If you use Microsoft Edge as your daily browser, you may have noticed a small update rolling out recently. While it might not come with new features or flashy security patches, this latest update addresses some minor bugs and performance issues that are still worth noting — especially if your browser has been crashing or randomly going black.
Let’s break down what this update includes, what it fixes, and what you can do if you’re facing rendering glitches like screen flickers in Edge.
🔍 What’s New in Microsoft Edge Update 138.0.3351.83?
To start off, let’s first check the version number. If you haven’t updated your Edge browser recently, here’s how you can manually check and ensure you’re on the latest build.
🧭 How to Check Your Microsoft Edge Version:
Before going into details, here’s a quick way to make sure you’re running the updated version.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner.
- Navigate to Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
- Your version should show as: 138.0.3351.83.
This update is based on the Chromium engine, which means if Google Chrome or other Chromium-based browsers (like Brave or Opera) received a bug fix recently, Edge likely got similar backend improvements.
🛠️ Key Fixes in This Edge Update
While there are no major security changes or visual features in this version, Microsoft Edge 138.0.3351.83 addresses the following issues:
✅ General Bug Fixes
- Routine bug fixes based on the Chromium codebase. These could be performance optimizations or minor rendering improvements.
✅ Edge-Specific Fix: Browser Crash Due to “Browser Data Time Life”
- A rare issue affecting how long certain types of browsing data are stored before being deleted.
- This bug could cause unexpected crashes, and it’s now resolved in this update.
- This issue appears to be exclusive to Microsoft Edge and not found in Chrome or other Chromium browsers.
⚠️ Facing Random Black Screen Flickers in Edge?
Some users have reported that Edge occasionally turns black for a second before coming back to normal. If you’re one of them — you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about why this happens and how to fix it.
💡 This usually happens due to rendering issues caused by outdated graphics drivers or a conflict with GPU acceleration.
✅ Fixing the Black Flicker Issue:
Before you panic or dig deep into Edge’s advanced settings, here’s what you should try first.
Recommended Fix:
- Update your graphics driver (Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA depending on your system).
- Go to your device manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update > Optional Updates to find driver updates.
Avoid This:
- Disabling GPU rendering in Edge settings is not recommended.
- This can severely degrade performance and make your browsing experience sluggish.
- Stick to updating the driver first — it’s the safest and most effective solution.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is this a security update?
No. Microsoft has clarified that this update contains only bug fixes — there are no known security patches this time.
❓ Should I update my browser even if there are no new features?
Yes. Even minor updates help improve stability and compatibility. It’s always best to stay on the latest version.
❓ Will disabling hardware acceleration help with flickering?
It might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not a good idea long-term. It’s better to update your graphics drivers instead.
🔁 Final Thoughts
So far, we’ve done a good job understanding this low-key but useful Microsoft Edge update. While there are no jaw-dropping changes, fixing crashes and rendering issues is essential for a smoother browsing experience.
If you haven’t already, head over to your browser settings and check if you’re running version 138.0.3351.83. And if your Edge still flickers or crashes, take a few minutes to update your GPU driver — it can make a noticeable difference.
🔗 Related Resources:
🏷️ Tags:
microsoft edge, edge update, edge version 138.0.3351.83, browser crash fix, gpu rendering, chromium update, microsoft browser, edge black screen fix, browser tips, edge bug fix
🔖 Hashtags:
#MicrosoftEdge #EdgeUpdate #BrowserFix #GPUdriver #TechTips #Windows11 #BrowserCrash #EdgeVersion138 #ChromiumBrowser
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the Microsoft Edge update rollout as of version 138.0.3351.83. Updates and bug fixes may vary by system configuration or region. Always refer to Microsoft Edge Release Notes for official details.
