Microsoft is pushing out its new Edge browser to Windows 7 and 8

When Microsoft first announced general availability of its new Chromium-based Edge browser, it said that those on Windows 7 and 8.1 would have to install the browser manually if they wanted it. As it turns out, Microsoft is pushing it out over Windows Update anyway, according to a KB article published this week.

There are a few key things that you need to know when you install this. First of all, it’s going to add Edge to your taskbar and as a desktop shortcut. Also, it’s not going to replace Internet Explorer like it replaces Edge Legacy on Windows 10. And finally, it won’t change your default browser.

This is a particularly interesting change for Windows 7 users, because the OS hasn’t been supported since January. The only users that are supposed to get updates are those paying for Extended Security Updates; however, it seems that Microsoft is willing to pick up Edge users wherever it can.

While general availability of the browser was first announced back in January, no one received it through Windows Update. In fact, it still took a while before beta testers even got it through that method. It’s only starting to roll out to everyone now. Once you receive the update, which should be available now, the browser will update in the background on its own. This update will install automatically.