check before: 2026-01-01
Product:
Microsoft Edge, Windows
Platform:
Web, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Links:
Details:
Microsoft Edge, on Windows systems without a physical GPU, will use the Windows Advanced Rasterization Platform (WARP) rasterizer for WebGL workloads. Prior versions use SwiftShader. This scenario is most common associated with headless environments and virtual machines. On non-Windows platforms, a physical GPU will be required for WebGL moving forward.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-11-17
updated:
2026-01-28
Docu to Check
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft Edge has replaced the SwiftShader driver with the Windows Advanced Rasterization Platform (WARP) for handling graphics on certain Windows systems, particularly benefiting virtual environments or headless setups without a physical GPU, while non-Windows systems now require a physical GPU for graphics processing.
Direct effects for Operations**
Performance Degradation
Switching to WARP for WebGL workloads may lead to slower rendering performance in applications that rely heavily on WebGL, especially in headless environments and virtual machines.
- roles: Developers, End Users
- references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/dev-guide/graphics/webgl, https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-edge-gets-new-webgl-backend
Compatibility Issues
Applications that were optimized for SwiftShader may experience compatibility issues or unexpected behavior when running on WARP, leading to a poor user experience.
- roles: Quality Assurance, End Users
- references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-edge-gets-new-webgl-backend/, https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/edge-webgl-warp-backend
Configutation Options**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-01-28 | RM Status | In development | Launched |
| 2026-01-28 | RM Title | Microsoft Edge: New WebGL software backend | Microsoft Edge: v.144 - New WebGL software backend |
Last updated 3 weeks ago ago
