How to Resolve the “Update Your Browser” Message in Cloud Applications

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Encountering the “Update Your Browser” message can be frustrating, especially when using cloud-based apps or services that rely on modern browsers for functionality. This guide explains why this issue occurs and provides actionable solutions for both users and developers.

What Causes the “Update Your Browser” Message?

You may see the following message:

Update your browser
Your browser is not supported or up-to-date. Try updating it, or download and install the latest version of Microsoft Edge.

This issue typically arises when certain applications rely on older components, such as ADAL (Active Directory Authentication Library) or MSAL (Microsoft Authentication Library), that use outdated embedded browsers. These older browsers, which are based on Internet Explorer 7 components, no longer meet modern security or compatibility standards.

Quick Fix for Users

If you’re a user encountering this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Update Your Browser
    Download and install the latest version of Microsoft Edge or use another modern browser like Google Chrome.
  2. Access Your Security Settings
    If the issue persists, try accessing your security settings directly via https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo.
  3. Use a Supported Browser
    Open a supported browser (Edge or Chrome) and navigate to https://myapps.microsoft.com to complete any required actions, such as MFA registration.

Overview for Developers and Application Vendors

For developers or vendors integrating applications with cloud environments, this issue often occurs due to outdated authentication libraries or frameworks. Applications using ADAL or older versions of MSAL may rely on embedded browsers that are no longer supported. The solution depends on the implementation.

Key Causes

  • ADAL and MSAL Embedded Browsers
    Older versions of .NET applications use embedded browsers based on IE7 components, which fail to support modern authentication flows.
  • Entra ID Multifactor Authentication
    The registration wizard requires a modern browser and does not support older Internet Explorer versions.

Recommended Solution: Migrate from ADAL to MSAL and enable broker-based authentication.

Developer Solution: Upgrade to MSAL

If you’re a developer, follow these steps to resolve browser-related compatibility issues:

Step 1: Use the Latest Version of MSAL

MSAL supports modern authentication flows and works with updated browsers. For example, enable WAM (Windows Authentication Manager) support in MSAL:

var pca = PublicClientApplicationBuilder.Create("client_id")
    .WithBroker(new BrokerOptions(BrokerOptions.OperatingSystems.Windows));

Learn more about enabling WAM support here:
Scenario: Desktop Acquire Token with WAM

Step 2: Use WebView2 for Windows Server

If WAM cannot be used (e.g., on Windows Server), switch to WebView2, which is based on Edge. Ensure your application targets the framework .NET6+ for compatibility. Update your project file as follows:

<TargetFramework>net6.0-windows10.0.22621.0</TargetFramework>

Step 3: Fall Back to the System Browser

If neither WAM nor WebView2 is an option (e.g., for older systems), use the system browser for authentication:

var result = await pca.AcquireTokenInteractive(scopes)
    .WithUseEmbeddedWebView(false);

Learn more about using the system browser here:
Using Web Browsers for Authentication

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: MFA Registration for Cloud Applications

A user needs to register for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) but encounters the “Update Your Browser” message.
Solution:
Ensure the user accesses https://myapps.microsoft.com using a modern browser like Edge or Chrome.

Scenario 2: Legacy Applications Using ADAL

A legacy application uses ADAL and fails during authentication due to embedded browser compatibility issues.
Solution:
Migrate the application to MSAL and enable broker authentication or WebView2.

Scenario 3: Windows Server Authentication

An application running on Windows Server requires authentication, but WAM is not supported.
Solution:
Use WebView2 or fall back to the system browser for authentication.

Key Notes for Security and Compatibility

  • Modern Browsers Are Essential
    Applications relying on outdated browsers (e.g., IE7 components) are incompatible with modern authentication flows.
  • Sensitive Data Protection
    Ensure sensitive data (e.g., passwords, tokens) is handled securely during authentication. MSAL offers features to improve security.

Learn More

For additional details and examples, visit the official Microsoft documentation:

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