Edge 145 Enhances Passwords & PDF Read-Aloud

• WebGL rendering backend transitioned from SwiftShader software renderer to GPU-based implementation, enabled by default since version 144[2] • SwiftShader deprecated but available via temporary policy for backward compatibility; Microsoft indicates this is a stopgap measure with no security guarantees[2] • Password manager enhanced with domain name detection algorithm that groups related domains together for improved autofill accuracy[4] • PDF viewer on Windows now supports annotation undo/redo stack implementation for user actions including highlights and ink strokes[3] • Malicious sideloaded extension detection uses revocation mechanism; feature deployed via controlled rollout to monitor stability[3] • Enterprise policy 'WhatsNewPageForEntraProfilesEnabled' controls visibility of update notification pages; applies only to Microsoft Entra ID profiles, not MSA accounts[5] • Performance policies expanded with EfficiencyMode, EfficiencyModeEnabled, EfficiencyModeOnPowerEnabled, and ExtensionsPerformanceDetectorEnabled configurations[6]

Edge 145 signals Microsoft's strategic focus on enterprise productivity and security hardening. The shift from software-based (SwiftShader) to GPU-accelerated WebGL rendering improves performance consistency across platforms while reducing maintenance burden. The introduction of post-update guidance pages ('What's New') for business users indicates Microsoft is addressing the gap between feature releases and user awareness—a competitive differentiator against Chrome's more opaque update cycle. Enhanced password management with domain grouping addresses phishing vulnerabilities, aligning with industry movement toward passkey adoption (supported via PasswordManagerPasskeysEnabled policy[10]). The controlled rollout of malicious extension detection suggests Microsoft is implementing machine learning-based security screening, likely to become standard across Chromium derivatives. These changes position Edge as increasingly enterprise-focused, potentially capturing market share from organizations prioritizing managed security and user productivity features over Chrome's consumer-oriented approach.