Microsoft is testing a built-in cryptocurrency wallet for the Edge browser

Microsoft appears to be testing a built-in cryptocurrency wallet for Edge, judging by the beta screenshots of the browser. This feature, which as you can see from the screenshots is purely for internal testing, was discovered by Twitter user @thebookisclosed, who has experience finding existing but disabled features in everything from new builds of Windows 11 to older Windows Vista betas.

This is just one of the many money and shopping features Microsoft has added to Edge since it was reborn as a Chromium-based browser a few years ago. In late 2021, the company faced backlash after adding a “buy now, pay later”short-term financing feature to Edge. And, as an Edge user, the first thing I do on a fresh install of Windows is disable the infinite coupon code, price comparison, and cashback pop-ups generated by Microsoft Edge Purchases (many settings are automatically synced across Edge browsers when you sign in with a Microsoft account; the default search engine and all those shopping add-ons need to be manually changed each time ).

Judging by the screenshots, the crypto wallet is “built into Edge, making it easy to use without installing any extensions,” and it can work with several types of cryptocurrencies. It will also record transactions and the value of your individual currencies as they fluctuate. The Explore tab offers cryptocurrency-related news, while the Assets tab will let you look at your NFTs with love. The wallet is “non-custodial”(also referred to as “self-hosted”), which means that you alone own and are responsible for the passwords and recovery keys that allow access to your funds. Microsoft won’t be able to let you back in if you lose your credentials.

Whether you find such add-ons useful, annoying, or predatory is a matter of perspective. Given the prevalence of crypto scams, there may be some value in having a “trustworthy”built-in option that does not require the installation of dodgy third-party extensions. But this feature can also encourage casually interested users to start exploring the world of cryptocurrencies, which, again, is rife with scams.

It’s also another example of Microsoft building a non-browsing feature into its web browser. Many of these features can be disabled, and all competing browsers like Chrome and Firefox are trying to add value and make money by embedding access to new niche features and third-party services. But Microsoft’s moves can still have a huge impact that deserves special attention – Edge is the default, non-removable component of every Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC, and the operating system pushes you to switch to Edge with some regularity. And once in Edge, the browser pushes you to use Bing and other Microsoft services.

Microsoft may not ship a crypto wallet to Edge users — the company regularly tests features in Edge, Windows, and its other software that will never make it into general releases. We have contacted Microsoft for more information and will update if we receive a response.

Listing image @thebookisclosed/Twitter