Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is Microsoft's web browser for visiting websites, searching the internet and using online services. It’s made by Microsoft, based in the United States.
Criminals have used its name in fake downloads or scams, so get it only from microsoft.com.
What it is
Edge opens websites and online services. It can save passwords and sync bookmarks, browsing history and open tabs across your devices.
It stores browsing history, cookies and saved form details on your Mac. Turning on sync sends selected browser data to Microsoft's cloud. Websites offering calls or recording can request camera, microphone or screen access.
Microsoft maintains Edge with automatic updates and security fixes. Its SmartScreen feature checks for harmful websites and downloads. Settings also control optional sharing of browsing activity for personalised services and advertising.
Who makes it
Microsoft is a technology company founded in 1975 and based in Redmond, Washington. Its legal name is Microsoft Corporation. Its website is microsoft.com.
Microsoft makes other software with flaws that attackers have used. Its page in Companies lists them.
Is it the real one?
Every Mac app carries a signature from the developer who made it. Apple checks who the developer is before handing out the certificate, and macOS refuses to open an app whose signature has been tampered with.
HARD hasn’t yet recorded the signature on a real copy of Microsoft Edge. Its Mac app shows who signed the copy you have.
Its bundle ID, the name macOS knows it by, is com.microsoft.edgemac or com.microsoft.edgemac.Beta or com.microsoft.edgemac.Dev or com.microsoft.edgemac.Canary. Download it only from microsoft.com, not from an ad or a link someone sends you.
Fakes. In June 2024, ThreatDown documented compromised websites displaying fake Microsoft Edge update pages that delivered remote-access malware on Windows.
What it connects to
In normal use, Microsoft Edge talks to these places on the internet. A firewall that asks before apps connect, like the one in HARD’s Mac app, will show them.
| Address | Why |
|---|---|
msedge.api.cdp.microsoft.com | Checks for browser updates. |
config.edge.skype.com | Downloads feature settings and experiments. |
*.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com | Downloads browser and extension updates. |
login.live.com | Signs into personal Microsoft accounts. |
login.microsoftonline.com | Signs into work or school accounts. |
edge.microsoft.com | Syncs browser data when enabled. |
*.smartscreen.microsoft.com | Checks websites and downloads for threats. |
*.smartscreen-prod.microsoft.com | Supports SmartScreen safety checks. |
What it can see
macOS asks you before an app can use these. You can change them any time in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
| Permission | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Camera | Lets permitted websites use your camera for video calls and recordings. |
| Microphone | Lets permitted websites capture your voice for calls and recordings. |
| Screen Recording | Lets websites share or record your screen when you choose to. |
Security record
Problems with Microsoft Edge or Microsoft in the last three years, newest first. Keeping the app up to date covers the ones that were fixed.
| When | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft fixed Chromium flaw CVE-2026-87491, which had been exploited in attacks, in Edge 152.0.4191.66. | ↗ | |
| Microsoft fixed Chromium flaw CVE-2026-85046, which had been exploited in attacks, in Edge 152.0.4191.62. | ↗ | |
| Microsoft fixed Chromium flaw CVE-2026-5281, which had been exploited in attacks, in Edge 146.0.3856.97. | ↗ | |
| Microsoft fixed Chromium flaw CVE-2026-3909, which had been exploited in attacks, in Edge 146.0.3856.62. | ↗ | |
| Microsoft fixed Chromium flaw CVE-2026-3910, which had been exploited in attacks, in Edge 146.0.3856.59. | ↗ |
References
- Apple password manager resources: browser bundle identifiers github.com
- Facts About Microsoft news.microsoft.com
- Download Microsoft Edge microsoft.com
- Microsoft Edge, browsing data, and privacy support.microsoft.com
- User data and privacy in Microsoft Edge learn.microsoft.com
- Microsoft Edge browsing activity for personalised advertising and experiences support.microsoft.com
- Microsoft Edge for macOS switch from Microsoft AutoUpdate to EdgeUpdater learn.microsoft.com
- Microsoft Edge release notes for Stable Channel learn.microsoft.com
- Allow list for Microsoft Edge endpoints learn.microsoft.com
- Webex: Troubleshoot Camera and Screen Share Issues help.webex.com
- ThreatDown: SmartApeSG walkthrough, June 11, 2024 threatdown.com
- Release notes for Microsoft Edge Security Updates learn.microsoft.com