Microsoft Edge 135: Major Security Upgrades and Enhanced Productivity Features

A New Era for Microsoft Edge​

Enhanced Security with Updated Certificate Store​

• Certificate Trust Adjustments:
  Microsoft has introduced a policy where certificates validating to specific Entrust root certificates will no longer be trusted by default if their earliest Signed Certificate Timestamp (SCT) falls after April 16, 2025. This measure is a proactive step designed to mitigate potential vulnerabilities associated with outdated or compromised digital certificates.
• Implications for Enterprises:
  For organizations relying heavily on internal and third-party certificates, this change is particularly significant. IT departments are now encouraged to either replace any impacted certificates or, if necessary, adopt alternative measures such as locally trusting the root certificate. However, as effective as these alternatives are, administrators must consider the attendant security risks carefully.
• Balancing Trust and Risk:
  With the digital ecosystem evolving rapidly, the update reflects Microsoft’s commitment to forcing a re-evaluation of trust chains within enterprise security policies. The update ensures that certificates are not simply passively expired but actively reviewed to mitigate emerging threats. In essence, Edge 135 is urging enterprises to reassess what they trust, effectively reinforcing the critical importance of digital hygiene in today’s threat landscape.

Redefining Enterprise Productivity​

• Revised Work-Related Search Functionality:
  One of the standout changes is how Edge handles work-related searches. Instead of routing queries through the generic Bing.com search, the browser now directs these searches to M365.cloud.microsoft. This pivot is particularly useful for enterprise users, as it provides direct access to work-specific content like documents, bookmarks, and people. Additionally, with a dedicated search feature that responds to keywords like “work” typed into the address bar, users can now experience a more efficient and organized way of locating the content that matters most to their job.
• Overhauled Work Feed on the Enterprise New Tab Page:
  Another major change comes with the revamp of the Work Feed on the enterprise New Tab Page (NTP). Starting mid-April 2025, commercial users with Microsoft 365 subscriptions will find a refreshed “My Feed” that zeroes in on productivity-focused content.
  Key highlights include:
• Recent Documents: Immediate access to the latest files worked on, ensuring that users can quickly pick up where they left off.
• SharePoint Sites and Outlook Events: Seamless integration with Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools, making collaboration and scheduling more intuitive.
• To-Do Tasks: Keeping track of pending tasks directly from the browser enhances workflow efficiency.
  It’s worth noting that the revamped feed intentionally excludes content related to network activity, signifying a conscious shift towards productivity rather than administrative oversight.

New Features That Push the Productivity Envelope​

• Feature Usage Data Sync:
  In today’s multi-device ecosystem, synchronization is king. With the new Feature Usage Data Sync integrated into Edge Sync, users can now ensure that data about their feature usage is seamlessly synchronized across all their devices. This not only ensures a consistent experience no matter where you log in, but it also provides valuable insights for Microsoft to further refine the browser.
• Trending Suggestions in Address Bar:
  Leveraging the power of Microsoft Bing’s trending suggestions, Edge 135 now displays these recommendations directly in the address bar dropdown on the New Tab Page. For users looking for the latest news, developments, or simply trending topics, this feature offers a quick and dynamic way to stay informed. Administrators, on the other hand, have the power to control this functionality through the AddressBarTrendingSuggestEnabled policy, offering a balance between user empowerment and organizational oversight.
• Authorized Group Settings for Enhanced Compliance:
  Recognizing the critical nature of compliance and data loss prevention (DLP) in enterprise settings, Edge 135 includes the ability to configure authorized group settings. This enhancement ensures that compliance settings for printer groups, USB device groups, and network share groups are strictly followed, meaning DLP protections can no longer be bypassed through external methods. It’s a robust step forward that demonstrates Microsoft’s dedication to embedding security deeper into the browser’s operational fabric.

Implications for IT Administrators​

• Audit Existing Certificates:
  Conduct a comprehensive audit to identify any certificates that might be rendered untrusted due to the new SCT rules. This audit is crucial for avoiding unexpected disruptions in secure communications.
• Plan for Certificate Replacement or Adjustment:
  For those certificates affected by the change, plan ahead. Decide whether to replace the certificate or adjust the trust settings locally. Each strategy comes with its own set of security considerations that need to be weighed carefully.
• Leverage Group Policy Controls:
  With new administrative controls such as the AddressBarTrendingSuggestEnabled policy and authorized group settings, it's vital to update your group policies to manage these features effectively. IT administrators should review and update these settings to maintain compliance and ensure that employees receive a consistent, secure browsing environment.
• Educate End Users:
  As new features roll out—especially those involving work-related searches and the revamped Work Feed—providing user training can smooth the transition. Communication and training sessions can help users understand the benefits and changes, reducing the learning curve and boosting overall productivity.
• Monitor Feedback and Performance:
  Roll out the new update in a test environment if possible, and closely monitor the impact on both performance and user feedback. Early detection of issues can prevent larger problems from affecting the entire organization.

Expert Analysis and Broader Context​

• Security as a Priority:
  The update’s certificate trust modifications are an excellent example of proactive security enhancement. By setting a clear cutoff date (April 16, 2025) for certificate validation, Microsoft is forcing both enterprises and certificate authorities to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities. Such measures echo wider industry trends where robust, proactive defenses are being favored over reactive responses.
• Productivity in a Flexible Work World:
  The overhaul of features like the Work Feed and enhanced search functionality is perfectly timed with the rise in remote and hybrid work. Modern employees need quick, intuitive access to work-related content, and Edge 135 seems designed to make that transition as smooth as possible. This shift not only streamlines workflows but also reflects an understanding of modern business needs where speed and efficiency are key.
• Synchronization and Data Integration:
  The Feature Usage Data Sync feature is more than a convenience; it’s part of a broader strategy to ensure that user data flows seamlessly across devices. In an era where people split their time between desktops, laptops, and even tablets or smartphones, this synchronization is essential for maintaining productivity without sacrificing security.
• Administrative Control and Compliance:
  With compliance requirements becoming increasingly stringent, the addition of authorized group settings reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to enterprise security. By enabling administrators to centralize control over how categories like printer groups, USB device groups, and network share groups operate, Edge 135 helps limit the risk of data breaches and non-compliance.

Real-World Examples and Use Cases​

Wrapping It All Up​

• Major security enhancement through the updated certificate store, demanding a re-evaluation of digital certificate trust protocols.
• Business users benefit from improved work-related search functionality directing to M365.cloud.microsoft, ensuring faster and more relevant results.
• An overhauled Work Feed on the enterprise New Tab Page provides streamlined access to productivity tools like recent documents, SharePoint sites, Outlook events, and to-do tasks—while filtering out less relevant network activity.
• New synchronization features, such as Feature Usage Data Sync, guarantee that user experience and settings remain consistent across devices.
• Administrators now have enhanced controls via policies that manage trending suggestions and enforce compliance settings, making it easier to adhere to data loss prevention standards.