Microsoft is making a small but noticeable change to the way Microsoft Edge Canary looks. The latest Canary build replaces the “Default branded” color swatch with a new “Default color” option, giving Edge a darker and more neutral appearance.
The change may seem minor, but it marks another step in Microsoft’s ongoing effort to refine Edge’s interface and move away from some of its more obvious Copilot-inspired visual elements.
Edge drops the “Default branded” theme
Previously, Edge Canary offered a “Default branded” swatch that activated a blue theme inspired by Microsoft’s Copilot branding.
That option has now been replaced by “Default color.” Rather than using the brighter Copilot-style blue, the new default applies a darker version of Edge’s existing “Default neutral” theme.
The result is a more subdued interface that feels less heavily branded while still retaining some of Edge’s familiar visual styling.
There’s still a hint of blue
Microsoft hasn’t completely removed blue from the experience.
The settings cards in the new theme continue to feature a subtle blue tint, keeping a small connection to Edge’s traditional color palette. However, the overall appearance is considerably darker and more neutral than the previous branded option.
This makes the change feel more like a refinement of Edge’s existing design rather than a complete visual overhaul.
Why the change matters
Microsoft has been gradually adjusting Edge’s interface as it integrates and rethinks features around Copilot, customization and its broader Windows design language.
Removing the “Default branded” label is particularly interesting because the name and appearance were closely associated with Microsoft’s Copilot-focused branding. The new “Default color” naming is simpler and puts more emphasis on the browser’s own default appearance.
For users who prefer a cleaner interface, the darker theme could also make Edge feel less visually busy.
Coming to Edge users
For now, the change is appearing in Microsoft Edge Canary, Microsoft’s experimental channel where new browser features and design changes are tested before potentially reaching wider releases.
As with other Canary changes, Microsoft could still adjust the design or revert it before it reaches the stable version of Edge.
A small Edge change with a noticeable visual impact
The new “Default color” option isn’t a major feature, but it gives Edge a slightly more understated personality. The darker neutral styling, combined with the remaining blue accents on settings cards, creates a look that feels more polished without completely abandoning Microsoft’s design language.
If Microsoft keeps the change through testing, Edge users could eventually see the new default theme replace the Copilot-inspired “Default branded” option in a future stable release.
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