Edge 121 introduces a new way to update the browser; here's what you should know

Microsoft released Edge 121 in the Beta Channel, and the version comes just days after Edge 120. However, despite the short time between the two versions, Edge 121 brings important features, updates, and new policies, including a new way to update Microsoft Edge.

The browser will be updated from a new section called Browser Essentials, and users will get notifications from there, from this version onwards. Microsoft says it’s an improved experience. Browser Essentials will be gradually rolled out to users everywhere.

Microsoft Edge migrates the updates experience into Browser Essentials. Getting alerts on available Edge Updates will come from Browser Essentials instead of the Settings page for better visibility and experience. Note: This feature is a controlled feature rollout. If you don’t see this feature, check back as we continue our rollout.

Microsoft

In a way, it was obvious Microsoft would implement such a way. With Edge 120, the Redmond-based tech giant introduced the automatic enablement of the native app container on the browser, making it more secure against cyber threats.

To emphasize the security of the browser, the new way to update Edge is faster, more accessible, and easier, which means users will likely update Edge more often from now on, effectively strengthening security.

Edge 121: All the details

Below there is a full list with all the features, improvements, and new policies coming with Edge 121. Notice the organizational branding for Edge for Business. A similar feature was also released to the Beta Channel in the Windows Insider program for the Windows 365 Boot. Companies will be able to brand their cloud devices, and now, Edge for Business can also be branded.

Feature updates

• Enable organizational branding in Edge for Business. Enable your organization’s branding assets from Entra onto profile-related UI for profiles signed in with an Entra ID (formerly known as Azure Active Directory) account. You can add your organization’s details such as name to the profile pill, name and brand color to the profile flyout, and logo to overlay the Edge for Business taskbar icon. This branding can help users more easily differentiate between multiple profiles and browser windows.Default organizational branding can be enabled by admins through the following policies:
  • OrganizationalBrandingOnWorkProfileUIEnabled
  • [OrganizationLogoOverlayOnAppIconEnabled]
  Admins will need to have “company branding” assets configured in the Microsoft Entra admin center for branding assets to be applied to this feature.For more information, see Microsoft Edge for Business and Add company branding to your organization’s sign-in page.
• Microsoft Edge migrates the updates experience into Browser Essentials. Getting alerts on available Edge Updates will come from Browser Essentials instead of the Settings page for better visibility and experience. Note: This feature is a controlled feature rollout. If you don’t see this feature, check back as we continue our rollout.
• New typosquatting checker policies. The built-in typosquatting checker warns users if it appears there is a mistyped popular domain name which could land users on a malicious webpage. Administrators can control the availability and configure website typo protection by using the PreventTyposquattingPromptOverride and TyposquattingAllowListDomains policies.

Policy updates

New policies

• EdgeDisableDialProtocolForCastDiscovery – Disable DIAL protocol for cast device discovery
• NativeHostsExecutablesLaunchDirectly – Force Windows executable Native Messaging hosts to launch directly
• RelatedWebsiteSetsEnabled – Enable Related Website Sets
• RelatedWebsiteSetsOverrides – Override Related Website Sets

Obsoleted policies

• SendMouseEventsDisabledFormControlsEnabled – Control the new behavior for event dispatching on disabled form controls