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

Product:

Entra, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Edge, Windows

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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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**

Enhanced Security Compliance
By ensuring that external links open in the Primary work profile, organizations can enhance their security posture by minimizing the risk of sensitive data exposure through less secure profiles. This is particularly important for roles handling confidential information, such as finance and legal departments.
   - next-steps: Conduct a security audit to assess the current use of profiles in Edge. Develop guidelines for users on best practices for using the Primary work profile.
   - roles: IT Security Managers, Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835

Improved User Experience
The change will streamline the user experience by consistently opening external links in the Primary work profile, reducing confusion and potential errors associated with using multiple profiles. This is particularly beneficial for customer-facing roles, such as sales and support teams.
   - next-steps: Gather user feedback on the current experience with Edge profiles and communicate the upcoming changes to prepare users. Create training materials to guide users on the new behavior.
   - roles: Sales Representatives, Customer Support Agents, Marketing Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835

Streamlined IT Management
With the default setting to open external links in the Primary work profile, IT administrators can reduce the complexity of managing user profiles, leading to lower administrative overhead and fewer support tickets related to profile issues.
   - next-steps: Review and update IT policies to reflect the changes in Edge. Train IT staff on managing the new profile settings and monitor the impact on support requests post-implementation.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Staff, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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