Microsoft has successfully addressed a critical issue spotted in the latest Stable version of its Microsoft Edge browser, documented as version 122.0.2365.63. The problem, which led to significant inconvenience for users worldwide, involved a failure to load numerous websites, displaying error messages pointing to insufficient memory. Users encountered messages stating either “not enough memory to open this page” or “this page is having a problem,” alongside an “Out of memory” error code. Despite attempts to mitigate the issue by disabling browser extensions, add-ons, or closing multiple tabs, users found no relief.
Identifying and Addressing the Root Cause
Investigations into the matter revealed that the error resulted from a malfunctioning Enhanced Web Protection feature within the Edge browser. Feedback from users across various forums highlighted that disabling this security option temporarily resolved the loading issues. Microsoft's quick response led to the withdrawal of the problematic update from its download servers, affirming the company's commitment to ensuring a secure yet efficient browsing experience.
On March 1, 2024, Microsoft released a new version of Edge, marked as 122.0.2365.66, aimed at rectifying the identified bug. Specifically, this update targets a network-related flaw that impeded the correct functioning of sites within Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), presenting as the “Out of memory” errors. The release notes for this version confirm the resolution of various bugs and performance issues, including the MDAG-related problem.
Exploring Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG)
Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) is a security feature initially introduced in 2016 under the name “Windows Defender Application Guard.” Designed for enterprise environments, MDAG aims to isolate enterprise-defined untrusted sites. It achieves this isolation by opening these sites in a Hyper-V-enabled container, separate from the host operating system, enhancing security measures. Although the feature was marked for deprecation, its involvement highlights Microsoft's continuous effort in securing web browsing despite the challenges.
Microsoft's proactive response to the memory management flaw demonstrates the company's dedication to improving user experience and security. By swiftly identifying and fixing the bug related to Enhanced Web Protection, Microsoft ensures that both casual users and enterprises can rely on Edge for secure, efficient browsing without disruptions.
