The latest update for Edge Chromium, version 88, is finally released. This version adds many new features to the Windows and macOS versions of the browser, such as: These include new password security tools, an updated look and feel, and various quality of life improvements. It’s a lot, so we’re going to go through everything new in Edge 88 and show you how to use it.
Password generator and security monitor
The Headlining Edge 88 update notes are two important password features. The first is a random password generator that automatically generates passwords when you create a new account or update an existing password. Edge saves the password and auto-fills it for you so you don’t have to remember it.
The other new password tool is automated data breach monitoring. Edge compares saved credentials against the latest data breach and warns you if it thinks one of your accounts has been compromised.
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For both functions, you need to sign in to Edge with a Microsoft account and enable password synchronization under Settings> Profile> Sync> Passwords. How to activate the password generator:
- Go to Settings> Profile> Passwords.
- To turn on “Offer to save passwords” and “Suggest strong passwords.”
If you enter a new password now, Edge will offer to create it for you. Password monitoring is automatic and applies to all logins stored in Edge. You can find this under Settings> Profile> Passwords> Saved Passwords.
Sleep tabs
Users can now set inactive tabs to go to sleep after a set time. Edge no longer checks the tabs in the background, freeing up your PC’s memory and CPU for other purposes. According to Bleeping computerThis reduces the memory usage of an inactive tab by an average of 32% and the CPU usage by about 37%.
Users will see a pop-up notification advising that they will enable the hibernate tabs to reduce Edge resource consumption. However, you can configure the setting in Settings> System> Save resources. You can choose how long a tab must be inactive before it goes to sleep, or you can set certain websites to never go to sleep.
Sidebar search
You can now search the web without opening a new tab or leaving the page you are on. Then just highlight a word Right click> Find. A sidebar with search results will open.
New look
Edge 88 is also changing the look and feel of the browser, including new Fluent Design UI icons to match Microsoft’s other products and over 24 new browser themes to personalize the look and feel of Edge.
Each theme has its own color scheme and background image. The choice of wallpapers includes graphics taken from the characteristics of Microsoft first-party video games like Halo, Forza, Sea of Thieves, and more. Wonder Woman 1984; and some original designs. You can preview and Install them from the new Edge add-on page.
Other new functions
Finally, there are a selection of minor tweaks, some of which were only available on certain platforms but are now standard on all desktop versions of Edge:
To download the update for version 88, open Edge and go to Settings> About Microsoft Edge. The download will start automatically if it is available. However, according to Microsoft, it can take up to two weeks for some users to receive it.
