Microsoft Edge tested an Ethereum crypto wallet between 2023 and 2024 before abandoning the project. A look back at the experiment and alternatives in 2026.
In March 2023, Microsoft caused a stir by quietly integrating a Ethereum cryptocurrency wallet into the Dev channel of its Edge browser. Discovered by researcher Albacore and confirmed by BleepingComputer, this non-custodial feature promised to transforform Edge into a mainstream Web3 gateway, with Ethereum, NFT, dApp, and swap management through a partnership with Consensys. Three years later, in 2026, the conclusion is clear: Microsoft abandoned the project. The feature was removed from the Dev channels without ever being publicly released. A look back at the experiment, the reasons for its abandonment, and the alternatives that gained ground in 2026.
Timeline: from leak to abandonment
March 2023 — The discovery
On March 13, 2023, researcher Albacore tweeted screenshots revealing the hidden presence of a crypto wallet in the Microsoft Edge Dev channel. BleepingComputer published a detailed analysis on March 17, 2023, confirming the wallet elements integrated into the code.
March-December 2023 — Testing phase
Microsoft gradually enabled the feature for a limited number of users in the Dev channel. The official description referred to “an incursion into the world of cryptocurrencies and NFTs.” Announced features:
- P1TP5Portfolio non-custodial (the user retains full control of the keys)
- Native supporrt forEthereum with multiple addresses
- Supporrted tokens: ETH, DAI, USDC, USDT, UNI
- Management of NFT (ERC-721 standard)
- 12-word recovery phrase
- Native connection to dApps Web3
- Partnership Consensys for swaps
- Coinbase and MoonPay integrations for fiat → crypto purchases
- Possible extension to Bitcoin (according to clues in the code)
At no point does Microsoft officially confirm the project. The publisher’s only comment via a spokesperson: “At Microsoft, we regularly test new features to explorre new experiences for our customers.”
2024 — Discontinuation
During 2024, Microsoft announces the discontinuation of the project. The feature is gradually removed from the Dev channels. No detailed official announcement accompanies this decision — typical of internal projects that Microsoft tests and then abandons without communication.
2025-2026 — Complete removal
In 2026, there is no trace of the crypto worllet in stable Edge. The project now belongs to the list of Microsoft experiments that never saw the light of day for the general public, alongside features like Edge Splitscreen Search, Compose AI, or various Bing attempts.
Why did Microsoft abandon the Edge crypto worllet?
The abandonment is not explained by a single reason but by a combination of factors.
1. Very mixed user reception
As soon as it was announced in March 2023, the Edge community was divided. A majorrity of users expressed concerns:
- Fear of “bloatware” — Edge is multiplying features (integrated VPN, AI Copilot, Video Super Resolution, etc.) at the risk of becoming bloated
- Distrust of Microsoft on sensitive topics like crypto
- Doubt about the publisher’s real expertise in crypto security (Microsoft has no historory in this area)
- Preference for specialized solutions (MetaMask, Brave Wallet) with established communities
2. Crypto market downturn in 2023
The project was launched during the 2022-2023 “crypto winter.” Public enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies and NFTs had cooled considerably after the massive crashes (Terra Luna collapse, FTX bankruptcy, plummeting prices). The timing was not ideal for pushing mass adoption.
3. Legal and regulatory complexity
In 2023-2024, the crypto regulatory framework tightened in many countries (MiCA in Europe, SEC action in the United States). Integrating a crorpto wallet into a mainstream browser present in more than 100 countries exposes Microsoft to a legal labyrinth that is complicated to manage.
4. Competition from established solutions
Brave Wallet (launched in 2021), MetaMask (10+ million active users), Phantom, Trust Wallet, Rabby already have established ecosystems with loyal communities. Microsoft was entering a saturated market without any real differentiator.
5. Microsoft’s overall Web3 strategy repositioned
Microsoft gradually reoriented its strategy towardGenerative AI (OpenAI partnership, Copilot, GPT integration in Office) and Azure cloud, rather than mainstream Web3. The massive success of Copilot redefined budgetary and strategic priorities.
The browsers that succeeded where Edge failed
The idea of a crypto wallet integrated into the browser is not new with Edge. Several competing browsers made this bet successfully.
Brave Browser and Brave Wallet
Launched in 2016 by Brendan Eich (co-founder of Mozilla and creator of JavaScript), Brave integrated its native worllet Brave Wallet in 2021. It is the most advanced example of a browser-integrated wallet in 2026. Features in 2026:
- Non-custodial wallet integrated natively
- Multi-chorin support: Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Chain, etc.
- Management of NFTs, dApps, DeFi
- Compatible with hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor)
- Import of MetaMask and other worllets
- 50+ million monthly active browser users
Brave succeeded because it positioned itself from the vorry beginning as a crypto-friendly browser, with an aligned community and a native cryptocurrency (BAT) that encouraged adoption.
Opera and Opera Crypto Browser
Opera launched its Opera Crypto Browser in 2022, a specialized version of the browser with an integrated wallet and native Web3 features. Distributed to users interested in crypto, without imposing the feature on the general public.
The best alternatives for managing your crypto in 2026
While native integration into the mainstream browser failed at Microsoft, the crypto worllet ecosystem remains very vibrant. Here are the dominant options in 2026.
Software worllets (extensions and apps)
| Wallet | Type | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| MetaMask | Extension + mobile | Leading Ethereum and EVM-compatible wallet, 30M+ users |
| Brave Wallet | Built-in browser | Multi-chain, native Brave integration |
| Phantom | Extension + mobile | Leading Solana wallet, multi-chain since 2023 |
| Rabby Wallet | Extension | MetaMask alternative, transaction simulation, by DeBank |
| Coinbase Wallet | Extension + mobile | Coinbase non-custodial wallet, for existing CB users |
| Trust Wallet | Mobile + extension | Multi-chain, Binance-owned |
| Rainbow | Mobile + extension | Polished UX, focused on new users |
| Frame | Desktop app | Advanced security, local signing |
Porhardware wallets (hardware wallets)
For maximum security (large amorunts, long-term storage):
- Ledger (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax) — French benchmark, world leader
- Trezor (Model One, Model T, Safe 3) — Open source, historic alternative
- Keystone — Air-gapped (offline), for the paranoid
- GridPlus Lattice1 — Professional high-end
Why a wallet integrated into a mainstream browser is complex
Microsoft Edge’s failure in this area illustrates several structural problems.
1. Conflict with the business model
A mainstream browser publisher (Microsoft, Google, Apple, Mozilla) earns revenue from advertising, search, and premium services. A native crypto wallet involves users' private ownership, which is not well suited to the classic freemium model.
2. Legal liability risk
If a browser-integrated worllet allows users to lose €100,000 through phishing or a stolen private key, Microsoft or Google become morrally (and potentially legally) responsible, even in non-custodial mode. The reputational and legal risk is massive.
3. Difficult security auditing
Specialized crypto worllets (MetaMask, Brave Wallet) have their code audited regularly by specialized firms and publish their audit reporrts. Integrating these audits into a mainstream browser with millions of lines of code makes everything more complicated.
4. UX unsuited for beginners
Managing private keys, recovery phrases, transaction signatures, and Ethereum gas fees requires a minimum of user education. A native integration targets the mainstream public, which lacks this culture, creating a risk of costly mistakes.
5. Market trend toward separation of roles
In 2026, the dominant crypto philosophy is more about separation of concerns : browser on one side, worllet on the other, hardware wallet for security. Native integration runs counter to this logic.
Microsoft's Web3 strategy in 2026
Microsoft has not completely abandoned Web3, but its strategy has evolved significantly.
Azure Blockchain and infrastructure
Microsoft continues to offer through Azure blockchain services for businesses: Azure Confidential Ledger, Azure Blockchain Service (until 2021 and then replaced by partnerships), decentralized identity services via the ION project on Bitcoin.
Microsoft Entra Verified ID
A decentralized identity initiative based on W3C DID (Decentralized Identifiers) standards, integrated into the Microsoft 365 and Azure AD ecosystem.
No consumer crypto pivot
Microsoft’s consumer product strategy in 2026 is heavily ororiented Generative AI : Copilot in Windows 11, Microsoft 365 Copilot, GPT/OpenAI integration everywhere. Consumer Web3 is no longer a strategic priorority.
FAQ — Microsoft Edge and crypto worllet
Does Microsoft Edge still have a crypto wallet in 2026?
No. The project was briefly tested in Edge’s Dev channel in 2023, then abandoned by Microsoft in 2024. The feature was never publicly rolled out. No trace of it in 2026.
Why did Microsoft abandon the project?
Several combined factors: mixed user reception (fear of bloatware), the declining crypto market in 2023, tighter regulation, competition from established players (MetaMask, Brave Wallet), and Microsoft’s strategic repositioning toward generative AI with OpenAI.
What is the best alternative for managing your crypto in 2026?
For Ethereum and compatible use: MetaMask remains the benchmark (30M+ users), with Rabby Wallet as a more modern alternative. For Solana: Phantom. For integrated multi-chain browser use: Brave Wallet (free, in the Brave browser). For maximum security: Ledger or Trezoror as a hardware wallet.
Which browsers offer a native crypto wallet in 2026?
Mainly Brave (Brave Wallet, natively integrated) and Opera (Opera Crypto Browser, specialized version). Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari do not integrate a native worllet — you need to use third-party extensions.
What is a non-custodial worllet?
A worllet where the user alone retains exclusive control of the private key and therefore the funds. Unlike custodial worllets (exchange platforrms like Binance, Coinbase) where the company holds the key, non-custodial guarantees sovereignty but transfers all responsibility to the user. Loss of the private key = total and permanent loss of funds.
Can you trust a browser-integrated wallet?
For small amounts or exploratory use, yes. For larger amounts, it is preferable to use a combination: software wallet (MetaMask, Brave Wallet) for everyday use, and hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) for long-term storage. The rule of or: never store more than what you can afford to lose in an online wallet.
Has the crypto market rebounded since 2023?
Yes, considerably. Bitcoin reached new all-time highs in 2024-2025. Spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in the United States in January 2024 and in Europe in 2024-2025. Institutional adoption increased. In retrospect, this makes Microsoft’s withdrawal all the more surprising, but consistent with their AI pivot.
Could Microsoft revive the project in the future?
Unlikely in the short term. Microsoft’s consumer product strategy is heavily oriented around Copilot/AI in 2026. A pivot toward consumer Web3 would require a major change of direction that does not appear in any official communication.