Checking the Microsoft Edge version is often one of the first steps when troubleshooting browser-specific issues or verifying compatibility with a web application.
The version number identifies the exact release of Edge you’re using, making it easier to reproduce bugs and determine whether an update has resolved a problem. It also solidifies that the browser includes the latest security patches and improvements.
In this guide, you’ll learn several quick ways to check your Microsoft Edge version, update it if necessary, and understand when knowing the version can simplify development, testing, and debugging.
Method 1: Using Edge Menu
This is the method I use most often because it’s the fastest way to check both the browser version and whether an update is available.
1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the browser.
3. Go to Help and feedback and select About Microsoft Edge.
4. The page immediately displays your current Microsoft Edge version. At the same time, Edge checks for available updates and starts downloading them automatically if a newer release exists
I usually use this page before reproducing a browser-specific issue or validating a fix. It confirms the exact version I’m testing on and lets me rule out outdated browser builds without leaving the browser.
Method 2: Using Edge Settings
I use this method when I am already working inside Edge Settings or need to confirm whether the browser is up to date.
1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
3. In the left sidebar, scroll down and click About Microsoft Edge.
4. The About page will display the installed version number, build details, and system architecture. Edge will also check for available updates automatically.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcut
If I want a faster way to get there, I use the keyboard shortcut that opens the Edge menu directly.
1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Press Alt + E to open the Edge menu.
3. Hover over or click Help and feedback, then select About Microsoft Edge.
4. The About page will show the current version number and build details. If an update is available, Edge will begin downloading it automatically.
Method 4: Using Run Command
1. Open Run Command: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type Command: Enter ms-settings:about and hit Enter. This takes you to the system’s About page.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the About Microsoft Edge page does not open, the version number is missing, or an update remains stuck, work through these checks before reinstalling the browser:
- Restart Microsoft Edge: Close every Edge window and open the browser again. You can also enter edge://restart in the address bar to restart Edge and reopen your tabs.
- Open the version page directly: Type edge://settings/help into the address bar and press Enter. This bypasses the menu and takes you straight to the page that displays the installed version and checks for updates.
- Check your internet connection: Edge needs an active connection to look for updates. Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy and try again if the page shows an update error.
- Restart the computer: A pending browser or system process may prevent Edge from completing an update. Restarting Windows can release locked files and allow the installation to continue.
- Check Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Edge normally updates separately, but Windows updates can fix system components or services that the browser relies on.
- Check whether the browser is managed: On a work or school device, your organization may control when Edge updates are installed. Enter edge://management or edge://policy in the address bar to see whether update policies are being applied. Contact your IT administrator if an update has been restricted.
- Repair Microsoft Edge: In Windows, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Edge, and select Modify or Repair when that option is available. Repairing Edge reinstalls damaged browser files without normally removing your browsing data.
- Reinstall Edge as a final step: Download and reinstall Microsoft Edge only after the earlier checks fail. Sync important bookmarks, passwords, and settings to your Microsoft account first so they are easier to restore.
Clearing the cache is useful when webpages are not loading correctly, but it usually does not fix problems with the browser’s version page or update service. Try restarting, checking connectivity, and repairing Edge before deleting browsing data.
Conclusion
Checking your Microsoft Edge version takes only a few seconds, whether you use the browser menu, Settings, or the Alt + E shortcut. The version page also confirms whether Edge is up to date and starts downloading available updates automatically.
Keeping Edge updated helps you avoid compatibility issues, browser-specific bugs, and security risks. It also makes troubleshooting easier because you can confirm the exact version before testing a fix or reporting a problem.
