Microsoft has just updated Edge (version 137) with its new WebUI 2.0 architecture, delivering dramatically faster interface loads. Thanks to this overhaul, First Contentful Paint (FCP)—the time it takes for page elements like text and images to appear—now consistently falls below 300 milliseconds, virtually eliminating any perceptible lag.
What Is WebUI 2.0?
WebUI 2.0 is Microsoft’s redesigned user‑interface framework. Its key improvements include:
- Smaller code bundles, so less JavaScript parses on startup
- Optimized rendering pipelines for near‑instant component draws
- Feature‑focused loading, where individual UI modules (e.g., Settings, History) load independently
Beyond raw speed, WebUI 2.0 introduces a more modular codebase, meaning individual features can be updated or patched independently—resulting in smaller, safer updates and fewer regressions.
The new framework also embraces modern web standards more fully, leveraging advanced techniques like virtual DOM diffing and lazy‑loading of UI assets, which together help reduce memory footprint during idle periods.
From a developer’s standpoint, WebUI 2.0 provides a cleaner component‑based architecture with well‑defined APIs, making it easier for Microsoft’s teams (and third‑party extension authors) to build and maintain high‑quality UI elements.
Finally, by decoupling the UI layer from the core browser engine, WebUI 2.0 paves the way for cross‑platform consistency—ensuring that Edge feels equally snappy whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
By migrating each feature to this new framework, Edge now runs only the code you need—when you need it—cutting delays dramatically.
Proven Performance Gains
- 40% Faster Loads: Core features like Downloads, History, and Private tab creation now open 40% quicker than before.
- Sub‑300ms FCP: Edge hits under 300ms for initial renders, matching or beating Chrome’s responsiveness.
- Snappier Tools: Settings, Split Screen, and Read Aloud all launch almost instantly thanks to targeted optimizations.
Upgraded Features at a Glance
| Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Settings UI | Up to 4× faster renders |
| Split Screen | Near‑instant pane switching |
| Read Aloud | Smoother, low‑latency playback |
| Downloads & History | 40% speed boost |
What’s Next?
Microsoft is rolling out WebUI 2.0 to the remaining areas of the browser—Print Preview, Extensions, and more—throughout the rest of 2025. Each migration brings Edge closer to a uniformly lightning‑fast experience without impacting memory or CPU use.
Why You Should Care
With Chrome commanding roughly 68% of the global browser market, these speed gains could tip power users toward Edge. And as AI‑driven browsers enter the fray, Edge’s newly low‑latency UI may prove a decisive advantage.
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