Most web browsers are generally configured to automatically retrieve and implement updates. Nevertheless, the essential reboot to finalize the update process is not carried out automatically.
Organizations like Google and Microsoft are working on automation functionalities for their browsers. In the near future, Google intends to introduce an AI initiative aimed at assisting users through the automation of diverse tasks.
To tackle the sluggish rate of browser updates, Microsoft has introduced Instant Updates. This functionality, although it still necessitates a browser reboot, seeks to simplify that procedure for users.
Essential details:
- Instant Updates is solely available for managed devices (Enterprise).
- The reboot occurs only after the user has been inactive for 15 minutes and when there are no wake locks present.
- This functionality does not consider any unsaved work on websites or web applications.
Microsoft indicates that the feature is presently in private preview and is disabled by default to mitigate potential data loss risks.
In the FAQ section of their support page, Microsoft also warns that enabling the feature might result in content loss: “This feature is intended to update the browser when you’re not actively using it, but there’s a chance of losing any input if you possess unsaved work or open tabs that might be lost or closed during the update. While not exhaustive, content input loss may occur in cases such as unsaved documents and incomplete forms.”
In simpler terms, if you step away from your computer without confirming that all your entered data or work is saved, you could risk losing that information when you return.
Microsoft Edge offers a 5-minute notification before automatically restarting. This alert is intended to inform users of the forthcoming browser reboot, and users can choose to cancel the reboot if they so desire.
The Instant Updates feature from Microsoft aims to simplify the update installation process by permitting automatic browser reboots. The company has provided comparable functionalities in Windows for numerous years, although this has sometimes resulted in unexpected restarts that lead to lost work.
Unlike the Windows version, this feature is not activated by default, which is a favorable aspect; however, it remains uncertain if this will remain the case after the preview period concludes. Furthermore, it is unclear whether it will eventually become available for consumer versions of Microsoft Edge.
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