Microsoft Edge Feature Changes 2023: What’s Out and What’s Coming Next

In the fast-evolving world of web browsers, Microsoft Edge has carved out a unique reputation as a forward-leaning, feature-rich Chromium-based browser for Windows users. However, as with any dynamic software ecosystem, the path to innovation sometimes demands letting go of older, less-used components. In a significant development, Microsoft is preparing to remove several notable features from Edge, signaling a strategic realignment and reflecting broader trends in browser design and user expectations.

Major Edge Feature Deprecations: What’s Leaving and Why​

The latest update to the Microsoft Edge Beta has sounded the death knell for several familiar tools. By mid-to-late May, Microsoft will phase out the following features:

• Image Editor
• Image Hovers Menu
• Mini Menu
• Video Super Resolution
• Wallet Hub

Each of these features once contributed to the distinctive Edge experience, giving users built-in edit and enhancement tools and streamlined payment management. Their upcoming removal can be interpreted as part of Microsoft's drive to simplify the browser and focus on what most users truly want or use regularly.

The Case for Trimming the Edge​

From a development standpoint, browser bloat is a perennial concern. Every additional feature introduces security considerations, demands developer and testing resources, and can slow performance or introduce bugs. Microsoft appears to be acting on telemetry and user feedback that shows these features aren’t essential for most users. Notably, it isn’t uncommon for browsers to experiment with standout tools before ultimately trimming away those that don’t gain enough traction.
For example, the Wallet Hub’s deprecation may initially strike some as a loss—after all, streamlined payment solutions are a major convenience in an era of online shopping. But Edge is not abandoning payment management entirely; instead, payment and personal information management are being rolled into a more cohesive, centralized experience.

The Wallet Hub: What’s Replacing It?​

Edge version 137 marks the end of the Wallet entry in Settings. According to Microsoft, Wallet’s retirement supports a more streamlined experience. Rather than losing out on form filling and payment convenience, users will see dedicated entries for Passwords, Personal Information, and Payment management functions. Microsoft emphasizes a refreshed design in Edge Settings to enhance usability and security.
This shift seems to align Edge more closely with rival browsers like Chrome and Firefox, which maintain separate, straightforward management panels for passwords and payment methods rather than more complex dashboards.

Controlled Rollout: Not Everyone Will See Changes Immediately​

Both the Wallet revamp and other new features in Edge are subject to controlled rollouts. That means not all users will see updates right away. This approach allows Microsoft to gather feedback and iron out potential issues before deploying to its full user base, reducing the risk of widespread problems.

Other Features Bidding Goodbye​

Image Editor, Image Hovers, and Mini Menu​

Once, Edge positioned itself as the browser with everything but the kitchen sink: users could edit photos, annotate, and interact with images right inside the browser via the Image Editor and Image Hovers Menu, while the Mini Menu offered quick access to various commands. These tools, though technically interesting, didn’t see widespread adoption. Their removal won’t affect workflows for the vast majority of Edge users. Those who relied on them may want to look toward third-party extensions or standalone graphics applications for similar functionality.

Video Super Resolution​

Edge debuted its Video Super Resolution (VSR) feature as part of a push to attract users who frequently consume video content. VSR could upscale and enhance low-quality streaming videos, harnessing GPU power for improved clarity. While this was a cutting-edge addition, it faced competition from hardware-level upscaling in graphics cards and native features on video streaming sites. Its removal is unlikely to have a major practical impact, especially since most streaming services already offer high-resolution playback natively, and external solutions are readily available.

What’s Gained: New Edge Capabilities and Integrations​

Microsoft isn’t just pruning Edge; it’s planting new seeds as well. The browser is getting critical upgrades in its integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot, on-the-fly PDF editing, and multitasking support through Picture-in-Picture enhancements.

Enhanced Microsoft Copilot Integration in Edge​

One of the headline improvements is the expansion of Copilot (Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant) capabilities within Edge. Specifically, page summarization and contextual queries—already available to Microsoft 365 Copilot Business Chat users—are now integrated into Edge’s Work tab.

• Page Summarization: Users can ask Copilot to quickly summarize the current webpage, extracting highlights and actionable details.
• Contextual Queries: Edge now supports more advanced, context-specific questions about open pages, with Copilot suggesting relevant prompts in real time.

These features, however, are only accessible to those with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. For enterprise users invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, these additions promise real productivity gains—streamlining research, project management, and cross-platform workflows, all inside the browser.

Controlled Rollout and Policy Control​

Rollout of these AI features is, again, controlled. Edge administrators can manage their availability through the EdgeEntraCopilotPageContext policy, tailoring the experience for their organization’s needs.

Picture-in-Picture Player Enhancements​

The updated Edge makes it easier than ever to multitask. The browser’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for video content now includes:

• Play/Pause controls
• Skip forward/backward
• Seek directly from the PiP window

This matches and in some ways surpasses the PiP utility seen in rival browsers, cementing Edge's reputation as a modern, multitasking-friendly browser—especially for users juggling webinars, tutorials, or entertainment while working.

PDF Add Text: Expanded Language Support​

Edge’s built-in PDF reader (powered by Adobe Acrobat) now allows users to add text annotations in a broader range of languages. This improvement removes a significant barrier for non-English speakers and makes Edge more attractive for multinational organizations and globally diverse user bases.

Behind the Scenes: Mutation Event Policy and Business Chat Upgrades​

Mutation Event Policy: End of an Era​

Edge version 137 makes the MutationEventsEnabled policy obsolete. Previously, this allowed IT admins to retain compatibility with deprecated Mutation Events from older web standards. Microsoft recommends switching to the modern MutationObserver API instead, bringing Edge in line with contemporary web development best practices and improving overall stability and performance.

Find on Page meets Copilot​

In Microsoft Edge for Business, the familiar "Find on Page" (CTRL+F) feature will soon integrate with Copilot Chat. This addition aims to help users surface the most relevant in-page content faster—an especially handy tool for dense reports, wikis, or legal documents.

Critical Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and What This Means for Users​

Notable Strengths and User Benefits​

• Performance and Simplicity: Removing little-used features should streamline the browser, cut down on unnecessary code, and boost speed and reliability.
• Security: Retiring under-maintained or infrequently used components reduces the attack surface for potential vulnerabilities.
• Focus on Productivity: Deeper Copilot integration, coupled with robust multitasking features and improved PDF support, positions Edge as a go-to platform for productivity—especially in business and educational contexts.

Potential Drawbacks and Risks​

• Loss of Niche Features: Power users who depended on the Image Editor, Mini Menu, or Video Super Resolution will need to seek out third-party add-ons or tools.
• Feature Fatigue in Rapid Rollouts: Frequent changes—even positive ones—can confuse or frustrate users who prefer consistency.
• AI Features Locked Behind Licenses: Some of Edge’s most compelling new capabilities, like Copilot-powered summarization, are only available to Microsoft 365 license holders. This creates a split experience and may disappoint personal users or small teams who are used to open, unrestricted browser features.
• Incremental Changes Can Feel Piecemeal: Controlled rollouts mean users have an inconsistent experience; two people on Edge version 137 may see entirely different UI options or settings menus at the same time.

Uncertainties and Need for Transparency​

Microsoft’s controlled, staged deployment makes it challenging to predict precisely when any given user will see these changes. While this is prudent from a risk mitigation perspective, it also makes documentation and support more difficult. Users are encouraged to remain patient and check the Edge release notes regularly for updates.

Table: Edge Features—What’s Out, What’s In​

Feature Removed	Replacement/Upgrade	Notes
Image Editor	Third-party editors/extensions	Native tool withdrawn
Image Hovers Menu	N/A	No direct substitute
Mini Menu	N/A	Use context menus or keyboard shortcuts
Video Super Resolution	Hardware upscaling, native streaming	Most video providers offer HD/UHD streaming
Wallet Hub	Passwords/Personal Information/Payments	Streamlined management in Edge Settings
MutationEventsEnabled	MutationObserver API	For web developers/admins

Opinion: The Bigger Picture for Microsoft Edge​

With these moves, Microsoft is signaling a strategic repositioning for Edge. Rather than going feature-for-feature with browsers like Opera or Vivaldi, which thrive on customization and built-in tools, Microsoft is following a path more closely aligned with Chrome—prioritizing speed, security, and seamless integration with cloud services and AI.
At the same time, by leaning into Microsoft 365 Copilot's AI-powered workflow enhancements, they are differentiating Edge as the browser for business, research, and productivity—if you are willing to invest in the broader Microsoft ecosystem. It’s an astute, data-driven bet: enterprises and educational institutions are the most likely to value, and pay for, deep Office 365 and AI integrations.
For individual users, the removals might sting slightly, especially if you enjoyed the advanced in-browser editing or Wallet Hub. Still, most will quickly adapt, especially if Edge becomes faster, lighter, and less bug-prone as a result.

SEO Takeaways: What to Search and What to Watch​

Anyone searching for news on “Microsoft Edge removed features,” “Edge Wallet Hub replacement,” or “Edge Copilot integration” will find a rapidly changing story. Microsoft is making Edge more competitive—especially among business users—by doubling down on AI, productivity, and streamlined experience. Power users should keep an eye on Edge’s update notes and consider preparing for the lost features by exploring browser extensions or standalone alternatives.

Final Thoughts​

The tech industry’s relentless pace demands that platforms like Microsoft Edge constantly adapt. Regrettably for nostalgic users, this sometimes means saying goodbye to familiar features. But these changes are also about clearing a path for a faster, safer, and more future-proof browser—one with AI-enhanced capabilities, deep cloud integration, and global accessibility. The features that vanish today often make space for the innovations that shape tomorrow’s browsing experience. As Edge streamlines, users—both casual and professional—are positioned to benefit from a more focused, reliable, and innovative browser built for the next era of the web.

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Source: Windows Central Say goodbye to these Microsoft Edge features