How To Use Microsoft Edge Security Features

Introduction

Microsoft Edge (Edge) is a web browser that was first released with Windows 10 back in 2015. Edge has essentially replaced Internet Explorer, as IE 11 is technically still around in Windows 10, but it is mainly for legacy purposes and no longer supported. This new browser brings with it a measure of new security features that any Windows 10-focused professional will need to become intimately familiar with to maximize the browser’s potential. 

This article will detail how to use the array of security features that accompany Edge in Windows 10, including sandboxing, plugins and extensions, SmartScreen, Application Guard and App & Browser control. 

A little about Edge

Your understanding of Edge’s security features will be sharper if you understand the context of how it fits into Windows 10. 

Built to be minimalist and streamlined, the Edge browser has Windows 10 written all over it — with modern security features that offer heightened user control, customization, more compatibility with the modern web and more robust functionality than IE, Edge can be considered the face of Windows 10’s approach to life. Even the biggest Windows skeptic will agree that Edge is more security-minded than Microsoft’s reputation would lead you to believe.

Chromium-based Edge

Introduced in 2019, Microsoft has moved Edge towards the world of greater security and speed by basing edge on Chromium. Chromium is what Google Chrome and the privacy-minded Brave browser are based on, offering greater privacy options to Edge users. Namely, Edge will allow users to choose how third parties track the Edge users across the web. 

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Being an unabashed Chromium browser addict (I use Brave daily), I must say that this will be a welcome addition to the Edge browsing experience. Increased privacy options was the main draw away from other browsers (Read more...)