Microsoft has started rolling out Microsoft Edge Version 149 (149.0.4022.45) for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Built on Chromium 149, the latest release includes security and stability improvements, along with several notable feature updates for both consumers and enterprise users.
One of the biggest highlights of Edge 149 is the introduction of passkey synchronization for enterprise users, enabling a more secure passwordless sign-in experience across devices. The update also brings significant changes to Edge Workspaces, retires the Collections feature, refreshes the browser’s visual design, and introduces new policy controls for Copilot and enterprise environments.
In addition, Microsoft Edge 149 includes improvements for WebView2, enhanced device security options, updated privacy settings, and various bug fixes designed to improve browser reliability and performance. In this article, we’ll explore what’s new in Microsoft Edge 149, the most important feature changes, security enhancements, and other improvements included in the latest release.
Microsoft Edge 149 Includes Security and Stability Improvements
Microsoft Edge 149 includes the latest Chromium security updates and a range of fixes designed to improve browser stability, reliability, and compatibility. These updates help address security vulnerabilities, strengthen browser protections, and ensure a safer browsing experience across supported platforms.
In addition to security enhancements, Microsoft has implemented various behind-the-scenes fixes that improve overall browser performance and reduce the likelihood of crashes or unexpected behavior. The update also includes improvements to Edge’s underlying web platform components, help websites and web applications run more consistently.
Although many of these changes aren’t immediately visible to users, they play an important role in keeping Microsoft Edge secure, stable, and responsive. As with any major browser release, users are recommended to install the latest version as soon as it becomes available.
Key New Features in Microsoft Edge 149
Microsoft Edge 149 introduces several new features and policy changes aimed at improving security, productivity, and browser management. While some enhancements target enterprise environments, others affect everyday users and bring noticeable changes to the browser experience.
Passkey Sync for Enterprise Users
Microsoft Edge now supports passkey synchronization for enterprise users, allowing passkeys created in Edge to sync securely across devices. This enables a more convenient passwordless sign-in experience while maintaining strong security protections. Microsoft notes that this is a controlled rollout and may not be immediately available to all users.
Modern Updated Look and Feel
Edge 149 introduces a refreshed visual design that aligns more closely with Microsoft’s broader AI ecosystem, including Copilot and Bing. The update adjusts interface elements such as spacing, fonts, colors, and rounded corners to provide a more modern and consistent user experience.
Improved Cookie Settings
Microsoft has updated the wording used in Edge’s privacy settings to make third-party cookie controls easier to understand. The clearer language helps users make more informed decisions about how websites can store and access data.
Copilot Policy Improvements
Microsoft has introduced new policy controls for Copilot Chat and Copilot address bar suggestions. These changes provide administrators with more granular management options and simplify the process of controlling Copilot-related features in managed environments.
Intune MAM Protected Downloads for BYOD
Edge 149 expands support for Intune Mobile Application Management (MAM) protected downloads to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios. This enhancement helps organizations better secure corporate data downloaded to personal devices.
Collections Feature Retired
One of the biggest changes in Edge 149 is the removal of the Collections feature. Users can no longer create, access, or manage Collections after updating. Microsoft recommends exporting saved content or moving important pages to Favorites before upgrading to preserve existing data.
Custom Primary Password Retirement
Users can no longer create new custom primary passwords in Microsoft Edge. Existing users who still rely on this feature are automatically migrated to device-based authentication methods, simplifying password protection while maintaining security.
Workspaces Migration and Architecture Changes
Microsoft continues the rollout of a new V2 architecture for Edge Workspaces, a feature that allows users to create and organize groups of tabs that can be saved for later use. According to Microsoft, the update is designed to improve the reliability and performance of Workspaces.
As part of this transition, Workspace data is being migrated from OneDrive and SharePoint storage to the Edge Sync service. Microsoft is also removing the collaboration and sharing capabilities previously available in Workspaces, it means users will no longer be able to share Workspaces with others as they could in earlier versions.
For organizations that have disabled Edge Sync through policy, existing Workspace data will still be migrated to the new architecture. However, newly created V2 Workspaces won’t synchronize across devices and will remain local to the device where they are created.
The migration began rolling out in earlier Edge releases and continues with Microsoft Edge 149 as part of a phased deployment.
Enterprise and IT Admin Improvements
Microsoft Edge 149 introduces several enhancements aimed at enterprise environments and IT administrators. One of the most significant additions is support for the new DowngradeVersion policy for the Enterprise WebView2 Runtime.
The policy allows administrators to temporarily roll back specific applications to a previous WebView2 Evergreen Runtime version if a critical compatibility issue or regression is discovered. By mapping applications to an earlier runtime version, organizations can maintain business continuity while Microsoft works on a permanent fix.
Microsoft has also improved management controls for Copilot Chat and Copilot address bar suggestions, giving administrators more flexibility when configuring AI-related features across managed devices. In addition, the expansion of Intune MAM protected downloads to BYOD devices helps organizations better protect corporate data accessed on personal devices.
These changes make Edge 149 a particularly important update for businesses, schools, and organizations that rely on centralized browser and application management.
How to Update Microsoft Edge to Version 149
Microsoft Edge usually updates automatically in the background, but you can manually check for updates if the latest version hasn’t been installed yet.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Select Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
- Edge will automatically check for available updates.
- If Microsoft Edge 149 is available, the browser will begin downloading and installing the update.
- Click Restart or relaunch the browser to complete the installation.
Once the browser restarts, return to the About Microsoft Edge page to verify that you’re running version 149.0.4022.45 or a newer build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft Edge 149 introduces passkey synchronization for enterprise users, Workspaces architecture improvements, Collections retirement, updated browser visuals, Copilot policy enhancements, and several enterprise-focused management features.
Yes. Microsoft has officially retired the Collections feature in Edge 149. Users are encouraged to export their data or move saved pages to Favorites before upgrading.
Edge Workspaces is being migrated to a new V2 architecture that improves reliability and performance. Workspace data is moving to the Edge Sync service, while collaboration and sharing functionality are being removed.
Yes. Edge 149 incorporates the latest Chromium security updates and stability improvements, helping protect users against known vulnerabilities and browser-related security risks.
Open Menu > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. The browser will automatically check for updates and install the latest available version.
