416093 – Microsoft Edge: v.136 – Elevating top settings and improving settings page navigability

Product:

Microsoft Edge, Outlook

Platform:

Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

To make finding browser settings more efficient, Microsoft Edge is introducing three navigation improvements to Edge Settings. We are making no changes to the functionality of any setting and all settings will remain on the same page as they are today but will be behind clickable sections. The first is introducing quick access to the most used actions on the landing page of Edge Settings. Second, each densely populated page—Privacy, search, and services; Appearance; Cookies and site permissions; System and performance—will feature quick access to its most used actions. Third, for these same pages, each section will now click-through to its respective sub-settings (similar to a table of contents).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-09-13

updated:
2025-05-03

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

Microsoft Edge is reorganizing its settings by bringing frequently used actions to the front and adding a "table of contents" for detailed pages like Privacy and Cookies, making navigation faster and more efficient without changing the actual settings.

Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion
Users may struggle to locate settings due to the new navigation structure, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/blog/2023/10/01/edge-settings-navigation-improvements/

Increased Support Tickets
The change in settings navigation could lead to an increase in support requests as users seek help in finding settings, impacting IT resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-handle-increased-support-tickets-during-software-changes/

Training Needs
Users may require additional training or resources to adapt to the new settings layout, which could divert time and resources from other projects.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/09/15/the-importance-of-training-in-software-implementation/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Improved User Experience for IT Support
With the new navigation improvements in Edge Settings, users can quickly access the most used actions without needing to navigate through multiple layers of settings. This can significantly reduce the number of support tickets related to browser configuration issues, enhancing the overall user experience.
   - next-steps: Train IT support staff on the new navigation features to assist users effectively and update internal documentation to reflect these changes.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, End Users, System Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/business/download, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/discussions/microsoft-edge-settings-improvements/td-p/3632113

Enhanced Training Opportunities
The improved settings navigation can serve as a basis for developing training materials for users. By creating focused training sessions or materials on how to utilize the new settings effectively, organizations can empower users to take full advantage of the browser's capabilities.
   - next-steps: Develop a training plan that includes webinars, guides, and FAQs that highlight the new settings navigation. Gather feedback from users to continuously improve the training content.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Managers, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education, https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/microsoft-edge

Streamlined IT Administrative Tasks
The new clickable sections in Edge Settings can streamline administrative tasks for IT teams, such as managing user permissions and settings. This can lead to faster configuration changes and reduced time spent on administrative overhead.
   - next-steps: Review current administrative processes to identify areas where the new settings can be integrated for efficiency. Update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to include the new navigation methods.
   - roles: IT Administrators, System Engineers, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/, https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-edge-gets-new-features-for-enterprise-users/

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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