Microsoft is under fire by Mozilla for promoting Edge over competitors in Windows
Mozilla explicitly airs these grievances. They expected fair competition in the browser market and disapproved of Microsoft's tactics. As detailed in a lengthy PDF document (created by external experts at the request of Firefox's developers), there are instances when notifications in Bing suggest the continued use of Edge. This happens even while trying to download a rival program or when users are subtly discouraged from changing the default browser. Indeed, these circumstances would resonate with every Windows 10 or 11 user.
Feb 5, 2024 | updated: 4:18 AM EST, March 7, 2024
We have discussed Microsoft's contentious practices in advocating for Edge numerous times. Last year, there was a brief period when Edge was forcefully promoted in the Start menu, a decision that Microsoft soon rescinded. Before this, plans were unveiled, including opening links from Teams and Outlook through Edge, despite the default browser system settings.
Furthermore, upon direct installation of Edge, it's the default software for opening PDF files in Windows. While this can be understood, researchers also highlighted a mandatory Microsoft process titled "finalizing computer configuration", which sometimes displays on the Windows screen. The system then prompts the user to review a few crucial settings, including "Microsoft recommended default browser settings".
Unsurprisingly, these prompts inevitably lead to setting Edge as the default browser. Users who opt otherwise could face further prompts within the Windows settings. The Digital Markets Act governs most of these practices in the European Union, also known as DMA. While Mozilla appreciates these restrictions, they argue that similar problems persist in other markets. Therefore, they call for the global implementation of comparable regulations.
It's fair to assume that suggestions favouring a specific browser can disproportionately influence less experienced users. These users are unfamiliar with the market and may be reluctant to opt for an app different from the system-recommended one. They fear that this could potentially lead to future difficulties in its usage. However, this bears no correlation with reality.
