Microsoft Edge 142 Launch: Enhanced Autofill, New Scareware Blocker Sensor, and Additional Features

Microsoft Edge 142: Key Features and Updates

Microsoft has recently launched Edge 142, the latest version of its web browser, which introduces a range of notable enhancements and security upgrades. This update focuses on improving user security, optimizing autofill functionality, and addressing several vulnerabilities.

Enhanced Security with Scareware Blocker

Among the most significant additions in Edge 142 is the new scareware blocker. This feature is designed to protect users from deceptive websites and pop-up messages that falsely claim their systems are infected, urging them to contact fictitious support services. Starting with this update, the scareware blocker will be automatically activated for users on both Windows and macOS platforms, provided they meet the minimum requirements of 2GB of RAM and four processor cores.

Microsoft’s recent update also introduces a scareware sensor that enhances the speed of detecting online scams. This sensor allows the browser to communicate suspicious activity to the SmartScreen filter without requiring users to send additional data or screenshots. While currently disabled by default, Microsoft intends to turn on the scareware sensor for users with SmartScreen enabled in the future. This addition aims to provide robust protection against various online threats.

Streamlined Autofill Functionality

Edge 142 also benefits from significant improvements in its autofill feature. Users will now receive prompts to save addresses they enter, reducing clutter and ensuring only intentional data is stored for future use. This change is expected to enhance user experience and increase convenience when filling out forms online.

Crucial Security Patches

The release also addresses security concerns, patching a total of 21 vulnerabilities: 20 weaknesses found in Chromium and one that is specific to the Edge browser itself. For a thorough breakdown of these security measures, you can refer to the Security Update Guideline.

Additional Features and Fixes

Fixes

Resolved issues within headless mode, which previously affected functionalities like Print to PDF and Screenshot.

Feature Updates

MIP Enforcement enhancements: Edge 142 introduces a new configuration step to ensure MIP protections remain intact through the Microsoft Edge management service.

External Link Management: When Edge is set as the default browser, it can now open external links in specified user profiles based on recommendations from external applications, such as Microsoft Teams or Outlook. Admins have the ability to manage this feature through specific policies.

Announcements

Auto-Open Feature Update: Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the initial rollout of the Auto-Open feature in Edge, which did not meet user preferences effectively. To rectify this, changes will be gradually reversed over the next month. Users may notice a temporary reversion to the previous behavior, where the sidepane opens automatically. Management options include:

Manually disabling the Auto-Open Pane via settings.

Automatic disablement if users do not engage with the Auto-Open experience on three consecutive attempts.

Admins can adjust settings through specific policies.

How to Update Microsoft Edge

To access the latest version of Microsoft Edge, navigate to edge://settings/help. Alternatively, users can continue with their current browsing experience, and the browser will update itself automatically upon restarting.

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