MICROSOFT - More Bullying, Browsers

"Microsoft steering Windows 10 users away from non-Microsoft browsers" by Cindy E, Computer Help Forums 9/6/2015

Microsoft is aggressively pushing its new web browser, Edge, to Windows 10 users when they attempt to search for other browsers - like Firefox or Chrome - using Microsoft's own browser.

The tactic was first spotted by VentureBeatand also picked up by MarketingLand, which ran several searches in Bing on Windows 10 to show the various ways that Microsoft is pushing Edge.


Right now, when Windows 10 users try to search for and download Google Chrome or Firefox from Microsoft's Edge browser, a dark bar appears at the top of the search results page saying that Microsoft recommends they use Edge, with a 'Learn Why' button.  Learn Why simply leads to a marketing page for the Edge browser.  (This experience was only reported in the U.S., by the way; we can't confirm whether this is something that Windows 10 users in other markets are seeing, as well.)

Tech companies promoting their own browsers, or preferred partner browsers, isn't new.  Google, for example, often suggests consumers use Google Chrome as their default browser while they're running Google searches.

But since Microsoft (and others) have been pointing fingers at Google for years for what they believe are anti-competitive practices, the move by Microsoft to push its own browsers when users try to download others is...interesting.

Mozilla CEO Chris Beard had already accused Microsoft of making it too difficult for Windows 10 users to choose Mozilla Firefox as the default browser in the new operating system.

"Microsoft Edge was designed exclusively for Windows 10 with features and functionality that enhance the browsing experience such as Cortana, Web Note and Quick answers," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to The Verge.  "These notifications were created to provide people with quick, easy information that can help them get to know these experiences better.  That said, with Windows 10 you can easily choose the default browser and search engine of your choice."