Windows Updates KB4541301, KB4541302 and KB4559309

[harlan4096]

 
Microsoft released a Chromium-based version of the company's Microsoft Edge web browser earlier this year. Users had to download and install the new browser manually up until now but Microsoft made it clear that it would push the new Microsoft Edge to devices via Windows Update eventually.

It appears that the time has come; Microsoft published the support articles KB4541301, KB4541302 and KB4559309 which inform users and administrators about the update and the replacement of the old Microsoft Edge browser with the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser.

The updates will be made available on Windows 10 version 1803 and later systems up to Windows 10 version 2004.

Difference between installing the new Edge manually and via Windows Update
 There is a difference between installing the new Microsoft Edge web browser manually and via Windows Update. The new Edge replaces the old browser in both cases but only the manually installed Edge may be removed to restore access to the classic version of Microsoft Edge.

Here are the updates:

• KB4541301 -- for Windows 10 version 1803 and 1809
  
• KB4541302 - for Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909
  
• KB4559309 -- for all Windows 10 versions from Windows 10 version 1803 to 2004.
  

KB4541301 and KB4541302 have update requirements. For KB4541301 (Windows 10 version 1803 and 1809), Microsoft recommends the November 12, 2019 updates KB4525237 and KB4523205. For KB4541302 , Microsoft recommends the October 8, 2019 update KB4517389. Check the support articles for optional updates that Microsoft lists as well for mentioned versions of Windows 10.

The updates that introduce the new Microsoft Edge web browser on Windows 10 devices are only available via Windows Updates and not on the Microsoft Update Catalog website. It is unclear if the updates will be made available on the download site at a later point in time.

Windows 10 administrators who want to be in control may install the new Microsoft Edge browser manually as it provides an option to go back to classic Edge if the need arises. Considering that the functionality of old and new Edge is not identical, it is possible that admins need to restore the classic version of Edge because some features are no longer supported by the new Edge.

Administrators who don't want the new Edge installed on systems may want to block the updates.

Now You: New or classic Edge, which do you prefer?
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