Microsoft Edge 88 arrives with new privacy, security, and productivity features

What you need to know

• Microsoft Edge 88 is now rolling out in the stable channel.
• It introduces new security features such as a password generator.
• There are also new productivity and privacy features.

Microsoft is rolling out version 88 of its Edge web browser today, bringing with it several new privacy, security and productivity features designed to make browsing the web easier and more secure. Microsoft is highlighting new password protection features that warn you if your password has been leaked, and can even generate new, more secure ones, as well as more customization features in the New Tab Page.

Up first, Microsoft Edge 88 features a new "sidebar search" feature that works similarly to the old Microsoft Edge's "ask Cortana" feature. You can right click on text or images, and search the web in a sidebar interface, meaning you can find context for things without leaving the current tab you're in.

On the New Tab Page, you'll also now be able to see incoming emails from Outlook if you have the website pinned in your quick links. Version 88 also introduces new icons in address bar and context menus to align with Microsoft's updated Fluent Design language. Microsoft also has several new themes designed to make Microsoft Edge look and feel unique.

For PCs on battery, Edge has new power efficiency features that will let users put tabs to sleep after a certain amount of time. Putting inactive tabs to sleep frees up resources for other tabs, keeping performance fast even on devices with a low amount of RAM or CPU power.

In the security department, Edge now has a built-in password generator when signing up for websites that will automatically save and sync with your Microsoft Account. In addition, Microsoft Edge also has a password leak checker which will warn you when it detects that a password you use has been found in a password leak dump.

There's also a new option to delete third party cookies with one button, and those signed in with a Microsoft Account now have the option to sync open tabs and browsing history across devices.

Microsoft Edge 88 is rolling out in the stable channel now. What are your thoughts on these new features? Let us know in the comments.