How do I check I’ve got the latest version of Edge?

We’re constantly told by tech experts to make sure key software such as web browsers are updated to the latest version. But how do you check if you’ve got the latest version of Edge? Here we’ll show you how to keep the Microsoft browser fully up to date.

How to get the latest version of Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows, but since it’s based on Chromium (the technology behind most modern browsers), the update cycle can wrap itself around a lamppost.

To check if you’ve got the latest version, open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots menu option at the top right. When the menu opens, click Help and feedback then About Microsoft Edge.

Alternatively, type edge://settings/help in the address bar.

This shows the version number of the Edge browser installed on your PC/Mac. Take note of it.

The trick here is that we’re checking to see if Microsoft Edge is up to date, knowing that the browser itself may not know if it’s up to date. We need to use some reference information and those lovely people at whatismybrowser.com provide it. This link will direct you to a page which lists the version number of the latest release of Microsoft Edge. Cross-reference this information with the one on your PC. If you have a match, you’re golden.

However, if they don’t match, then Microsoft Edge may need a nudge in the right direction. There are countless ways to troubleshoot it, but the easiest method is to download the Edge setup tool. Then close Edge completely before running the tool. It will squirrel away and install the latest version.

How Edge updates normally work

By default, Microsoft Edge updates itself in the background. On Windows, these updates usually come through Windows Update, although Edge also has its own built-in update mechanism. On a Mac, it updates independently from system updates. In most cases, you won’t notice anything — the updates just happen quietly. But here’s the catch: the update won’t fully apply until you close and reopen the browser. If you tend to leave Edge open for days on end, you might be running an older version without realising.

Signs that Edge might be out of date

If you’re not sure whether your Edge browser is up to date, watch out for these clues:

• Websites not loading properly or showing layout issues
• New features you’ve heard about aren’t available in your version
• Security warnings, particularly when visiting secure (HTTPS) sites
• Performance seems slower or more buggy than usual
• The Edge icon in the taskbar occasionally shows an orange dot — this can mean an update is pending

If you spot any of these signs, it’s worth double-checking your version.

What’s the latest version of Edge?

At the time of writing, the latest stable version of Microsoft Edge is 126.0.xxxx.xx (released in late June 2025). This number will change frequently, of course, so if you’re reading this later, we recommend checking the most up-to-date version via this page on WhatIsMyBrowser.com. Cross-reference that number with what your Edge browser says under edge://settings/help.

Stable, Beta, Dev and Canary: which version of Edge are you using?

Microsoft Edge isn’t just one browser — it comes in four different flavours:

• Stable: The regular version most people use. It’s fully tested and updated roughly every four weeks.
• Beta: Updated every few weeks and gives you early access to features before they land in Stable.
• Dev: Updated weekly and aimed at developers or tech-savvy users who want to test upcoming changes.
• Canary: Updated daily with the very latest features. Expect bugs!

To check which version you’re running, visit edge://settings/help. If you’re using Beta, Dev, or Canary, it will be clearly labelled.

If Edge won’t update

Sometimes, Edge just refuses to update — even after checking the About page. If that happens, try these steps:

1. Close Edge completely — including any background processes (check Task Manager).
2. Reboot your PC or Mac. Yes, the old “turn it off and on again” trick still works.
3. Run Windows Update and install any pending updates.
4. If all else fails, download the latest version directly from Microsoft’s Edge download page and reinstall it manually.

On company-managed machines, system administrators may block or delay updates — so check with your IT team if you’re on a work device.

What about Edge on mobile?

If you’re using Edge on your phone or tablet, updates are handled by the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Just open the relevant store, search for “Microsoft Edge”, and you’ll see if there’s an update button available. You can also enable automatic app updates in your phone’s settings if you want to make sure you always have the latest version.

Why it’s critical to stay updated

Keeping Edge up to date isn’t just about getting new features — it’s also a matter of security. Each update patches newly discovered vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by malicious websites or attackers. For example, a recent update patched a high-risk flaw that could allow websites to bypass sandboxing restrictions — something you definitely don’t want to be vulnerable to. Even if Edge looks fine on the surface, an outdated version might be leaving the door open in the background.

Can I turn auto-updates off?

You can, but we’d strongly recommend against it unless you have a very specific reason (like low data limits or compatibility with legacy systems). On Windows, Edge is considered a system component and doesn’t offer a simple toggle to disable updates. However, tech-savvy users can use Group Policy settings or registry edits to disable automatic updates — not recommended for most users. On macOS, you can disable auto-updates via Microsoft AutoUpdate (found in /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0), but again, this is best left alone unless you’re managing multiple devices.

More explainers

• What’s different about iLO 7
• “An existing Discord account is already using this number.” How do I fix this?
• What do the lights on my OpenReach Full Fibre modem mean?

This article was republished with additional info on the 30th June 2025.