Microsoft Edge Gets Accelerated App Launches on Windows 11, but Other Apps Will Have to Wait

Microsoft has released Edge 157.0.4341.42, bringing faster browser launches to Windows 11 through Accelerated App Launches, alongside several new features and improvements.

The update also introduces Apple account sign-in, Copilot interface changes, improved memory usage information, and fixes for browser freezing.

Microsoft Edge 157 supports faster app launches on Windows 11

Accelerated App Launches reduces the time Windows needs to open Edge by avoiding unnecessary processes.

Normally, launching Edge from the taskbar, Start menu, or a link can trigger a temporary process, even when the browser already runs in the background.

With the new feature, Windows sends launch requests directly to the existing browser instance, reducing startup overhead and improving responsiveness.

The feature requires Windows 11 25H2, 26H1, or 26H2 and Microsoft Edge 150 or later. Microsoft has also suggested that it could eventually bring this capability to other applications.

Microsoft Edge 157 adds new Copilot features and Apple sign-in

Edge 157 adds support for signing in with an Apple account and introduces a redesigned Copilot new tab page that combines search, chat, and suggested actions. Microsoft has also simplified the Copilot sidebar and added Copilot Voice and Vision.

The update also makes memory usage easier to understand in tab hover cards and removes the Fade inactive tabs feature. For businesses, Microsoft has added an option that lets administrators launch Edge automatically when Windows starts.

Microsoft also fixed an issue that could cause certain web applications to freeze when users enabled accessibility features.

Microsoft is also gradually removing native XSLT support from Edge. Starting with Edge 159, the browser will disable the feature by default in the Stable channel.

Microsoft Edge 157 is available now

Microsoft Edge 157.0.4341.42 is available for download. Users can check their installed version and look for updates by opening Settings > About Microsoft Edge.

In other news, recent tests show that Windows 11 26H2 uses 1.2GB less RAM than 25H2. Microsoft is also reportedly planning a major Windows 11 27H2 update for 2027.

Via Neowin