Microsoft Edge has definitely come a long way and is slowly adding new features and capabilities that make it a competitive choice among browsers.
With tools like an artificial intelligence assistant and boasting a slim design, Edge is Microsoft’s bold move to provide a fully integrated browser for Windows users.
But the company’s relentless push to become your browser of choice has some users questioning just how far Microsoft will go.
Microsoft Edge is a solid browser and has been at the heart of Microsoft’s efforts to improve the browsing experience, working hard to become a viable alternative to Google Chrome. The company tried everything from hints to outright tactics to convince Windows users to try Edge. Although not all strategies have been successful, Microsoft is not giving up and is constantly looking for new ways to increase the number of Edge users.
latest? Edge now starts automatically when you start your computer and constantly prompts you to transfer Chrome data like browsing history, bookmarks, open tabs and more.
Recently, The Verge noticed that when you boot up your computer, Edge can open up and hit you with a prompt promoting its AI assistant, Copilot. Next to this popup, there is a pre-checked box that allows Edge to automatically download data from other browsers, such as Chrome. This tactic has understandably stirred up frustration with how aggressively Microsoft is pushing its products.
Microsoft has openly admitted that this is the intention. They claim that users can opt out, but the default setting and that prominent import button are not easy to ignore, making it difficult for users to avoid data transfer unless they pay close attention before clicking.
Even if you manage to close the pop-ups, Edge won’t give up that easily. Uninstalling the browser isn’t straightforward, and some Windows updates automatically reinstall it, which is definitely frustrating for users who prefer other options.
The prompts appeared earlier this year, but were removed after Microsoft brought back the feature. Now it’s back. Microsoft’s Caitlin Roulston told The Verge that the announcement is only there to offer users “the ability to import data from other browsers.”
Microsoft has been using strong persuasive tactics to promote Edge for some time now. In 2022, it introduced a feature that automatically pulls data from Chrome to Edge (so at least it’s optional). And in 2021, it was even nearly impossible to set another browser as the default, a move that caused enough of a backlash that the company eventually dialed it back.
Microsoft’s persistence in these types of tactics does its reputation no favors. Many users are beginning to question the credibility of Edge, Windows 11, and even Microsoft’s broader AI efforts. The controversy surrounding the intrusive prompts should signal to Microsoft that these aggressive Edge pop-ups in Windows 11 could make it harder for people to commit to the platform’s AI-driven plans.
(Photo by appshunter.io)
See also: Google reportedly plans first US tech data center in Vietnam
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