The autoplay video blocking feature will be integrated into the main Edge distribution, slated for release this fall alongside Microsoft's upcoming Windows 10 update.
After Chrome, it's Edge's move to halt autoplay videos
Currently, this feature is not activated by default. Microsoft engineers have introduced new settings in the Edge browser, allowing users to control whether videos on websites can autoplay.
To access these new settings, open Settings => Advanced Settings => Allow sites to automatically play media on the Edge browser.
Microsoft stated that the company will enhance and optimize these options on the Edge browser, which will be integrated into the upcoming Windows 10 update scheduled for release this fall.
Chrome began blocking autoplay videos with Chrome 66, released last April. Mozilla will also support this feature for the Firefox browser later this year.
Edge Embraces Automation
In addition to blocking autoplay videos, Microsoft announces that the Edge browser will also support WebDriver, a new W3C standard defining a widely-used technology for browser automation.
This feature has been added to the Edge browser version for Insider users and will be released to all users in the upcoming fall.
WebDriver technology will replace existing tools like Selenium that some applications and server software use for automated browser interactions, such as capturing webpage screenshots, automatic mouse clicks, form autofill, web layout testing, and more.
Edge's WebDriver technology also supports the Feature On Demand capability, meaning Windows will update WebDriver-related files through the Windows Update mechanism, ensuring automatic updates for Edge's automation. To enable automatic WebDriver updates, simply activate Developer Mode on Windows 10.
Open Settings, then navigate to Update & Security => For developers => select Developer Mode. New WebDriver versions will be automatically installed.
Additionally, you can install standalone WebDriver versions using one of the following methods:
Method 1: Type Manage optional features in the Start menu search bar, select Add a Feature => WebDriver.
Method 2: Install via DISM by running the command below in an Admin Command Prompt window:
Enhance your Windows experience with DISM.exe /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Microsoft.WebDriver"0.0.1.0
Looking to disable auto-play for videos on all browsers? Check out our guide on disabling automatic video playback in browsers right here
In response to user feedback regarding Windows 10 updates taking too long and encountering errors, Windows developer Microsoft leverages AI to update Windows 10 more efficiently, analyzing and selecting compatible devices for timely Windows 10 updates. Users can now update Windows 10 confidently, without concerns about update delays or errors.
