The world of web browsers can be a confusing place, especially when it comes to Microsoft’s offerings. For years, Internet Explorer (IE) was the dominant browser, but with the rise of Chrome and Firefox, Microsoft knew it needed to adapt. Enter Microsoft Edge, a new browser designed to take on the competition. But is Microsoft Edge the same as Internet Explorer? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both browsers, their features, and what sets them apart.
A Brief History Of Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer was first released in 1995 as part of the add-on package for Windows 95. It quickly gained popularity and became the leading browser in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, as the years went by, IE’s market share began to decline due to the rise of alternative browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Despite this, IE remained a widely used browser, especially in the enterprise sector.
The Decline Of Internet Explorer
In 2015, Microsoft announced that it would be discontinuing support for older versions of Internet Explorer, citing security concerns and the need to focus on newer technologies. This move marked the beginning of the end for IE as we knew it. While Microsoft continued to support IE11, the browser’s market share continued to dwindle.
The Rise Of Microsoft Edge
In 2015, Microsoft released Windows 10, which included a new browser called Microsoft Edge. Edge was designed to be a faster, more secure, and more modern alternative to Internet Explorer. It featured a new rendering engine, EdgeHTML, and a sleek, minimalist interface.
Edge’s Early Days
Initially, Edge was met with skepticism by many users. It lacked many of the features that made IE popular, such as support for legacy websites and add-ons. However, Microsoft continued to update and improve Edge, adding new features and functionality with each new release.
Key Differences Between Edge And Internet Explorer
So, what sets Microsoft Edge apart from Internet Explorer? Here are some key differences:
Rendering Engine
One of the biggest differences between Edge and IE is the rendering engine. Edge uses the EdgeHTML engine, which is designed to be faster and more efficient than the Trident engine used by IE. This means that Edge can render web pages more quickly and accurately.
Security
Edge is also more secure than IE. It features a number of security enhancements, including sandboxing, which isolates web pages from the rest of the system, and Windows Defender SmartScreen, which helps to block malicious websites and downloads.
Compatibility
While Edge is designed to be compatible with modern websites, it may not work with older sites that rely on legacy technologies like ActiveX. IE, on the other hand, is still compatible with many of these older sites, making it a better choice for enterprise users who need to access legacy web applications.
Is Microsoft Edge The Same As Internet Explorer?
So, is Microsoft Edge the same as Internet Explorer? The answer is no. While both browsers share some similarities, they are distinct products with different features, rendering engines, and security models. Edge is a more modern, secure, and efficient browser that is designed to take on the competition, while IE is a legacy browser that is still supported for compatibility reasons.
Why Microsoft Edge Is Not Internet Explorer
Here are a few reasons why Microsoft Edge is not Internet Explorer:
- New rendering engine: Edge uses the EdgeHTML engine, which is faster and more efficient than the Trident engine used by IE.
- Improved security: Edge features a number of security enhancements, including sandboxing and Windows Defender SmartScreen.
- Modern design: Edge has a sleek, minimalist interface that is designed to be easy to use and navigate.
- Compatibility with modern websites: Edge is designed to work with modern websites and web applications, while IE is still compatible with older sites that rely on legacy technologies.
What’s Next For Microsoft Edge?
In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would be rebuilding Edge using the Chromium engine, the same engine used by Google Chrome. This move marked a significant shift for Edge, which would now be able to take advantage of the vast library of Chrome extensions and the robust security features of the Chromium engine.
The New Edge
The new Edge, which was released in January 2020, features a number of significant improvements, including:
- Faster performance: The Chromium engine provides a significant boost in performance, making Edge faster and more responsive.
- Improved security: The Chromium engine includes a number of security features, including sandboxing and site isolation.
- Support for Chrome extensions: Edge can now use Chrome extensions, which provides access to a vast library of add-ons and plugins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Edge is not the same as Internet Explorer. While both browsers share some similarities, they are distinct products with different features, rendering engines, and security models. Edge is a more modern, secure, and efficient browser that is designed to take on the competition, while IE is a legacy browser that is still supported for compatibility reasons. With the release of the new Edge, Microsoft has taken a significant step forward in the browser wars, and it will be interesting to see how the browser landscape evolves in the coming years.
| Feature | Microsoft Edge | Internet Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Rendering Engine | EdgeHTML (old), Chromium (new) | Trident |
| Security | Sandboxing, Windows Defender SmartScreen | Legacy security features |
| Compatibility | Modern websites and web applications | Legacy websites and web applications |
As the browser landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that Microsoft Edge is the future of browsing for Windows users. With its modern design, improved security, and support for Chrome extensions, Edge is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a fast, secure, and efficient browser.
What Is The Main Difference Between Microsoft Edge And Internet Explorer?
Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are two different web browsers developed by Microsoft. The main difference between them is their underlying architecture and rendering engine. Internet Explorer uses the Trident engine, while Microsoft Edge uses the Blink engine, which is also used by Google Chrome. This change in engine has resulted in improved performance, security, and compatibility with modern web standards.
Microsoft Edge is designed to be a more modern and secure browser, with features like improved tab management, a reading mode, and integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive and Office Online. Internet Explorer, on the other hand, is an older browser that is still supported for legacy purposes, but it is no longer the default browser on Windows.
Is Microsoft Edge Replacing Internet Explorer?
Microsoft Edge is the new default browser on Windows, and it is intended to replace Internet Explorer as the primary browser for most users. However, Internet Explorer is still included in Windows for compatibility reasons, particularly for older websites and applications that may not work properly in Microsoft Edge. Microsoft has announced that it will eventually phase out support for Internet Explorer, but it has not yet set a specific date for this.
In the meantime, Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Edge, which offers improved performance, security, and features. Microsoft Edge is also being updated regularly with new features and security patches, while Internet Explorer is only receiving security updates.
Can I Still Use Internet Explorer If I Want To?
Yes, you can still use Internet Explorer if you want to. It is still included in Windows, and you can launch it from the Start menu or by typing “Internet Explorer” in the search box. However, keep in mind that Internet Explorer is no longer the default browser, and it may not work properly with modern websites and applications.
If you need to use Internet Explorer for a specific reason, such as accessing an older website or application, you can still do so. However, for general browsing, Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge, which offers improved performance, security, and features.
Will Microsoft Edge Work With All My Favorite Websites And Extensions?
Microsoft Edge is designed to work with modern web standards, and it should work with most websites and extensions. However, some older websites and extensions may not be compatible with Microsoft Edge, particularly if they were designed specifically for Internet Explorer.
If you encounter any issues with a website or extension in Microsoft Edge, you can try using the “Internet Explorer mode” feature, which allows you to open a website in Internet Explorer from within Microsoft Edge. This can be useful for accessing older websites or applications that may not work properly in Microsoft Edge.
How Do I Switch From Internet Explorer To Microsoft Edge?
Switching from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge is easy. If you’re using Windows 10 or later, Microsoft Edge is already installed on your computer, and you can launch it from the Start menu or by typing “Microsoft Edge” in the search box. You can also set Microsoft Edge as your default browser by going to the Settings app and selecting “System” > “Default apps” > “Web browser”.
Once you’ve launched Microsoft Edge, you can start using it as your primary browser. You can import your bookmarks and settings from Internet Explorer by going to the “Settings” menu and selecting “Import from another browser”.
Is Microsoft Edge Available On Other Platforms Besides Windows?
Yes, Microsoft Edge is available on other platforms besides Windows. Microsoft has released versions of Microsoft Edge for macOS, iOS, and Android, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. These versions of Microsoft Edge offer many of the same features as the Windows version, including improved performance, security, and integration with Microsoft services.
Microsoft Edge is also available on Linux, although it is still in preview mode and may not offer all the features of the Windows version. Microsoft is working to improve the Linux version of Microsoft Edge and add more features in the future.
What Are The System Requirements For Microsoft Edge?
The system requirements for Microsoft Edge vary depending on the platform you’re using. On Windows, Microsoft Edge requires Windows 10 or later, as well as a 64-bit processor and at least 2 GB of RAM. On macOS, Microsoft Edge requires macOS 10.12 or later, as well as a 64-bit processor and at least 4 GB of RAM.
On mobile devices, Microsoft Edge requires iOS 11 or later on iPhone and iPad, and Android 4.4 or later on Android devices. Microsoft Edge is also available on Linux, although the system requirements may vary depending on the distribution you’re using.