Microsoft finds itself under the spotlight again as it faces allegations of using aggressive strategies to promote its Edge browser over competitors on Windows platforms. These claims have been detailed in a recent study by Mozilla Research, named Over the Edge 2.0, which accuses Microsoft of maintaining design practices that complicate the process for users who wish to download, set as default, or continue using alternative web browsers on their Windows devices.
The study points out that Microsoft is actively pushing Edge through various Windows and Microsoft services such as Bing and Copilot. It suggests that features in these services are designed to dissuade users from switching to rival browsers. Specific issues raised in the report include the appearance of promotional banners targeting Chrome users to opt for Edge, links that open in Edge even when a different default browser is set, and instances where browser preferences are not retained following software updates.
The Browser Choice Alliance, which includes companies like Opera, Vivaldi, and Google Chrome, has expressed concern over these findings, highlighting the global implications for browser competition. The group has called on Microsoft to honor user preferences and ensure a more equitable browsing environment. Despite these practices, Google Chrome continues to dominate the global browser market, boasting nearly a 70% share. Apple’s Safari follows in second place, leaving Microsoft Edge in third with just over a 5% share.
Researchers have observed that in the European Economic Area, regulations established by the Digital Markets Act have compelled Microsoft to eliminate some of the criticized practices, suggesting a more protected environment for browser choice. Nevertheless, they argue that many of these contentious tactics still persist in key markets such as the United States, India, and the United Kingdom.
With the ongoing debate, industry groups are pressing Microsoft to facilitate easier browser switching and to abandon practices they claim are detrimental to competition and consumer choice. This call for change reflects a broader push for tech giants to adopt fairer business practices that respect user autonomy and market fairness.