Microsoft has always had a 'own way' to encourage Windows users to use their browser, starting with Internet Explorer until now in its newest browser, Edge.
Microsoft's methods are sometimes quite annoying, even when they were hit by a monopoly lawsuit because users couldn't uninstall Internet Explorer, and couldn't use other browsers in their day, such as Netscape and the like.
Now, Microsoft is back in action, by popping up messages inviting Windows 10 and 11 users to stick with Edge. The message appears when the user opens the page to download Chrome.
The messages asking users not to use Chrome reads as below:
Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.
That browser 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.
In addition to appearing in Windows 11, these messages also appear in Windows 10. Interestingly, these messages are not pop ups like advertisements that usually appear when opening certain sites. The message is part of Edge, and doesn't appear when opening other sites.
But Google actually has a similar tactic when someone accesses Google services such as Search or Gmail via Edge. Google displays a message asking users to switch to Chrome from Edge.
Microsoft's latest action comes after approximately three years ago they started trying to raise a warning for Windows 10 users not to install Chrome and Firefox.
Fortunately, this step was only in the final stages of testing and was not made public, where it was in the Windows 10 2018 Update. However, a number of Windows 10 testers had encountered a message on Windows 10 when a user wanted to install another browser.
"You already have Microsoft Edge, a more secure and fast browser for Windows 10," Microsoft wrote in the message.
Previously, Microsoft had also made it difficult for Windows 11 users who wanted to change their default browser from Edge to another browser. Also forcing people to use Edge in Windows updates