About Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation
Overview
This documentation page covers the legacy Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML) browser, which has been replaced by the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge. It serves as a historical reference for developers maintaining or troubleshooting older Edge applications.
The page lists developer features including DevTools, extensions, Progressive Web Apps, WebView, JavaScript runtime hosting, and WebDriver. Each topic is explicitly marked as not recommended with a redirect to the current Chromium-based documentation.
Key Benefits
- Legacy Edge extensions allow adding new features or modifying existing browser functionality.
- Progressive Web Apps run natively on Windows 10 with full offline and install capabilities.
- The WebView (EdgeHTML) control lets Windows 10 apps host web content directly.
- JavaScript Runtime APIs enable desktop, Windows Store, and server-side apps to use the Chakra JavaScript engine.
- F12 developer tools provide performance analysis for websites running on legacy Edge.
- WebDriver protocol allows programs and scripts to automate browser behavior for testing.
How It Works
A developer visits the documentation, selects a topic such as DevTools or WebDriver, and reads the technical overview. Each section links to the current Chromium-based documentation recommended for new projects.
Use Cases
- Web developers maintaining legacy enterprise applications that target the EdgeHTML rendering engine.
- Windows 10 app developers embedding web content using the WebView (EdgeHTML) control.
- QA engineers using WebDriver to automate testing of websites specifically in the legacy Edge browser.
- Extension developers who need to understand the legacy Edge extension APIs before migrating to Chromium extensions.
- IT administrators supporting internal tools that rely on the Chakra JavaScript engine for scripting.
Why Choose This Product
This documentation is for developers who must maintain or support applications built for the deprecated EdgeHTML browser. Microsoft explicitly recommends migrating to the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge for all new development projects.
Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation Pros & Cons
- Includes comprehensive developer documentation for legacy EdgeHTML
- Covers extensions, PWAs, WebView, WebDriver, and performance tools
- Provides clear migration path to new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge
- Available for free as part of Microsoft Learn platform
Key Features
DevTools overview
Legacy browser development tools for inspecting HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in EdgeHTML.
DevTools Protocol
Protocol for inspecting and debugging the EdgeHTML browser programmatically.
Extensions
Small programs that add new features or modify existing functionality in Microsoft Edge.
Progressive Web Apps
Web applications that run natively on Windows 10 with offline and install features.
WebView control
Control to host web content in Windows 10 apps using the EdgeHTML engine.
JavaScript runtime hosting
APIs for desktop, Windows Store, and server-side apps to use the Chakra JavaScript engine.
Performance analysis
Tool for analyzing website performance using F12 developer tools.
WebDriver
Wire protocol for programs and scripts to control browser behavior.
WebVR
Open standard JavaScript API for immersive 3D Virtual Reality experiences in the browser.
Windows Runtime
API to call native Windows APIs from JavaScript applications.
Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation Pricing
Pricing extracted from the product website and may change. Check the source for current details.
Frequently asked questions about Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation
What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Edge?
Microsoft Edge follows the Modern Policy . Go here for Microsoft Edge Lifecycle Policy details. Support for the legacy version of the Microsoft Edge desktop app ended on March 9, 2021. The Microsoft Edge Legacy application will no longer receive security updates after that date. Go here to learn more. For additional lifecycle information, see servicing guidelines by channel along with a list of supported operating systems . Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge as your default browser. Go here to download.
What is the Lifecycle policy for Internet Explorer?
Internet Explorer is a component of the Windows operating system (OS) and follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed and supported. Please note that the Internet Explorer (IE) 11 desktop application ended support for certain operating systems on June 15, 2022. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with IE mode. IE mode enables backward compatibility and will be supported through at least 2029. Additionally, Microsoft will provide notice one year prior to retiring IE mode. Please go here to learn more. Some versions of Internet Explorer may be supported p
Is Internet Explorer 11 the last version of Internet Explorer?
Yes, Internet Explorer 11 is the last major version of Internet Explorer. The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application went out of support for certain operating systems starting June 15, 2022*. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer (IE) mode. IE mode provides built-in legacy browser support for sites requiring Internet Explorer. For supported operating systems, Internet Explorer 11 will continue receiving security updates and technical support for the lifecycle of the Windows version on which it is installed. See above for a list of supported operating syste
What if my enterprise line-of-business (LOB) application has a dependency on a version of Internet Explorer that reached end of support?
Microsoft is committed to supporting Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge through at least 2029, on supported operating systems. Additionally, Microsoft will provide a minimum of one year notice prior to end of support for IE mode. Windows support dates are documented on the Product Lifecycle page and may require an Extended Security Updates (ESU) license, if available, to receive operating system security updates beyond its End of Support date.
Is Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation free?
Yes — Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation is free to use. See the pricing section for any optional add-ons.
What platforms does Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation support?
Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation is available on: Web, Windows.
How Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentation compares
Legacy Microsoft Edge developer documentationThis | ||||
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| Starting price | Free | — | — | Free |
| Pricing model | Free | unknown | unknown | Free |
| Platforms | Web, Windows | macOS | Web | Web |
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