MC1104313 – (Updated) Microsoft Edge: Primary work profile will open external links by default

Product:

Entra, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Edge

Platform:

Linux, Mac, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

494835

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Edge will default to opening external links with the Primary work profile for users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, starting late August 2025. This change affects Windows, macOS, and Linux users differently and can be managed with the `EdgeOpenExternalLinksWithPrimaryWorkProfileEnabled` policy. No admin action is required before the rollout.

Details:
Updated October 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're updating how Microsoft Edge handles external links for enterprise users. Before this rollout, Edge opens external links using the last used profile. After this rollout, for users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, Edge will default to the Primary work profile to open links. The Primary profile is typically the most secure and appropriate profile for work-related content. This change will be on by default.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 494835.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late August 2025 (previously late June) and expect to complete by mid-November 2025 (previously mid-September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-06-27

updated:
2025-10-17

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Change in Default Profile for External Links
Users will experience a shift in how external links are opened, potentially leading to confusion if they are accustomed to the last used profile. This may disrupt workflows, especially for users who frequently switch between profiles.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835

User Experience Disruption
The automatic switch to the Primary work profile may lead to unexpected behavior for users who have multiple profiles, potentially causing issues with accessing personal or non-work-related content.
   - roles: End Users, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835

Need for User Training and Documentation Update
Organizations may need to invest time in updating training materials and documentation to inform users about the new default behavior, which could lead to temporary inefficiencies.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is updating how its Edge browser handles external links for enterprise users. Think of this change like setting a default driver for a company car. Previously, the car would be driven by whoever used it last. Now, the company has decided that a specific driver, who is best suited for the job, will always take the wheel unless otherwise specified.

In this scenario, the "driver" is the Primary work profile in Microsoft Edge, which is linked to a user's Microsoft Entra ID. This profile is typically the most secure and appropriate for work-related tasks, similar to how a designated driver is chosen for their expertise and reliability. For Windows users, if this Primary work profile exists, Edge will automatically use it to open external links. On macOS and Linux, if there's only one work profile with an Entra ID, it will be treated as the Primary work profile. If there are multiple profiles, the setting won't apply, much like having multiple drivers available without a clear choice.

Administrators have the option to manage this setting through a policy called `EdgeOpenExternalLinksWithPrimaryWorkProfileEnabled`. If enabled or left unconfigured, Edge will default to using the Primary work profile. If disabled, Edge will revert to using the last used profile, akin to allowing any available driver to take the car.

This change is set to roll out automatically between late August and mid-November 2025, with no immediate action required from administrators. However, it might be helpful to inform users about this update and adjust any relevant documentation, ensuring everyone knows who the "designated driver" is for their digital tasks.