Microsoft Edge Achieves Impressive Lightning-Fast Performance, First Contentful Paint Now Under 300ms

Microsoft Edge Achieves Impressive Lightning-Fast Performance, First Contentful Paint Now Under 300ms

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Written by Dave W. Shanahan

July 7, 2025

A Microsoft Edge has reached a major milestone in browser performance, achieving a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) below 300ms. This breakthrough means that the most-used browser features now appear almost instantly, delivering a smoother, faster, and more responsive experience for users worldwide.

Why First Contentful Paint (FCP) Matters

First Contentful Paint (FCP) is a critical web performance metric that measures how quickly visible content loads for users. Industry research shows that waiting longer than 300 to 400 milliseconds for initial content can significantly impact user satisfaction. By bringing FCP below this threshold, Microsoft Edge ensures that users can engage with content sooner, enhancing productivity and enjoyment online.

40% Faster Load Times Across 13 Features

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86gXSSX4_w0

Since the last major update in February 2025, Microsoft Edge has reduced load times by an average of 40% across 13 browser features. These improvements are the result of ongoing engineering efforts, including the migration to the new WebUI 2.0 architecture, which minimizes code bundle sizes and optimizes JavaScript execution.

Features with Improved Performance

  • Settings: Navigate and customize your browser settings with near-instant load times.

  • Read Aloud: Enjoy AI-powered reading of webpages in more languages, accents, and voices, with reduced startup time and smoother playback.

  • Split Screen: Effortlessly switch between tasks and windows with minimal loading delays.

  • Workspaces: Experience more responsive and intuitive task management from the moment you open a page.

These enhancements ensure that Edge users can move seamlessly between tasks, personalize their browsing experience, and access advanced features without frustrating delays.

Industry-Leading Speed and User Experience

Microsoft’s ambitious performance target not only aligns with web performance standards but also positions Edge as a leader among modern browsers. The improvements are particularly notable when compared to competitors, with Edge now offering faster UI load times and a more enjoyable browsing environment.

How Microsoft Achieved This Milestone

The performance gains are largely attributed to the ongoing migration to WebUI 2.0. This new architecture streamlines the browser’s codebase, reduces the amount of JavaScript needed to initialize UI elements, and removes unnecessary bloat. As a result, Edge delivers faster access to content and a real sense of instant responsiveness.

What’s Next for Microsoft Edge

Microsoft is not stopping here. The Edge team has announced plans for additional performance improvements in the coming months, targeting features like Print Preview, Extensions, and more. Every update is designed to ensure that Edge remains fast, fluid, and enjoyable—whether you’re working, playing, or exploring online

User Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Microsoft encourages users to try the latest version of Edge and share their experiences. Feedback can be sent directly from the browser by navigating to Settings and more (… ) > Help and feedback > Send feedback. This user-centric approach ensures that future updates continue to address real-world needs and preferences.

Microsoft Edge Performance Improvements (2025)

Feature Improvement Description Average Load Time Reduction
Settings Faster navigation and customization 40%
Read Aloud Smoother, quicker AI-powered reading in more languages/accents 40%
Split Screen Near-instant switching between tasks and windows 40%
Workspaces More responsive and intuitive task management 40%
Print Preview Further improvements coming soon TBA
Extensions Further improvements coming soon TBA

How to Experience the New Edge

To benefit from these advancements, ensure you’re running the latest version of Microsoft Edge. Updates are rolled out automatically, but you can check manually via Settings > About Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft’s relentless focus on performance, user experience, and innovation continues to make Edge a top choice for anyone seeking a fast, reliable, and modern browser. Stay tuned for further updates as Edge continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in web browsing.


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I'm Dave W. Shanahan, a Microsoft enthusiast with a passion for Windows 11, Xbox, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure, and more. After OnMSFT.com closed, I started MSFTNewsNow.com to keep the world updated on Microsoft news. Based in Massachusetts, you can find me on Twitter @Dav3Shanahan or email me at davewshanahan@gmail.com.