Microsoft continues to evolve its Chromium-based browser with the release of Edge Beta version 138, adding several new features designed to enhance usability, streamline media control, and improve performance diagnostics. Now available to Edge Insider users, the update is expected to roll out to the Stable Channel during the week of June 26, 2025.
One of the most noticeable additions is the media control center, a centralized hub for managing all audio and video playback across open tabs. Represented by a small musical note icon on the toolbar, the feature allows users to play, pause, skip, and manage content without switching tabs. It also supports picture-in-picture mode and casting to external devices, making it easier to manage multimedia sessions from one location.
Another headline feature in this release is the AI-powered history search. Instead of relying on exact page titles or keywords, users can now search their browsing history using natural language, phrases, or even misspelled queries. The system uses a local, on-device AI model trained on user data to improve privacy—Microsoft claims that none of this information is transmitted to its servers. The feature is being gradually rolled out to beta users.
Also debuting in Edge 138 is a dynamic settings menu that adapts based on browser performance. If Edge detects sluggish behavior, the Performance and Extensions Detector will surface actionable suggestions in the menu, guiding users toward built-in optimization tools. This proactive diagnostic feature is part of Microsoft’s ongoing push to make Edge more user-aware without compromising control.
Other notable updates in Edge 138 Beta include:
- Profile management improvement: Edge now defaults to using your primary work profile for opening external links, instead of the most recently used one. This change is particularly relevant for enterprise and hybrid work users.
- Form autofill enhancements: A new toggle lets users consent to Microsoft Edge collecting web form field labels to improve suggestion accuracy. The browser clarifies that it does not collect the actual user input—only metadata about the form structure.
- PDF sensitivity label support: Enterprise users can now view Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) labels in protected PDF documents.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot integration: A new context menu option allows users to quickly access chat summarization powered by Microsoft 365 Copilot, though availability will vary during the rollout phase.
Like previous Edge releases, version 138 includes various policy and administrative updates, especially relevant for IT administrators managing deployments across organizations.
With these additions, Microsoft Edge is positioning itself as a more intelligent, privacy-conscious browser tailored for both personal productivity and enterprise needs. As features like AI history search and smart performance alerts mature, Edge continues to carve out its place in a crowded browser market by leaning on tight Windows integration and a rapidly evolving set of tools.
