Browser bloat has been a long-standing issue, but Microsoft is taking steps to address it by focusing on improving the speed of its Edge browser. The company is aiming to enhance the responsiveness of the browser’s user interface, starting with the Browser Essentials menu.
Microsoft has managed to accelerate the Browser Essentials menu by 42 percent through a WebUI 2.0 architecture migration. Comparing the loading speed of the menu on WebUI 2.0 with React and WebUI with Javascript clearly shows the significant improvement in performance. According to Microsoft, devices without an SSD or with less than 8GB of RAM experience a 76 percent faster loading time of the menu.
In addition to the Browser Essentials menu, Microsoft is also implementing a speed boost for Edge’s favorites menu in build 124, resulting in a 40 percent increase in speed. Furthermore, Edge’s history, downloads, and wallet features are set to receive the WebUI 2.0 upgrade, ensuring a more efficient user experience across the board.
Microsoft’s decision to develop WebUI 2.0 stemmed from the realization that many of Edge’s components contained overly large bundles of code. By transitioning to a more modular architecture and reducing the size of these bundles, WebUI 2.0 aims to optimize performance. Microsoft states that the new architecture relies on a repository of web components tailored for modern web engines, emphasizing performance.
As a user who favors Edge over other browsers, I welcome the speed enhancements brought about by WebUI 2.0. However, considering the integration of Copilot and numerous other tools within Edge’s sidebar, there may be room to streamline the browser by eliminating some features. This could help restore the smooth experience that users have become accustomed to.
Through the implementation of WebUI 2.0 and its focus on optimizing the user interface of Edge, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to improving the browsing experience for its users. By addressing the issue of browser bloat and prioritizing speed enhancements, Microsoft is poised to make Edge a more competitive and efficient browser in the modern digital landscape.