💡 Our Technical Review in summary
Microsoft is introducing an automated “What’s New” experience for Microsoft Edge for Business. Following a major browser version update, a dedicated webpage will automatically launch in a new tab the first time a user opens the browser. This page is designed to educate users on the latest features and enhancements within Microsoft Edge and Microsoft 365 Copilot, providing a one-time overview of new capabilities and direct links to try them.
Impact
- Users: All users signed into Microsoft Edge for Business with an Entra ID will be affected. They will see the “What’s New” tab appear once per major update cycle.
- Timeline: The rollout is scheduled to begin in mid-February 2026 and is expected to be completed by late February 2026.
- Default Setting: This feature will be enabled by default for all managed Entra ID profiles.
- User Experience: The experience is non-intrusive; users can explore the content or simply close the tab to continue their work.
Action Required
- Evaluate Policy Control: If your organization prefers to suppress this page, prepare to use the
WhatsNewPageForEntraProfilesEnabledpolicy. Note that this policy will become available once the feature begins rolling out. - Internal Communication: Notify your helpdesk and end-users about this upcoming change to prevent confusion when the new tab automatically appears after browser updates.
- Update Documentation: Update any internal training materials or browser configuration guides to reflect this new educational touchpoint.
- Review Roadmap: Monitor Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 526798 for any further adjustments to the deployment schedule.
Microsoft Official Update
Service: N/A
Category: stayInformed
Severity: normal
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline and content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
Microsoft Edge for Business is introducing a “What’s New” webpage to inform and educate users about the latest features and enhancements in Edge and Microsoft 365 Copilot. After a major browser version update, this page will automatically open in a new tab the first-time users launch the updated browser. This one-time experience provides an overview of new capabilities, allowing users to explore and try out these features directly or simply close the tab and continue working as usual.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 526798.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-February 2026 (previously mid-January) and is expected to complete by late February 2026 (previously late January).
[How this will affect your organization:]
- Who is affected: All users signed in with their Entra ID using Microsoft Edge for Business.
- What will happen:
- After a major browser update, the “What’s New” page will open automatically in a new tab the first time the browser launches.
- This feature will be on by default.
- Admins can disable this experience using the WhatsNewPageForEntraProfilesEnabled policy, which will be available once the feature rolls out.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
No admin action is required before rollout. However, you may:
- Review your current configuration to determine the impact on your organization.
- Notify your users about this change.
- Update any relevant internal documentation.
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified; review as appropriate for your organization.
