Microsoft released the first official preview builds of its Chromium-based Edge on April 8, 2019. People on 32-bit Windows 10 quickly found they could not install them: the first builds were for 64-bit Windows 10 only. Microsoft has now confirmed that this is temporary and that a 32-bit build is coming.
The first Edge Insider builds are 64-bit only
Microsoft launched the new browser through what it calls Microsoft Edge Insider Channels. The first two channels are Canary, updated daily, and Dev, updated weekly. You can install both side by side with separate icons. Microsoft said support for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and macOS, and the Beta and Stable channels, would come later.
The troubleshooting notes for the Insider builds made it clear that the first versions only install on 64-bit systems. That left owners of 32-bit Windows 10 PCs, which are often low-cost laptops and tablets, without a way to try the new Edge.
Microsoft confirms a 32-bit version
Asked about it on Twitter, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore replied that the 64-bit limit is “TEMPORARILY true”. The very first build was for 64-bit Windows 10 systems, he said, but “this isn’t forever.” In other words, a 32-bit build of the Chromium-based Edge is planned for the not-too-distant future. It is also a sign that Microsoft expects 32-bit Windows 10 to be around for a while.
How to check whether your Windows 10 is 32-bit or 64-bit
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > About.
- Look at System type. It says either “32-bit operating system” or “64-bit operating system”.
If you are on 32-bit Windows 10, keep using the current Edge for now and watch for the 32-bit Insider build.
What else is different in the preview
Microsoft has turned off many of the Google services that come with Chromium in its Edge build, among them Translate, Cloud Print, push notifications and form fill. Chrome Web Store integration is also off, because Microsoft runs its own add-ons store. Extensions are one of the first areas to watch. Microsoft’s store has since added Edge versions of popular tools such as the OneNote Web Clipper.
Today
Microsoft kept its promise. Its current Edge troubleshooting page says Microsoft Edge is available on Windows 11 and Windows 10 in both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64), and on macOS 10.12 Sierra or higher.
To make sure you have the newest build, see how to update the Edge browser. If Edge is using a lot of resources, read our guide to msedge.exe and high CPU or disk use.
