The best new features of Edge Chromium 88

The latest update for Edge Chromium, version 88, is finally rolling out. This release adds many new features to the Windows and macOS versions of the browser, such as new password security tools, an updated appearance, and several quality of life improvements. That’s a lot, so we’ll go over everything new in Edge 88 and show you how to use it.

Password generator and security monitor

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

The other new password tool is Automated Data Breach Monitoring. Edge references all of the logged in credentials with the latest data breaches and alerts you if it thinks any of your accounts are compromised.

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

1. Go to Settings> Profile> Passwords.
2. Light up “Offer to save passwords” and “Suggest strong passwords.”

Now each time you enter a new password, Edge will offer to create it for you. Password monitoring is automatic and applies to all logins saved in Edge. You can find them under Settings> Profile> Passwords> Saved passwords.

Sleep tabs

Users can now set inactive tabs to “go to sleep” after a set amount of time. Edge stops checking for idle tabs in the background, freeing up your PC’s memory and processor for use elsewhere. According to Bleeping computer, this reduces the memory usage of an inactive tab by 32% on average and the CPU usage by about 37%.

Users will see a pop-up notification suggesting they turn on sleep tabs to reduce Edge resource usage, but you can configure the setting in Settings> System> Save resources. You can choose how long a tab should be idle before falling asleep, or you can set specific websites to never fall asleep.

Sidebar sresearch

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

New looks

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

Each theme has its own color scheme and its own wallpaper. Wallpaper selections include illustrations of Microsoft video game properties such as 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-ons page.

Other novelties

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

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