But Microsoft's moves can still have an outsize impact that deserves extra scrutiny-Edge is an installed-by-default, non-removable component of every Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC, and the operating system pushes you to switch to Edge with some regularity.

Many of these features can be disabled, and competing browsers like Chrome and Firefox all attempt to add value and earn money by building in access to new niche features and third-party services. It's also yet another example of Microsoft building a not strictly browsing-related feature into its web browser. But the feature could also encourage casually interested users to begin exploring the world of cryptocurrency, which is, again, rife with scams. Given the prevalence of crypto scams, there may be some value in having a 'trustworthy' built-in option that doesn't require the installation of dodgy third-party extensions. Whether you find these kinds of add-ons useful, annoying, or predatory is a matter of perspective. And as an Edge user, the first thing I do in a new Windows install is disable the endless coupon code, price comparison, and cash-back pop-ups generated by Shopping in Microsoft Edge (many settings automatically sync between Edge browsers when you sign in with a Microsoft account the default search engine and all of these shopping add-ons need to be changed manually every time). In late 2021, the company faced backlash after adding a 'buy now, pay later' short-term financing feature to Edge.

This is only one of many money and shopping-related features that Microsoft has bolted onto Edge since it was reborn as a Chromium-based browser a few years ago. The feature, which the screenshots say is strictly for internal testing, was unearthed by Twitter user who has a history of digging up present-but-disabled features in everything from new Windows 11 builds to ancient Windows Vista betas. Appears to be testing a built-in cryptocurrency wallet for Edge, according to screenshots pulled from a beta build of the browser.

Microsoft edge beta channel