages

The prototype update method has three main steps: first, Edge downloads the new version in the background. Then, it switches to the new version while keeping open tabs running on the old version, as long as compatibility is maintained. Finally, each tab transitions to the new version when the user navigates to a new page, and new tabs open directly on the new version.

No-restart update not yet in production

The prototype is not yet available to the public and is not part of Chromium, the open-source project that Edge is based on. Currently, Edge offers two update options: one that restarts the browser when the device is idle, and another that alerts administrators about security updates through a management dashboard.

Administrators can manage updates effectively

Edge's management dashboard allows administrators to set a severity threshold for security updates and receive alerts when a new version fixes a vulnerability of that level or higher. The dashboard also highlights updates for zero-day vulnerabilities and shows how many devices need updates, enabling administrators to schedule automatic restarts during inactive periods.

Microsoft remains silent on public release timeline

Microsoft has not announced when or if the no-restart update will be made available to the public. However, the company hopes that other browser developers will be inspired by this approach and adopt similar strategies for their own software updates.