askvity

How Do I Downgrade the Edge Version?

Published in Browser Management 4 mins read

Downgrading Microsoft Edge can be complex and isn't officially supported. Here's a breakdown of the methods and important considerations:

Important Considerations Before Downgrading:

  • Security Risks: Older versions may contain security vulnerabilities, leaving your system exposed. This is a significant risk and the primary reason Microsoft discourages downgrading.
  • Compatibility Issues: Websites and web applications are often optimized for the latest browsers. Older versions of Edge may not display content correctly or function as intended.
  • Data Loss: Back up your bookmarks, passwords, and other important data before attempting any downgrading process. There is a potential, albeit small, risk of data corruption.
  • Automatic Updates: Edge is designed to update automatically. You must disable automatic updates before downgrading; otherwise, it will likely update back to the latest version soon after you downgrade.

Methods for Downgrading Edge (Use with Caution)

Disclaimer: Downgrading Edge is generally not recommended due to security risks. Proceed with extreme caution.

1. Using Edge for Business (For specific Enterprise Scenarios):

This method is generally intended for organizations deploying Edge in a managed environment. If this isn't your situation, the below options are preferred.

a. Acquire an Older Installer:

    *   You can attempt to find an older installer of Microsoft Edge online. BrowserStack provides access to old versions of Edge specifically for testing purposes. Using this for daily use is *not recommended* for security reasons.

        *   Visit a site like [BrowserStack](https://www.browserstack.com/guide/test-old-version-of-edge).
        *   Under the "Select channel/version" dropdown, choose the specific older version you need and the appropriate operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.).
        *   Click “Download” to get the installer for the selected version.

b. Block Automatic Updates (Critical):

    *   You *must* block automatic updates; otherwise, Edge will likely update back to the latest version. The linked article from BrowserStack and others online provide options for blocking updates including:
        *   **Using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro/Enterprise):**  Configure the "Allow updates" policy to "Disabled."
        *   **Registry Editor (Advanced Users):**  Modify the `AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes` registry key to a high value (e.g., a very long time period) or disable it completely.  *Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious system problems.*  Back up the registry before making changes.

c. Install the Older Version:

    *   Run the installer for the older version you downloaded.

2. Using System Restore (If Applicable):

  • If you had System Restore enabled before the Edge update, you might be able to revert to a previous system state.

    a. Open System Restore: Search for "Create a restore point" in Windows and click the result. Click "System Restore..."
    b. Choose a Restore Point: Select a restore point created before the Edge update you want to revert.
    c. Follow the Prompts: Complete the System Restore process. Note that System Restore will revert system files and settings, so any software installed after the restore point will be uninstalled.

3. Uninstalling Updates (If the Option Exists):

  • This method is unlikely to work, as Edge updates are often integrated deeply into the system. However, you can check:

    a. Go to Settings: Open the Windows Settings app.
    b. Update & Security: Click on "Update & Security."
    c. View Update History: Click on "View update history."
    d. Uninstall Updates: If available, click on "Uninstall updates." Look for a recent Microsoft Edge update.
    e. Uninstall (If Possible): If an Edge update is listed, try uninstalling it.

Why Downgrading is Discouraged:

Microsoft and other browser developers strongly recommend using the latest version for:

  • Security: Protection against the latest threats.
  • Performance: Optimizations and speed improvements.
  • Compatibility: Ensuring websites and web applications function correctly.
  • Features: Access to the newest web technologies.

Recommendation:

Instead of downgrading, consider reporting compatibility issues to Microsoft. You can also use a separate browser like Firefox, Chrome, or Brave if you need compatibility with a particular website that is not functioning properly in the latest version of Edge. Consider running the older browser inside a virtual machine to isolate the security risks.

Related Articles