Microsoft Edge Updates will be linked to Windows Update, starting with the candidate version, this will no longer allow you to use the old version or the legacy version of Edge. Any attempt will launch the Chromium version of Edge. However, you can enable the experience setting side by side which will allow you to run legacy and Chromium versions of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10.
The new version of Microsoft Edge will replace all existing shortcuts, pinned icons and all references with the new one. Let me also clarify one thing. If you are using Microsoft Edge Chromium, this is the latest version. the the legacy version is the NON-CHROMIUM version. The release candidate will be officially available from January 15, 2020. Some of us may have been using Edge beta for so long, and this new version may look different except that it doesn’t. ;is not.
Run Legacy Edge and Chromium Edge side by side
When the Chromium version of Edge is installed in Windows, it HIDE the legacy version automatically. It is there, but if you install the stable version, it will not be visible. However, if you want to use the two versions side by side, you must activate Group Policy or change the registry settings on the computer. Some of the companies that used the old version for their products and then to make sure everything works as before is an important feature.
1) Activate the experiment side by side using the registry modification
Open the Registry Editor
Access Microsoft Fonts
Computer HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Policies Microsoft
Right click on the Microsoft folder and create a new key with the name EdgeUpdate
Select the EdgeUpdate folder and right click on the empty side on the left side
Create a new 32-bit DWORD with the name Allowsxs
Double-click to change the value of Allowsxs and set it to 1
2) Activate the experience side by side using Group Policy
- Open the Group Policy Editor by tapping gpedit.msc in the Run prompt and then pressing the Enter key.
- In the Group Policy Editor, go to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Microsoft Edge Update> Applications.
- Under Applications, select Allow Microsoft Edge side-by-side browser experience then click Change policy setting.
- Select Enabled, then click OK.
Note: While Microsoft Docs clearly says this policy is there, I haven't been able to find it yet.
Aside from that, Microsoft has also talked about a registry entry, which is also not visible. I assume it will be available later. It has something to do with GP policy.
After the systems are fully updated and the stable channel for the next version of Microsoft Edge installed, the following registry key and value are set:
Key: SOFTWARE Microsoft EdgeUpdate ClientState {56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062}
Key value: BrowserReplacement
This key is replaced each time the Microsoft Edge Stable channel is updated. As a best practice, we recommend that you do not delete this key to allow users to access both versions of Microsoft Edge.
After following one of these methods, if you install Microsoft Edge Chromium, the old Edge will be renamed legacy Microsoft Edge. However, instances of the taskbar, pinned thumbnails, etc. will be deleted.
When to activate Edge Legacy support?
You need to activate the side-by-side browsing experience before Microsoft starts deploying the Chromium version of Edge. If you are an IT administrator, be sure to deploy the settings for all users.
You can also choose to delay Windows updates, which in turn will delay the installation of the Edge Stable Chromium version on Windows 10. Windows allows you to suspend updates, which will give you enough time to change Group Policy settings, and also test the new version of Edge if you haven't tried it yet.
The best would be to install the Beta version and experience it. It comes with the fewest bugs, is now the candidate version for release.
Activate Edge Legacy mode after installing Edge Chromium Stable
If you have already installed it, then a lot has already happened. Here is the list of disadvantages.
- You will need to re-pin the Legacy Edge at startup or to the taskbar and the Start menu as the new one will replace them.
- Sites that have been pinned to Start or the taskbar for Microsoft Edge Legacy will be converted to the new version of Microsoft Edge. You will therefore have to recreate them again.
Let's see how to resolve this situation:
- Go to Settings> Applications & Features> Select, then Uninstall Microsoft Edge Chromium (stable)
- As soon as you uninstall, the Legacy Edge browser appears.
- Create the registry key or update the group policy that I mentioned above (Allowsxs)
- Download and install Microsoft Edge Stable
- Return to the Start menu and you should see both.
As you can see in the image above, I have installed all versions of Edge (Chromium) and Edge Legacy. In the Start menu, the difference is obvious with the name, in the list of applications, its called Microsoft Edge (Microsoft Corporation) and has the old icon.
I hope it was clear how you can run Edge Legacy and Chromium Edge side by side if you need to.