Microsoft Edge Version 146 Security Review: No New Baseline Changes Required

Microsoft has completed its security review of Microsoft Edge version 146, confirming that the existing security baseline configuration remains the recommended standard for enterprise deployments. The review, conducted by Microsoft's security compliance team, found no new settings requiring mandatory enforcement, allowing organizations to maintain their current security posture without additional configuration changes.

Security Baseline Status Unchanged

The Microsoft Edge version 139 security baseline continues to be the recommended configuration for organizations, available through the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit. This stability means IT administrators can maintain their existing deployment configurations without needing to adapt to new baseline requirements following the Edge 146 update.

New Settings Overview

While no new baseline settings were deemed necessary for enforcement, Edge 146 does introduce nine new Computer and User settings. Microsoft has provided a detailed spreadsheet listing these new settings to help administrators understand the expanded configuration options available in this release. The spreadsheet, available as a 17 KB Excel file, serves as a reference guide for organizations evaluating whether to implement these optional settings based on their specific security requirements.

Documentation Resources

Microsoft maintains comprehensive documentation for all available settings across its Edge ecosystem. Administrators can reference the complete list of Microsoft Edge settings and Microsoft Edge Update settings through the company's official documentation portals. This transparency allows organizations to make informed decisions about their configuration choices while maintaining compliance with their internal security policies.

Enterprise Deployment Considerations

The decision to maintain the existing baseline reflects Microsoft's approach to balancing security enhancements with operational stability. By not introducing mandatory changes with each release, Microsoft enables organizations to plan their deployment strategies more predictably while still providing access to new security features through optional settings.

Feedback and Community Engagement

Microsoft continues to solicit feedback through its Security Baselines Discussion site and community posts. This engagement helps the company understand real-world deployment challenges and refine its baseline recommendations based on enterprise feedback. Organizations are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions to help shape future baseline developments.

Access to Security Tools

Organizations can download the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit from aka.ms/SCT, which includes the latest security baselines and assessment tools. The toolkit provides administrators with the resources needed to evaluate and maintain compliance across their Microsoft Edge deployments.

Looking Ahead

The stability of the security baseline through multiple Edge versions demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to providing consistent security guidance while allowing organizations to adopt new features at their own pace. As Edge continues to evolve, Microsoft's approach suggests a focus on maintaining baseline stability while offering granular control through optional settings for organizations with specific security requirements.

For organizations already running Edge 139 or earlier versions, the Edge 146 update can be deployed without requiring baseline modifications, simplifying migration planning and reducing the operational overhead typically associated with browser version updates.

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The security review process for Microsoft Edge versions continues to be a critical component of enterprise deployment strategies, ensuring that organizations can maintain consistent security postures while benefiting from browser improvements and new features.