What Is the Version Number for the New Version of Microsoft Edge That Is Chromium-Based: Latest Release Identified

I remember the shift well—Microsoft moved from their legacy EdgeHTML engine to Chromium, which was a game-changer for compatibility. ✨ The 79.0.309.65 release marked their official entry into the Chromium ecosystem. Now, each update aligns closely with Google’s Chrome, ensuring consistency in web standards and performance.

This synchronization means users get faster access to new features and security patches. 🔥

How Chromium-Based Edge Version Numbers Work

Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge uses a versioning scheme that mirrors the Chromium project. The first major digit represents the Chromium milestone, while subsequent numbers indicate build iterations and patch levels. This alignment ensures compatibility with Chrome’s ecosystem. 🔥

The 79.0.309.65 release wasn’t arbitrary—it matched Chromium 79, the stable branch at that time. Microsoft typically syncs with Chromium’s 4-week release cycle, though they may hold back a build or two for additional testing. This means Edge versions usually trail Chrome by just a few numbers.

Major updates (like jumping from 79 to 80) introduce new features and significant under-the-hood improvements. Minor updates (the numbers after the first decimal) often include security patches and bug fixes. Microsoft pushes these automatically, so most users stay current without manual intervention. ✨

What most don’t realize is that Edge also has separate version tracks. The Stable channel gets the 79.0.309.65 type releases, while Beta, Dev, and Canary channels receive more frequent, less polished updates. This multi-channel approach lets Microsoft test features gradually before wide release.

The synchronization with Chromium means Edge benefits from Google’s massive investment in web standards. For example, when Chromium 80 introduced new JavaScript features, Edge 80 got them simultaneously. This tight coupling explains why Edge feels so familiar to Chrome users. 💫

Checking Your Microsoft Edge Version Number

Here’s what I recommend: Open Edge, click the three-dot menu in the top-right, then select Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. The version number appears at the top of the pop-up window. 🔥

You can also type edge://settings/help directly in the address bar. This page shows your current version, update status, and channel (Stable, Beta, Dev, or Canary). Automatic updates should keep you current, but this is how to verify.

If you’re using an older version, Microsoft pushes updates silently in the background. For manual checks, simply return to the About Microsoft Edge page and click Restart if an update is pending. This ensures you’re always on the latest build.

For power users, the edge://version page provides even more detail, including the exact Chromium build Edge is running. This is useful for troubleshooting compatibility issues or confirming feature support.

Remember: The Stable channel is best for most users, while Beta, Dev, and Canary offer early access to new features with increasing levels of instability. ✨