Microsoft Edge Version 144 Security Review: No New Baseline Settings, Version 139 Configuration Remains Current

Microsoft's security team has completed its review of Edge version 144, concluding that the existing security baseline from version 139 remains the recommended configuration for enterprise environments. The review, published on January 15, 2026, confirms that while Edge 144 introduced two new Computer and User settings, none require additional enforcement beyond what's already documented in the current baseline.

What Changed in Edge 144

Edge version 144 introduced two new settings to the browser's configuration options. Microsoft has provided a spreadsheet listing these new settings to help administrators identify them easily. However, after thorough review, the security team determined that these additions don't necessitate changes to the existing baseline configuration.

The two new settings appear to be incremental additions to Edge's policy framework rather than security-critical changes that would require immediate enforcement. This approach allows organizations to maintain consistency in their browser management while gradually incorporating new capabilities as needed.

Current Baseline Configuration

The Microsoft Edge version 139 security baseline remains the recommended configuration. This baseline is available through the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit, which provides standardized security configurations for Microsoft products. Organizations should continue using this baseline unless specific business requirements dictate otherwise.

The baseline includes comprehensive settings covering:

• Network security policies
• Privacy controls
• Extension management
• Update mechanisms
• Enterprise features

Configuration Resources

Microsoft maintains comprehensive documentation for all available settings:

• Microsoft Edge settings documentation
• Microsoft Edge Update settings documentation

These resources provide detailed explanations of each setting's purpose, impact, and recommended values for different security postures.

Strategic Implications for Enterprise Management

This review pattern reflects Microsoft's approach to enterprise browser management: incremental updates that don't disrupt existing configurations. For IT administrators, this means:

1. Stability: No immediate reconfiguration required for Edge 144 deployments
2. Predictability: Baseline configurations remain valid across multiple versions
3. Flexibility: Organizations can adopt new settings as business needs evolve

The decision to maintain the version 139 baseline demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to backward compatibility and reduces the operational burden on IT teams managing large-scale browser deployments.

Migration Considerations

For organizations planning Edge 144 deployments:

• Testing: Validate Edge 144 against existing policies before broad rollout
• Documentation: Update internal configuration documentation to note the new settings
• Monitoring: Watch for any unexpected behavior with the new settings enabled
• Feedback: Use the Security Baselines Discussion site to report issues or suggest improvements

Broader Context in Browser Security Management

This approach aligns with enterprise software management best practices where security baselines evolve gradually rather than requiring frequent overhauls. Microsoft's methodology prioritizes:

• Consistency: Reducing configuration drift across versions
• Auditability: Clear documentation of what changes between versions
• Compliance: Maintaining alignment with regulatory requirements

The security baseline framework serves as a foundation that organizations can build upon, adding specific controls based on their risk tolerance and compliance needs.

Next Steps for Administrators

1. Review the new settings spreadsheet to understand what Edge 144 adds
2. Continue deploying the version 139 baseline as your standard configuration
3. Monitor the Security Baselines Discussion site for community feedback
4. Consider testing Edge 144 in non-production environments to validate compatibility

The security review process demonstrates Microsoft's structured approach to enterprise browser management, balancing innovation with stability. While Edge 144 introduces new capabilities, the core security configuration remains consistent, allowing organizations to focus on operational excellence rather than frequent reconfiguration.

For detailed guidance on implementing these baselines, refer to the Microsoft Security Baselines documentation and the Security Compliance Toolkit.