Microsoft recently unveiled the 116 stable edition of its Edge web browser, introducing notable features such as Microsoft Edge for Business and the option to attach the Microsoft Edge sidebar to the Windows desktop.
The new Edge for Business is not an entirely new version of the browser. Instead, it's a mode within the current Edge version tailored for business users, emphasizing enterprise-level security. When employees log in using their Entra ID account, they are automatically directed to Edge for Business.
This mode differentiates between work and personal browsing, allowing automatic switching between a lightly managed personal browser window and the work browser window. Users signed in with their Entra ID will notice an updated Edge icon featuring a briefcase, indicating they are in the work browser window.
Microsoft initially announced the new version of its web browser back at Build 2023 in May. A preview followed in June and now the browser is moving to full release.
Microsoft Edge for Business is a browser that gives organizations the flexibility to customize their web settings according to their specific needs and preferences. It offers a secure, fast, and optimal browsing experience for business users, with features that enhance their productivity and collaboration. It also supports multiple platforms and over 80 languages.
Edge Sidebar Attachment to Windows Desktop
Another feature in the 116 stable edition is the ability for users to attach the Edge sidebar directly to their Windows 11 and Windows 10 desktop. By selecting a “popout” icon near the sidebar's base in the browser, users can opt for this feature. This provides a side-by-side experience compatible with any Windows app, including Edge itself.
Users can access powerful AI tools and web services, such as Bing Chat, directly from their desktop without opening a separate browser window. Microsoft plans to introduce more features and options in upcoming Edge versions.
The latest release also comes with new policies, including the ThrottleNonVisibleCrossOriginIframesAllowed, which enables the throttling of non-visible, cross-origin iframes. On the other hand, the EventPathEnabled policy has been obsoleted. Security-wise, Edge 116 incorporates all updates from the Chromium Project and introduces two specific security updates for Edge 116: CVE-2023-38158 (Low severity) and CVE-2023-36787 (Moderate severity).
