Microsoft releases Blocker toolkit for enterprises to disable automatic delivery of Chromium Microsoft Edge

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According to previous rumors, Microsoft will release the official version of the Microsoft Edge-based Chromium browser on this month’s routine update day (January 15).

After the browser is released, it will be pushed directly to all Windows 10 users and used to replace the classic version of the built-in Microsoft Edge browser.

Although using the Google Chrome kernel can help improve performance and compatibility, some specialized software and tools may not be available for some businesses.

In response to the needs of different enterprises, Microsoft has now launched a locking tool specifically for preventing automatic browser upgrades for enterprises.

When Enterprise Manager deploys this tool, the system will automatically prevent browser upgrades, but if users manually download a new version of the browser installation there are no restrictions.

Chromium Microsoft Edge icon

At the same time, Microsoft emphasizes that if the company already uses an update management solution such as WSUS, it does not need to deploy this tool, because the corresponding solution will also prevent the upgrade.

Finally, this tool is a stand-alone application and is not included in any cumulative updates. Because enterprises need to deploy this tool separately, they cannot be installed through cumulative updates.

It’s important to note that:

  • The Blocker Toolkit will not prevent users from manually installing Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) from Internet download, or from external media.
  • Organizations with updates managed through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) will not automatically receive this update and do not need to deploy the blocker toolkit.
  • Organizations with environments managed with an update management solution such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) do not have to deploy the Blocker Toolkit. They can use those products to fully manage deployment of updates released through Windows Update and Microsoft Update, including Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based), within their environment.
  • This update is a stand-alone update (not part of the monthly cumulative update) to give Enterprise customers flexibility and maximum control over deploying this update.

You can download the Blocker Toolkit executable file from here.

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