Microsoft Edge's Quiet Shift to AVIF: Why It Matters

Ever since Microsoft added AVIF support to Edge with the version 121 release, the browser has gradually started using newer image formats to make pages look better and load faster. We have noticed that Edge now uses AVIF on internal pages, such as “What’s New,” to guide users through browser updates and features.

AVIF is a modern image format that makes images smaller, sharper, and quicker to load compared to older formats like JPEG and PNG. This means websites and apps can display clearer pictures while using less data.

While Chrome primarily uses WebP for most images, Edge has quietly adopted AVIF for its pages, such as the “What’s New” section and explanations of Edge features.

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Edge started officially supporting AVIF in version 121 Beta after Chrome and Firefox had already adopted it. While AVIF was available for websites before, Microsoft recently began using it for help and guidance pages within Edge, improving how images load and appear inside the browser itself.

By using AVIF for feature explanations and changelogs, Edge benefits in several ways. AVIF improves Edge’s performance by reducing memory usage, improving readability, and allowing faster loading with smaller file sizes.

As Microsoft Edge advances, AVIF might be used for more than just help pages, influencing how the browser looks and works with websites. Its small file sizes and clear images could change how Edge displays visuals across different parts of the browser.

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What’s notable is that Microsoft didn’t just add AVIF support and move on—they are actively using AVIF for help pages and feature highlights, which suggests they are fully committed to this format. As more websites adopt AVIF, Edge users will automatically benefit from its performance improvements.