For some reason, Microsoft cannot comprehend that it does not need user-hostile practices to advertise its browser. Many users agree that Edge Chromium is one of the best alternatives to Chrome and its ever-growing list of privacy concerns. Edge no longer breaks when you try to load YouTube, and its users do not need to wait for six months or more to receive a feature update. Still, Microsoft thinks that is not enough.
The company is not happy with Edge's organic growth. That means users need to prepare for yet another flood of annoying prompts attempting to stop you from downloading Chrome.
Users report seeing various popup messages in Edge (via) when trying to download Chrome. One of such banners says the browser from Microsoft uses the same technology as Chrome, which is true, but with the added trust of Microsoft.
The company clearly tries to poke Google in the eye for some of the recent questionable eavesdropping APIs and convince users that Edge is more trustworthy than Chrome.
Although Google also uses similar practices to switch users from other browsers to Chrome, Microsoft went for the extra mile with way too edgy (pun intended) wording.
Some of the spotted popups include the following messages:
- "That browser [Chrome] is so 2008! Do you know what's new? Microsoft Edge."
- "'I hate saving money', said no one ever. Microsoft Edge is the best browser for online shopping."
Still, there is hope that Microsoft will let you use your "so 2008" browser on Windows 11 in peace. The latest preview build of Windows 11 includes a new button that allows users to set the default browser with a single click.
Microsoft will probably continue annoying its users with pathetic popups, but at least it is not easier to switch from Edge to Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi, or whatever else you might prefer.
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