check before: 2025-06-01
Product:
Entra, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Edge
Platform:
Linux, Mac, Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Rolling out
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
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 June 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:
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 June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-July 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-06-27
updated:
2025-06-27
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft Edge will automatically use the Primary work profile for opening external links for users signed in with a Microsoft Entra ID, starting in late June 2025, with administrators able to manage this behavior through a policy setting.
Direct effects for Operations**
Change in Default Profile for External Links
Users will experience a shift in how external links are opened in Microsoft Edge, moving from the last used profile to the Primary work profile, which may lead to confusion or disruption in workflow.
- 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
Users may find that external links open in a different context than expected, potentially leading to issues with accessing resources or applications that are profile-specific.
- roles: End Users, Application Managers
- 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 Updates
Organizations may need to invest time in updating documentation and training users on 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 for External Links
By defaulting to the Primary work profile for external links, the security posture of the organization is strengthened. This ensures that work-related content is accessed in a secure environment, minimizing the risk of data leakage or exposure to malicious sites.
- next-steps: Conduct a security audit to assess the impact of this change on current security protocols. Update security training materials to emphasize the importance of using the Primary work profile.
- roles: IT Security Manager, Compliance Officer, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeopenexternallinkswithprimaryworkprofileenabled, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=494835
Improved User Experience
Users will have a more consistent experience when accessing external links, as the Primary work profile will be used by default. This reduces confusion and the potential for errors when switching between profiles, leading to increased productivity.
- next-steps: Communicate the change to users through training sessions and documentation. Gather user feedback post-implementation to identify any issues or further improvements needed.
- roles: User Experience Designer, IT Support, End Users
- 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 automatic use of the Primary work profile, IT administrators can reduce the complexity of managing user profiles and settings. This can lead to lower support ticket volumes related to profile issues, freeing up IT resources.
- next-steps: Review current profile management practices and identify areas where support can be reduced. Consider implementing automated monitoring to track profile usage and compliance.
- roles: IT Administrator, Help Desk Staff, IT Operations Manager
- 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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