Microsoft Promises Faster Edge Extension Approvals

Microsoft is speeding up the review process for Microsoft Edge extensions while also highlighting the highest-quality extensions on its Edge Add-ons website.

“Rapid adoption of AI-assisted coding is enabling developers to build extensions faster than ever,” the Microsoft Edge team explains. “More developers are building, iterating, and submitting extensions, which is great for the ecosystem and ultimately gives users more choice. [But] it also creates a challenge: How do we keep up with the pace at which the ecosystem is growing, while maintaining a high bar for quality?”

Microsoft added an expedited review process for browser extensions a year ago, but submission volumes have only increased since then, and that’s led to longer turnaround times. To combat this, it is automating many of the repeatable validation checks in its extension review process and streamlining the entire process.

It’s also introducing a new Featured badge on the Edge Add-ons website to highlight extensions known to have good quality, reliability, security, and user experiences. To get the badge, extension makers need to adhere to Microsoft’s best practices for extensions. And because extensions can change frequently, Microsoft will refresh its Featured badges every 15 days.

“Our goal is simple,” the Edge team continues. “Make it easier for users to find extensions they can trust while ensuring developers who invest in quality are recognized more quickly. With this more frequent cadence, high-quality extensions can earn recognition sooner, and developers receive faster feedback on their investments in quality. At the same time, users benefit from a more up-to-date view of the extensions that meet our quality standards.”