Browser wars: Microsoft Edge is showing the first signs of weakness

Chris Lunn • May 4, 2021

Browser wars: Microsoft Edge is showing the first signs of weakness

 

Microsoft Edge


Microsoft Edge, the company’s flagship web browser, has enjoyed rapid growth since it went live last year, but new figures suggest the service may have reached an abrupt plateau.

According to data from Statcounter, Edge’s market share has dipped month-on-month for the first time, falling from 3.45% in March to 3.39% in April. The drop marks the end of a run of fourteen consecutive months of growth.

On its previous trajectory, Edge looked set to vault beyond established rival Firefox, which has suffered a slow but steady decline over the past twelve months. However, although Firefox only holds 3.59% of the market, the latest data suggests predictions may have been misguided.


New Microsoft Edge


Microsoft debuted the new Chromium-based Edge in January 2020, with the launch of the first stable build. The browser took a few months to gain any momentum, but its growth quickly steepened in the spring.

The increase in adoption can be attributed in part to renewed marketing efforts, but also to improvements made to the platform that bring it in line with the experience a user might expect from a modern web browser.

The introduction of features such as vertical and scrolling tabs, a secure password generator and in-built price comparison tool all proved popular with users. As did a number of tweaks designed to improve the browser’s performance, including sleeping tabs and a feature known as start-up boost.

In a recent update, Microsoft also stated bundling the new Edge with Windows 10 by default, increasing the browser’s install base dramatically almost overnight. However, it appears a larger install base has not necessarily translated into a larger user base.

Although Microsoft will be encouraged by its early performance, Edge remains a minor player in comparison to Google Chrome, which holds 64.47% of the market. Despite controversy surrounding Google’s new replacement for third-party cookies, FLoC, Edge appears to have struggled to wrestle users away from the top dog.

Another factor contributing to the apparent plateau is that, until now, the growth of Edge has been fuelled by the decline of Internet Explorer and Edge Legacy, both of which have been retired by Microsoft.


Source: https://www.techradar.com

Over the last twelve months, the Internet Explorer market share has dropped from 1.41% to 0.71%, while Edge Legm 2.23% to 0.25%. With few gains left to tap into here, Microsoft will need to find a way to snatch users from the largest browsers in the market if Edge is to return to growth.

Join Our Mailing List

All sign-ups are handled inline with our privacy policy and can unsubscribe at any time.

IT Support Services
Cybersecurity Deep-Dive
IT Cloud Migration Service

Recent Blogs

By Jess Dugdale August 15, 2025
Join our free 30-min webinar on 3 Sept to learn what Windows 10 end-of-life means and how to upgrade for free—plus win a Hotel Chocolat bundle!
AI image of colleagues working on laptops with cloud icons in the background
By Craig Atkins July 24, 2025
Planning to move to the cloud? Discover what to expect, key benefits, and how 1-Fix IT support ensures a smooth, secure migration for your business.
AI image of workers in an open office on computers.
By Grant Taylor-Davis July 21, 2025
Cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint with cloud migration. Discover how 1-Fix IT support helps businesses save and go green with managed IT services.
AI image of colleagues on laptops that are connected to the cloud
By Lee DS July 15, 2025
Discover why summer is the perfect time to move to the cloud. Learn how cloud migration boosts flexibility, security & cost-efficiency with 1-Fix IT support.
AI image of people sat round a desk discussing cybersecurity in business.
By Craig Atkins July 7, 2025
Protect your business with expert IT support. Learn why cybersecurity is vital for reputation, compliance, and long-term success.
AI image of someone using a laptop with the Microsoft Office 365 app logos on
By Callum Hurst July 4, 2025
Avoid the risks of using Office 365 Home at work. Learn why Office 365 for business is the right choice for security, scalability, and compliance.
Show More