Microsoft is ending support for ebooks in the .epub format in the classic version of Microsoft Edge, as many users who open the document are notified at the top of the screen of the company’s plan (via Thurrott). “Microsoft Edge will no longer be supporting e-books that use the .epub file extension,” the message reads. “Visit the Microsoft Store to see our recommended .epub apps.”
Microsoft’s newer Chromium-based version of Edge, currently still under development, already doesn’t support viewing ePub files. The company’s decision might also be related to the fact that it stopped selling ebooks on the Microsoft Store back in April, so it’s likely that those who would use the browser as their own personal ebook readers are next to none.
Clicking on the link provided in the popup redirects you to the “Reading room” on the Microsoft Store, a section which carries other ereader apps including Kobo, Audible, Wattpad, and OverDrive. The company also says that it has partnered with DAISY Consortium and will add new accessible ePub applications which “are expected to be available in the Microsoft Store after September 2019,” according to a support page.
Did you think Microsoft Edge was a good ePub reader prior to Microsoft’s decision? Now that Edge will no longer support them, what ereaders do you recommend going forward? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
