(Updated) Microsoft Edge: Primary work profile will open external links by default

Updated October 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

We're updating how Microsoft Edge handles external links for enterprise users. Before this rollout, Edge opens external links using the last used profile. After this rollout, for users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, Edge will default to the Primary work profile to open links. The Primary profile is typically the most secure and appropriate profile for work-related content. This change will be on by default.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 494835.

[When this will happen:]

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late August 2025 (previously late June) and expect to complete by mid-November 2025 (previously mid-September).

[How this will affect your organization:]

This change affects the user experience for how external links are opened in Microsoft Edge:

• Windows users: The Primary work profile is the one signed in with the Entra ID account used to join the device. If this profile exists, Edge will use it by default for external links.
• macOS and Linux users: If only one work profile signed in with an Entra ID account is detected, it will be used as the Primary work profile. If multiple Entra ID profiles are present, the setting will not apply.

Admins can manage this behavior using the EdgeOpenExternalLinksWithPrimaryWorkProfileEnabled policy:

• Enabled or Not Configured: Edge will use the Primary work profile by default.
• Disabled: Edge reverts to using the last used profile.

Learn more: Microsoft Edge Browser Policy Documentation EdgeOpenExternalLinksWithPrimaryWorkProfileEnabled | Microsoft Learn

Before this rollout:

Users see Last used (default) selected by default in Edge Settings at edge://settings/profiles/multiProfileSettings

After this rollout:

Users will see (default) Work selected by default in Edge Settings at edge://settings/profiles/multiProfileSettings

[What you need to do to prepare:]

This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. Review your current configuration to determine the impact for your organization. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.