Microsoft Edge Dev channel for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 now available

Microsoft Edge Canary Windows 7
Microsoft Edge Canary Windows 7 (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • The Microsoft Edge Dev channel is now available for older versions of Windows.
  • Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 users can now freely test Dev channel releases.
  • This comes a week after Microsoft launched the Canary channel for the same versions of Windows.

A week ago, Microsoft pushed out the first Edge preview release for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 on the Canary channel. This week, the company is going a step further by launching the Dev channel for all three older versions of Windows.

"Today we released the Dev channel for previous versions of Windows, now available in addition to the Canary channel released last week," Microsoft said in an update to last week's blog post announcing the Canary channel launch.

The Dev channel receives updates once per week, and it's been available for Windows 10 PCs and Macs for some time. Support for older Windows versions completes the rollout of Microsoft's current testing setup to all of its targeted platforms.

Beyond the Dev and Canary channels, Microsoft is also planning to launch a Beta channelk, which it says will receive updates about once every six weeks. The beta channel isn't available for any platform just yet, but we'd expect it to open closer to the revamped browser's full release.

For now, if you're using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you can head to the Edge Insider site to download the Edge preview. For the latest on the Dev channel, you can check out the release notes from this week's build to see all of what's new.

Our favorite computer speakers for less $100

Team Windows Central wholeheartedly recommends each of these computer speaker setups, because they all bring the NOISE and will not wound your wallet.

Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers ($99 at Dell)

If you want great sound quality and value, then you want Bose. You too can have room-filling, immersive sound, so Bose says in every advertisement.

Logitech Z313 speaker system with subwoofer ($49 at Dell)

The Z313 comes with a powered subwoofer and two satellite speakers to deliver 25 watts of total power. That's enough to fill your room and then some.

GOgroove BassPULSE ($50 at Dell)

These are clearly the coolest-looking speakers recommended here, but they're not all flash and guile – these speakers can produce amazing highs and lows, for just $50.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl