What is Microsoft Edge, and how is it different from Internet Explorer?

Question

"I’m trying to understand the differences between Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. I’ve heard that Edge is the newer browser, but I’m not sure what makes it better or different. Can someone explain:

What are the key features of Microsoft Edge?

How is Edge different from Internet Explorer in terms of performance, security, and compatibility?

Why did Microsoft replace Internet Explorer with Edge?

Are there any specific use cases where Internet Explorer might still be necessary?

How do I switch from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge, and what should I know before making the transition?"

Answer 1

Key features of Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge is designed to be a modern, fast, and secure web browser with several features that distinguish it from Internet Explorer:

• Performance: Edge uses the Chromium engine, making it significantly faster than Internet Explorer (IE).
• Security: Comes with built-in security features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, sandboxing, and automatic security updates.
• Compatibility: Since Edge is based on Chromium, it supports modern web standards and extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
• Efficiency: Features like Sleeping Tabs and Efficiency Mode help reduce CPU and memory usage.
• Productivity Enhancements: Includes built-in PDF reader, vertical tabs, collections, and an immersive reader for distraction-free reading.
• Integration with Microsoft Services: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, Bing, and Windows security features.
• IE Mode: For businesses that need legacy web apps, Edge has an "IE Mode" to support older sites that rely on Internet Explorer.

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Differences between Edge and Internet Explorer

Feature	Microsoft Edge	Internet Explorer
Performance	Faster, more efficient with lower memory usage	Slower, outdated engine
Security	Enhanced security, frequent updates	More vulnerable, lacks modern protections
Compatibility	Supports modern web standards and Chrome extensions	Struggles with modern websites
Support	Actively supported and updated	Officially retired and unsupported
Legacy Support	IE Mode for older sites	Native but outdated compatibility

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Why did Microsoft replace Internet Explorer? Microsoft retired Internet Explorer for several reasons:

1. Security Risks: IE was outdated and lacked modern security measures.
2. Performance Issues: IE was significantly slower and inefficient compared to modern browsers.
3. Web Compatibility Problems: Many websites no longer support Internet Explorer due to outdated web standards.
4. Cost of Maintenance: Maintaining IE was costly for Microsoft and businesses relying on it.
5. Industry Shift: The web has moved towards Chromium-based browsers, making IE obsolete.

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When might Internet Explorer still be necessary? While Edge is the preferred browser, IE may still be needed in rare cases:

• Legacy Applications: Some older enterprise applications and intranet sites require IE-specific features.
• Government and Business Portals: Some legacy government or corporate websites still rely on ActiveX or outdated technology.

For these cases, Microsoft Edge’s IE Mode allows users to run Internet Explorer-dependent sites within Edge.

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How to switch from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge

1. Install Edge (if not already installed): It comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11.
2. Import Data: Open Edge → Go to Settings → Profiles → Import browser data to transfer bookmarks, passwords, and settings from IE.
3. Enable IE Mode (if needed):
   • Open Edge Settings → Default Browser → Enable Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
   • Restart Edge and use the “Reload in IE Mode” option when needed.
4. Set Edge as Default Browser:
   • Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Select Edge as the default web browser.

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hth

Marcin