Introduction

Microsoft Edge 135 marks a significant milestone in browser development, introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at bolstering security and streamlining productivity, particularly for enterprise users. This update reflects Microsoft's commitment to providing a secure, efficient, and user-friendly browsing experience.

Enhanced Security Features

Updated Certificate Trust Policies

A pivotal security enhancement in Edge 135 involves modifications to the browser's root certificate store. As part of the Microsoft Trusted Root Program, Edge now enforces stricter trust policies:

  • Certificate Trust Adjustments: Certificates validating to specific Entrust root certificates will no longer be trusted by default if their earliest Signed Certificate Timestamp (SCT) is after April 16, 2025. This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential vulnerabilities associated with outdated or compromised digital certificates.
  • Implications for Enterprises: Organizations relying on internal and third-party certificates must assess and replace any impacted certificates. Alternatively, they can locally trust the root certificate, though this approach requires careful consideration of associated security risks.

These changes underscore the importance of maintaining up-to-date and secure digital certificates within enterprise environments.

Productivity Enhancements

Work-Related Search Functionality

Edge 135 introduces a refined approach to work-related searches:

  • Address Bar Integration: Queries entered into the address bar are now directed to M365.cloud.microsoft instead of the general Bing.com search. This adjustment provides direct access to work-specific content, such as documents, bookmarks, and contacts, enhancing efficiency for enterprise users.
  • Dedicated Search Feature: Typing "work" into the address bar triggers a focused search, streamlining the process of locating work-related information.

This feature aligns with the evolving needs of modern workplaces, where quick and intuitive access to work resources is essential.

Overhauled Work Feed on New Tab Page

The enterprise New Tab Page (NTP) has undergone significant improvements:

  • Productivity-Focused Content: The refreshed "My Feed" now prioritizes recent documents, SharePoint sites, Outlook events, and To-Do tasks, providing users with immediate access to essential work tools.
  • Streamlined Interface: By removing less relevant content, such as network activity details, the NTP offers a cleaner and more focused user experience.

These enhancements facilitate a more organized and efficient workflow, reducing the time spent navigating between different applications.

Additional Features

Feature Usage Data Sync

Edge Sync now includes a new category called Feature Usage Data Sync:

  • Cross-Device Synchronization: Users can synchronize data regarding their utilization of Edge features across all their devices, ensuring a consistent browsing experience.
  • Insights for Improvement: This synchronization provides valuable insights for Microsoft to further refine the browser based on user behavior.

Trending Suggestions in Address Bar

Leveraging Microsoft Bing's capabilities, Edge 135 introduces trending suggestions directly in the address bar dropdown on the New Tab Page:

  • Dynamic Content: Users receive real-time suggestions, keeping them informed about the latest trends and developments.
  • Administrative Control: Administrators can manage this feature through the AddressBarTrendingSuggestEnabled policy, balancing user engagement with organizational oversight.

Authorized Group Settings for Enhanced Compliance

To strengthen compliance and data loss prevention (DLP) measures, Edge 135 includes:

  • Enforcement of Compliance Settings: The browser now respects settings for printer groups, USB device groups, and network share groups as specified in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
  • Prevention of DLP Bypass: This ensures that DLP protections cannot be circumvented through external methods, enhancing overall security.

Implications and Impact

The release of Microsoft Edge 135 has several significant implications:

  • Security Reinforcement: By updating certificate trust policies and enforcing compliance settings, Edge 135 enhances the security posture of enterprises, protecting against potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized data access.
  • Productivity Optimization: The integration of work-related search functionalities and the overhaul of the Work Feed streamline access to essential resources, reducing friction in daily workflows.
  • User Experience Enhancement: Features like Feature Usage Data Sync and trending suggestions contribute to a more personalized and efficient browsing experience, catering to the diverse needs of modern users.

Conclusion

Microsoft Edge 135 represents a comprehensive update that addresses both security and productivity concerns for enterprise users. By implementing robust security measures and introducing features that enhance efficiency, Microsoft continues to demonstrate its commitment to evolving Edge into a browser that meets the complex demands of today's digital landscape.