Edge Chromium Arrives on Windows 7 and 8.1 via KB4567409 Update

Microsoft has quietly pushed its Chromium-based Edge browser onto older Windows systems, delivering a modern browsing engine to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 machines through an automatic Windows Update package (KB4567409) while leaving Internet Explorer intact and excluding domain-joined enterprise devices from the automatic rollout.

Background​

Microsoft’s long‑planned migration of Edge from its proprietary EdgeHTML engine to a Chromium core was intended to bring better standards compatibility, faster rendering, and broader extension support to its browser on all major desktop platforms. The Chromium‑based Edge first emerged in preview builds and then reached general availability in early 2020; Microsoft designed it to run across Windows and non‑Windows platforms and to update independently of the OS. The June 17, 2020 update—published as KB4567409—automatically installs the new Microsoft Edge on eligible Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 consumer editions via Windows Update. That update is explicitly targeted at non‑enterprise consumer SKUs (Home, Professional, Ultimate, Starter, and Core editions) and deliberately excludes devices that are joined to Active Directory or Azure Active Directory domains. Microsoft’s support bulletin also stresses that the new Edge will not replace Internet Explorer on those older operating systems; instead, the new Edge will be installed and pinned, leaving IE available for legacy compatibility needs.

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What Microsoft shipped (technical details)​

The update: KB4567409​

• KB4567409 is the Windows Update package used to deliver the new Chromium‑based Edge to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 consumer machines. The Microsoft bulletin lists file versions and hashes for both x86 and x64 installers and specifies how the update is delivered (Windows Update).
• For Windows 8.1 devices there are no prerequisites to apply the KB4567409 package via Windows Update; on Windows 7 SP1 the update requires two existing platform fixes: a SHA‑2 code signing support update (KB4474419, dated September 23, 2019 or later) and a servicing stack update (SSU, KB4490628, dated March 12, 2019 or later). If those prerequisite updates are missing, Windows Update should offer them automatically before delivering KB4567409.

How the new Edge behaves after install​

• The new Edge will be pinned to the taskbar and a desktop shortcut will be created (or replaced if one already existed). It will not change the system’s default browser setting. Internet Explorer remains installed and usable after the update; the new Edge is a separate installed application.
• On systems running modern Windows 10 releases, installing the Chromium build of Edge replaces the legacy Edge (the EdgeHTML build) that shipped with earlier Windows 10 versions. On Windows 7 and 8.1 that replacement step is not applicable because those systems never shipped the EdgeHTML “legacy” app; instead, they gain the Chromium Edge alongside Internet Explorer.

Platforms and distribution model​

• Microsoft’s Chromium Edge is cross‑platform: Microsoft officially supports Edge builds on Windows (including older consumer editions), macOS, iOS, and Android, and publishes separate business/enterprise packages for mass deployment. The consumer rollout for older Windows was handled through Windows Update to ensure broad coverage, while enterprise customers are expected to use managed channels and MSI/MSIX installers or the “Edge for Business” downloads and deployment guidance.

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Why this matters: user and enterprise implications​

For consumer Windows 7 / 8.1 users​

Microsoft’s delivery of a modern, Chromium‑based browser to aging Windows releases provides immediate, practical benefits:

• Better web compatibility. Chromium’s dominance means many modern web apps and extensions are optimized for that engine; Edge’s migration reduces rendering and extension compatibility issues that older browsers faced.
• Faster security and feature updates. Because Microsoft updates Edge on its own cadence (frequently and independently of major OS servicing), users on older OSes can still receive browser security patches and capabilities improvements without waiting for OS servicing.

However, the gains are limited by a key constraint: Windows 7 reached end of support on January 14, 2020. That means while the browser can be updated, the underlying operating system no longer receives security patches from Microsoft, leaving residual system‑level risk even if the browser itself is modern. Microsoft explicitly warns users that Windows 7 devices remain vulnerable and recommends moving to a supported OS.

For enterprises and managed environments​

Microsoft intentionally excluded domain‑joined devices from the automatic Windows Update deployment. That policy preserves control for IT departments while offering managed deployment options for organizations:

• Admin deployment paths. IT teams can use the Microsoft Edge enterprise MSI packages, Intune, Configuration Manager (SCCM), or other software distribution tooling to deploy and control Edge versions, update cadence, and policies across fleets. Microsoft publishes a “Download and deploy Microsoft Edge for Business” portal and deployment planning docs for administrators.
• Policy and compatibility tools. Edge includes enterprise features such as Group Policy templates, an Internet Explorer mode for legacy web apps, and management templates for extension control—useful when organizations need to modernize gradually without breaking old line‑of‑business systems.

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Rollout mechanics and prerequisites — a practical checklist​

IT‑savvy readers and advanced users should note these concrete steps and checks when evaluating or troubleshooting the KB4567409 rollout:

• Confirm your Windows edition:
• Eligible consumer SKUs: Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Home/Pro/Ultimate/Starter/Core.
• Domain‑joined or Azure AD‑joined devices are excluded from the automatic Windows Update roll‑out.
• For Windows 7 SP1 only — ensure prerequisites are present:
• SHA‑2 code signing support update: KB4474419 (or later).
• Servicing stack update (SSU): KB4490628 (or later).
• Reboot after applying prerequisite updates prior to installing KB4567409.
• Check Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog (if you prefer manual control) to obtain the KB package; note that Microsoft’s bulletin stated the consumer rollout was delivered via Windows Update and not always as a standalone package in the catalog for automatic installation.
• If you manage machines in bulk, acquire the Enterprise/MSI packages from the Microsoft Edge for Business portal and use your standard software distribution system (Intune, SCCM, Group Policy, or other) to deploy with the configuration you require.

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Security and stability: the good, the bad, and the caveats​

The good: modern browser security on old OSes​

Edge’s Chromium base brings mature sandboxing, frequent security updates, and a modern feature set that reduces browser‑exploitable surface area relative to older, unpatched browsers. As a result, installing a modern Edge on an old OS can proactively reduce browser‑related risk for web browsing tasks.

The bad: OS‑level exposure remains​

A modern browser cannot fully compensate for an end‑of‑life OS. System components, drivers, and kernel‑level services on Windows 7 no longer receive security fixes, so attackers with local or kernel‑level vectors could still compromise affected machines. Microsoft’s guidance is explicit: Edge helps but does not make an unsupported OS secure.

The caveats: update side effects and past patch problems​

The rollout arrived against the backdrop of June 2020 Windows update turbulence—Microsoft shipped cumulative updates (including KB4557957 and KB4560960) that introduced a printing regression where the print spooler could crash or apps might close when attempting to print. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and later published fixes; this episode is a reminder that broad, vendor‑level updates can occasionally produce regressions affecting common workflows. While unrelated directly to Edge’s installer, it illustrates the risk that automatic updates bring: convenient delivery, but occasional instability.

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How to approach the update: recommended workflows​

Home / consumer users (Windows 7 / 8.1)​

• If you currently browse on Windows 7 or 8.1, install the new Edge either via Windows Update or by downloading the installer from Microsoft’s Edge site. The updated browser will be more compatible and receive regular security updates. However, prioritize migrating to a supported Windows version as the long‑term solution.
• Back up important data before major updates and ensure you have recent system restore points. While KB4567409 was intended to be non‑intrusive (it does not change default browser settings), system variability means prudent backups reduce risk.

IT administrators and enterprises​

• Do not rely on the automatic consumer Windows Update path for managed fleets; instead, use the Microsoft Edge for Business download channel and your chosen deployment tooling (Intune, SCCM, Group Policy) so you control which machines get which Edge channel and when. This prevents surprise installs on production endpoints and preserves testing windows.
• Use group policies and the Edge ADMX templates to configure browser defaults, extension whitelists/blacklists, update behavior, and IE mode if you have legacy web apps. Pilot broadly before mass deployment and maintain a rollback plan or version pinning strategy for critical systems.

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Real‑world impact: what we observed and reported​

Independent technology outlets and community reporting tracked the rollout and its practical effects:

• Security and tech news sites noted Microsoft’s decision to target consumer SKUs and leave domain‑joined devices out of the automated update. The coverage clarified that Microsoft would not forcibly replace IE and that Edge would be installed but not set as default.
• Community threads and Microsoft’s own blog posts explained how the company planned staged rollouts for consumer devices while offering enterprise packages and documentation for managed deployments. Those original Microsoft communications became the basis for the automatic Windows Update path.
• Separately, the June 2020 Windows update cycle produced printing regressions affecting many users after certain cumulative updates; Microsoft acknowledged the problem and later issued fixes. This is a concrete reminder that large‑scale OS and app updates can sometimes interact with third‑party drivers or legacy components in unexpected ways.

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Strengths, weaknesses, and long‑term outlook​

Strengths​

• Cross‑platform consistency and modern web compatibility. Adopting Chromium allows Microsoft to deliver a browser that closely aligns with how the modern web is developed today, reducing site breakage and improving extension availability.
• Faster, independent updates. Edge’s evergreen model means security fixes and feature updates reach users faster than legacy OS servicing cycles. That helps keep browser attack surfaces current even on older OSes.
• Enterprise management features. Group Policy support, IE mode for legacy apps, and enterprise MSI packages provide the controls IT teams need to standardize and manage Edge across heterogeneous environments.

Weaknesses / risks​

• Operating system fragility. Delivering a modern browser to an unsupported OS is useful, but users may develop a false sense of security. Edge cannot patch kernel or driver vulnerabilities in end‑of‑life systems. Microsoft’s guidance to migrate to supported Windows versions remains the only comprehensive security fix.
• Update‑induced regressions. Large‑scale automated updates have occasionally caused regressions (for example, the June 2020 print spooler issue). Organizations must maintain robust update testing and rollback plans to avoid productivity disruptions.
• Fragmentation for admins. Consumer Windows Update pushes versus enterprise MSI distribution create two diverging paths to get Edge onto machines. While this separation protects managed fleets from surprise changes, it also requires IT to actively adopt the enterprise deployment tooling if they want consistent behavior.

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Practical recommendations (short checklist)​

• For consumers on Windows 7/8.1:
• Install the new Edge for safer, more compatible browsing, but plan an OS upgrade within a short timeframe.
• Ensure Windows 7 machines have KB4474419 and KB4490628 installed before expecting KB4567409 to apply automatically.
• For IT teams:
• Use the Microsoft Edge for Business download site and enterprise MSI packages rather than relying on consumer Windows Update.
• Pilot Edge in your environment with your default policies and IE mode settings.
• Maintain update testing rings and a documented rollback/mitigation plan for broad deployments.
• For security-conscious environments:
• Treat Edge as one layer in a defense‑in‑depth strategy. Continue to prioritize OS upgrades and maintain endpoint protections, EDR/AV, and patch management at the system level.

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Final analysis: a pragmatic view​

The Chromium‑based Microsoft Edge rollout to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 via KB4567409 represents a sensible engineering trade‑off: it brings a modern, actively maintained browser to older consumer systems while preserving administrative control for enterprises. The move reduces friction for web developers and end users by aligning Microsoft’s browser with the dominant web engine and its ecosystem.
That said, the underlying policy remains unchanged—a modern browser is not a substitute for a supported operating system. Edge mitigates browser exploitation vectors, but kernel and driver vulnerabilities on unsupported OS builds remain a real risk. Organizations and users who continue to operate Windows 7 should treat Edge as a short‑term improvement, not a long‑term security fix. Microsoft’s exclusion of domain‑joined devices from the automatic rollout was appropriate; administrators must choose managed deployment methods if they want consistent, tested behavior across fleets. Finally, the June 2020 patching episode that produced printing issues underscores one persistent truth in systems administration: wide‑reaching updates can introduce regressions. The correct response is not to avoid updates entirely but to adopt disciplined testing, phased rollouts, and recovery plans—practices that will remain essential as browsers and operating systems evolve together.

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Microsoft’s decision to deliver a modern Chromium engine to older Windows users is a practical win for compatibility and browser security, but it is not a cure for the foundational risk of running an out‑of‑support operating system—upgrade paths and managed deployment remain the responsible options for long‑term safety and stability.

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Source: BOL News Microsoft rolls out New Edge Browser for Windows 8.1 & 7 – BOL News

 

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Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge has been pushed to older Windows releases — including Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 — via a June 2020 Windows Update (KB4567409), delivering a modern, actively updated browser to machines that otherwise run on unsupported operating systems.

Background​

Microsoft rebuilt Edge on the Chromium engine to improve web compatibility, extension support, and developer tooling across platforms. That effort culminated in a stable, cross‑platform Edge that ships and updates independently of the Windows servicing cadence. For consumers still running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Microsoft provided a Windows Update package (KB4567409) that installs the Chromium Edge automatically on eligible non‑enterprise SKUs. The automatic rollout targeted Home and consumer editions (Home, Professional, Ultimate, Starter, and Core), explicitly excluding devices joined to Active Directory or Azure Active Directory domains. Microsoft emphasized that this update would not remove Internet Explorer from older systems; on Windows 7/8.1 the new Edge installs side‑by‑side with IE and is simply pinned and made available to users.

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What KB4567409 actually does​

The update and its scope​

• KB4567409 is a Windows Update package titled “Update for the new Microsoft Edge for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1: June 17, 2020.”
• It installs the Chromium‑based Microsoft Edge Stable channel on eligible consumer editions of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 via Windows Update; Microsoft also published stand‑alone installers and later cumulative replacements for that package.

After the update runs, Edge is installed as an application (MicrosoftEdgeStandaloneInstaller.exe) and will be pinned to the taskbar and a desktop shortcut created for quick access. The update is designed to be non‑intrusive to users’ default browser settings — it does not automatically change the default browser.

Prerequisites and installation notes​

• Windows 8.1 devices have no special prerequisites for KB4567409 and should receive the update through Windows Update.
• Windows 7 SP1 machines require two earlier platform updates before KB4567409 can apply: the SHA‑2 code‑signing support update (KB4474419) and a servicing stack update (SSU) such as KB4490628 (or later). If those are missing, Windows Update should supply them as prerequisites.

These prerequisites matter because Microsoft moved to SHA‑2‑only signatures in 2019; machines that lack SHA‑2 support cannot validate or install newer updates until those compatibility fixes are present. Administrators and cautious users should confirm those platform updates are installed and that the system has been restarted before expecting KB4567409 to appear.

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Platforms and distribution model​

Consumer vs enterprise paths​

Microsoft deliberately used the consumer Windows Update path for the automatic push to non‑enterprise Windows 7/8.1 devices. Domain‑joined and managed devices are excluded from the automatic rollout so IT teams preserve control over deployments. For organizations, Microsoft continues to provide downloadable MSI/MSIX packages, enterprise update channels, and Group Policy templates to deploy and manage Edge centrally.

Cross‑platform support​

The Chromium Edge is a cross‑platform product: Microsoft maintains builds for Windows 10/8.1/7, macOS, iOS, and Android, and the browser receives updates on its own cadence (independent of OS feature updates), enabling more frequent security and feature patches. That evergreen model helps Edge stay current even on older desktops — but with important caveats (see Risks).

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Why this matters: advantages for users on older Windows​

• Modern web compatibility: Moving to Chromium reduces rendering inconsistencies and improves compatibility with modern web apps and extensions that target the Chromium engine. This matters particularly for users who rely on cloud services and modern site features.
• Faster security fixes for the browser: Edge’s evergreen update model means browser security fixes can reach older OSes quickly without waiting for a broader OS servicing cadence. That reduces the window for exploitation of browser vulnerabilities.
• Developer and extension ecosystem: Users gain access to the wider Chromium extensions ecosystem and improved developer tooling, which can improve productivity and compatibility with third‑party services.

These benefits are real: for browsing tasks, a modern engine reduces breakage and can close multiple attack surfaces that plagued older or proprietary browser engines.

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The limits: why a modern browser is not the same as a supported OS​

Installing the Chromium Edge on Windows 7 or 8.1 improves the browser-level security posture, but it does not patch the operating system itself. Windows 7 reached official end‑of‑support on January 14, 2020; end of support means Microsoft no longer ships security fixes for OS components (kernel, drivers, system services). A modern browser running on an unsupported OS cannot address vulnerabilities outside the browser process, so residual risk remains. Microsoft explicitly warns customers that Edge helps but does not make an unsupported OS secure.

• Kernel/driver vulnerabilities: Local privilege escalation and driver/kernel exploits remain unpatched on EOL OS versions; attackers can chain browser bugs into system‑level compromise given a suitable local or privileged exploit.
• Third‑party software and drivers: Many hardware vendors stop producing new drivers for legacy OSes, which increases surface area and compatibility friction.
• False sense of security: Users may assume that a contemporary browser is equivalent to a secure OS; that assumption is dangerous for sensitive use cases such as banking, enterprise access, or administrative work.

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The June 2020 update turbulence and the printing regression​

The Edge rollout arrived alongside a troubled June 2020 Patch Tuesday sequence that produced a high‑profile printing regression. Microsoft’s cumulative updates published on June 9, 2020 (including KB4557957 and KB4560960) were associated with an issue where the print spooler might error or close unexpectedly and some printers — including software PDF printers — failed to produce output. Microsoft acknowledged the printing problem and later shipped out‑of‑band fixes for affected builds. This episode underlines two practical realities:

• Broad updates can introduce regressions. Large scale, automated updates necessarily touch shared components; occasionally that causes unexpected interactions with certain drivers, printer models, or third‑party software.
• Rapid mitigation matters. Microsoft issued subsequent patches (for example KB4567512 / KB4567523 depending on platform) to remediate the printing issues, but the incident imposed real disruption for users who rely on printing workflows.

Administrators and individual users who depend on printing should have rollback plans and test updates on representative machines before broad deployment. In constrained environments, staging updates through management tooling (WSUS, SCCM, Intune) is the safest route.

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Deployment and management guidance​

For consumer users (Windows 7 / 8.1)​

• Confirm prerequisites:
• On Windows 7 SP1, ensure the SHA‑2 support update (KB4474419) and a recent servicing stack update such as KB4490628 are installed, and reboot the machine.
• Allow Windows Update to install KB4567409 automatically or download the standalone Edge installer from Microsoft’s Edge pages.
• Accept the browser’s automatic update prompt to keep Edge current (Edge updates are independent of Windows updates).
• Back up data and create a restore point before applying major updates, and test printing/document workflows after updating.

Edge will not replace Internet Explorer on these older systems and will not modify the default browser setting, but it will be added to the taskbar and to the desktop for quick access.

For IT administrators​

• Use the Microsoft Edge for Business download channels and enterprise MSI packages rather than relying on the consumer Windows Update path.
• Pilot Edge in a testing ring with your existing configurations, Group Policy settings, and IE mode policies (for legacy web app compatibility) before broad rollout.
• Where printing or specialized device drivers are critical, include those scenarios in your pilot matrix to detect regressions early.
• Maintain a clear rollback and recovery plan; automate snapshotting or system image backups for quick remediation if an update causes production issues.

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Security analysis: strengths and residual risks​

Strengths​

• Reduced browser attack surface: Chromium’s modern sandboxing, frequent security releases, and broad community scrutiny harden the browser itself compared with many legacy engines.
• Faster distribution of fixes: Edge’s independent update cadence allows Microsoft to push browser security patches quickly to older systems, reducing the time malicious actors have to exploit browser flaws.
• Compatibility gains: Chromium alignment lowers site breakage and makes modern web features available to users on older Windows machines.

Residual risks and caveats​

• Unsupported OS remains vulnerable: System‑level vulnerabilities (kernel, drivers, local privilege escalation) are not covered by an updated browser; organizations should treat Edge as one layer in a layered defense strategy, not a cure.
• Update regressions and third‑party drivers: The June 2020 printing incident is an illustrative case where cumulative updates produced wide user impact; automatic pushes to consumer devices can produce friction. Vendors, especially in printing, often test and validate drivers against specific OS builds; older drivers may behave unpredictably when underlying components change.
• Enterprise policy divergence: Consumer Windows Update deliveries and enterprise managed deployments follow separate paths; admins who do not explicitly opt into managed distribution risk surprise installs on unmanaged Home/Pro endpoints.

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Practical recommendations (short checklist)​

• For consumers on Windows 7/8.1:
• Install the Chromium Edge to benefit from modern web compatibility, but prioritize migrating to a supported Windows release when possible.
• Ensure Windows 7 SP1 prerequisites (SHA‑2 and SSU) are present; create a restore point before major updates.
• Test printing and document workflows after updating; if printing breaks, check Microsoft’s known‑issues pages and available hotfixes.
• For IT teams:
• Use enterprise installers and Group Policy templates for consistent deployments.
• Run phased pilots that include printing and legacy app compatibility testing.
• Maintain a rollback/restore procedure and a short testing window for Windows Update on managed machines.

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What to watch next​

• Microsoft’s ongoing security and feature releases for Edge are frequent; administrators should track Edge release notes and security advisories and align them with organizational patch cycles.
• For Windows 7 users, the most important single action is planning a migration path to a supported OS. Running an up‑to‑date browser on an unsupported OS is a stopgap measure, not a long‑term strategy.

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Final analysis: a pragmatic view​

Delivering a modern Chromium‑based browser to aging Windows releases is a practical, user‑centric move that reduces web compatibility pain and improves browser security for many users who cannot immediately migrate. The KB4567409 rollout gave millions of consumer machines access to a maintained browser engine, enabling safer browsing and access to modern web services without requiring a full OS upgrade in the short term. However, it is critical to balance the benefits against limitations and operational realities. A contemporary browser does not patch or replace the OS; unsupported Windows editions still lack Microsoft’s security updates for system components. The June 2020 printing regression underscores that broad updates — even those intended to help — can cause real-world regressions that impact productivity. Organizations and consumers must therefore combine the new Edge with sensible safeguards: migrate platforms where possible, test updates in controlled rings, and treat Edge as one layer in a broader defense‑in‑depth posture. For Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users who must remain on older systems, installing Microsoft’s Chromium Edge is a clear, immediate win for web compatibility and browser security — but it should be paired with concrete migration planning and operational caution so that the gains are real and sustainable.

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Source: BOL News Microsoft rolls out New Edge Browser for Windows 8.1 & 7 – BOL News