News

Microsoft Edge has come a long way and is now considered a good browser, much better than its predecessor, Internet Explorer. However, Microsoft’s attempts to push it onto users have left a sour taste. As the default browser in Windows, Edge is often the gateway for users to download a different browser. But Microsoft has taken advantage of this by redirecting users to Edge instead. Some Windows Updates have even forcefully launched Edge and pinned it to the desktop and taskbar without permission.

Microsoft’s tactics to promote Edge have raised eyebrows. It has used strategies commonly associated with bloatware and spyware developers. For instance, users have reported that Microsoft Edge now displays a poll after clicking the “Download Chrome” button, further delaying the installation of a rival browser.

The company has also faced criticism for not wholly respecting users’ default browser choices. It has been observed that even in the European Economic Area (EEA), where Microsoft is obligated to follow certain regulations, Windows 11 users were still being directed to Edge when clicking on links from the Windows Widgets panel or search results. Microsoft has recently started testing changes that will prevent this redirection in the EEA, but the reason for applying these changes only to EU countries remains unclear.

Furthermore, Microsoft has resorted to intrusive methods to promote its own browser. Users have reported receiving pop-ups asking them to switch their default search engine to Microsoft Bing while using Chrome. These pop-ups, digitally signed by Microsoft, appeared outside of the notification center and were not connected to the regular suggestions for new features.

In addition to this, Microsoft has notified IT admins that Outlook and Teams will ignore the default web browser on Windows and open links in Edge instead. This change is accompanied by an update in the Microsoft 365 admin center, informing admins that web links from Azure Active Directory and Microsoft accounts in Outlook for Windows will open in Edge alongside the email.

Microsoft’s rivalry antics are not limited to just promoting Edge, but also trying to deter users from using rival browsers. Developer versions of Edge have been found displaying ads for Microsoft’s Bing AI chatbot when users visit Google’s Bard AI. This includes animated slides and icons that appear on the browser, clearly aimed at diverting attention from Google’s offerings.

These tactics raise concerns about Microsoft’s commitment to user choice and fair competition. While Edge has improved, it is important for users to have the freedom to choose their preferred browser without interference.

Definitions:
– Bloatware: Software that is pre-installed on a device by the manufacturer and often viewed as unnecessary or unwanted.
– Spyware: Software that collects information about a user’s activities without their knowledge or consent.

Sources:
– The Verge: Microsoft Edge is actually good, way better than the old Internet Explorer (source article – no URL provided)
– The Verge (source article – no URL provided)

The post Microsoft’s Tactics to Promote Microsoft Edge appeared first on Fagen Wasanni Technologies.