Best new features in Edge Chromium 88

The latest update to Edge Chromium, version 88, has finally been released. This release adds several new features to the Windows and macOS versions of the browser, such as new password security tools, an updated look, and several quality-of-life improvements. It’s a lot, so we’ll walk through what’s new in Edge 88 and show you how to use it.

Password generator and security monitor

Headlining Edge 88 update notes are two big password features. The first is the random password generator that automatically generates passwords whenever you create a new account or update an existing password. Edge saves and fills in the password automatically for you so that you don’t have to memorize it.

Another new password tool is Automated Data Breach Monitor. Edge indicates any login information saved with the most recent data breaches and will warn you if it believes any of your accounts have been compromised.

Both features require that you sign in to Edge with a Microsoft account and turn on password sync under Settings> Profile> Sync> Passwords. To enable the password generator:

1. go to Settings> Profile> Passwords.
2. Run it Offer to save passwords And the “Suggest strong passwords.”

Now when did you enter a new password, Edge will offer to create it for you. Password monitoring is automatic and applies to any saved logins in Edge. You can find this underneath Settings> Profile> Passwords> Saved Passwords.

Sleep signs

Users can now set inactive tabs to “go to sleep” after a specified time. Edge stops scanning sleep tabs in the background, freeing up computer memory and CPU for use elsewhere. to me Sleeping computer, This reduces inactive tab memory usage by 32% on average, and CPU usage by around 37%.

Users will see a popup suggesting that they turn on sleep tabs to reduce their Edge resource usage, but you can configure the setting in Settings> System> Save Resources. You can choose how long the tab should be inactive before bed, or set certain websites to never sleep.

Sidebar ssearch

You can now search the web without opening a new tab or leaving the page you are on. Simply highlight a word, then Right click> Search. A sidebar will open with the search results.

new look

Edge 88 also changes the appearance of the browser, including the new “Fluent Design” interface icons that are compatible with other Microsoft products, and over 24 new browser themes you can use to customize the look of Edge.

Each theme has its own color scheme and wallpaper. Background selections include artwork from Microsoft’s first-party video game features like Halo, Forza, Sea of ​​Thieves, and more; Wonder Woman 1984; And some original designs. You can preview it Install it from Edge’s new add-ons page.

Other new features

Finally, there is a selection of smaller tweaks, some of which were only available on certain platforms but are now standard for all desktop editions of Edge:

To download the 88 version update, open Edge and go to Settings> About Microsoft Edge. The download will start automatically if available, although Microsoft says it can take up to two weeks for some users to receive it.