Microsoft’s Windows 11 ad accidentally promoted Google Chrome, then quietly edited after people noticed it
January 20, 2026
On December 23, 2025, Microsoft launched a YouTube advertisement proclaiming, “Windows 11 is the home of gaming.” However, an unexpected detail caught the eye of observant viewers: the Chrome icon prominently displayed on the taskbar. Following coverage by Windows Latest, Microsoft swiftly revised the advertisement, replacing the Google browser with its own Edge browser.
Awkward Realities of Brand Rivalry
The presence of Chrome in a Windows 11 advertisement seemed somewhat out of place, particularly given Microsoft’s longstanding efforts to steer users toward Edge and Bing. A visit to Bing.com reveals a clear agenda; searching for Chrome or Google often leads to prompts encouraging the use of Microsoft Edge instead. Even when attempting to download Chrome via Edge, users are met with reminders to continue using Microsoft’s browser.
While it’s clear that Microsoft prefers its users to embrace Edge, the accidental inclusion of Chrome in the ad raised eyebrows. This oversight was not a strategic move toward neutrality but rather a slip that Microsoft quickly rectified by substituting Chrome with icons of other applications, such as PowerPoint.
As Windows Latest reported on January 5, the incident sparked a wave of online commentary, with users humorously noting that even a tech giant like Microsoft cannot entirely escape the influence of Chrome.
Chrome pinned to the taskbar in Microsoft ad
For those who missed the original advertisement, a saved copy is available for viewing. In it, Chrome is visibly pinned alongside Microsoft Edge and other applications. However, if you revisit the ad on YouTube now, you will find that Microsoft has discreetly edited the video, erasing Chrome from the taskbar as if it had never been there.
Chrome icon removed from the taskbar
The revised advertisement retains its original theme, “Windows 11: The home of gaming,” but now features a taskbar devoid of Chrome, highlighting a clear misstep by someone at Microsoft or its advertising partner.
Despite the change, Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the blunder, and it seems unlikely that they will. The company’s persistent nudges toward Edge are evident across its platforms. For instance, Windows Latest recently noted an ad on Bing that compares Chrome unfavorably to Edge when users attempt to download Google’s browser.
Interestingly, Microsoft is not alone in this competitive tactic; Google also employs similar strategies, subtly promoting Chrome while discouraging the use of rival browsers on platforms like YouTube and Google.com.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 ad accidentally promoted Google Chrome, then quietly edited after people noticed it
On December 23, 2025, Microsoft launched a YouTube advertisement proclaiming, “Windows 11 is the home of gaming.” However, an unexpected detail caught the eye of observant viewers: the Chrome icon prominently displayed on the taskbar. Following coverage by Windows Latest, Microsoft swiftly revised the advertisement, replacing the Google browser with its own Edge browser.
Awkward Realities of Brand Rivalry
The presence of Chrome in a Windows 11 advertisement seemed somewhat out of place, particularly given Microsoft’s longstanding efforts to steer users toward Edge and Bing. A visit to Bing.com reveals a clear agenda; searching for Chrome or Google often leads to prompts encouraging the use of Microsoft Edge instead. Even when attempting to download Chrome via Edge, users are met with reminders to continue using Microsoft’s browser.
While it’s clear that Microsoft prefers its users to embrace Edge, the accidental inclusion of Chrome in the ad raised eyebrows. This oversight was not a strategic move toward neutrality but rather a slip that Microsoft quickly rectified by substituting Chrome with icons of other applications, such as PowerPoint.
As Windows Latest reported on January 5, the incident sparked a wave of online commentary, with users humorously noting that even a tech giant like Microsoft cannot entirely escape the influence of Chrome.
For those who missed the original advertisement, a saved copy is available for viewing. In it, Chrome is visibly pinned alongside Microsoft Edge and other applications. However, if you revisit the ad on YouTube now, you will find that Microsoft has discreetly edited the video, erasing Chrome from the taskbar as if it had never been there.
The revised advertisement retains its original theme, “Windows 11: The home of gaming,” but now features a taskbar devoid of Chrome, highlighting a clear misstep by someone at Microsoft or its advertising partner.
Despite the change, Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the blunder, and it seems unlikely that they will. The company’s persistent nudges toward Edge are evident across its platforms. For instance, Windows Latest recently noted an ad on Bing that compares Chrome unfavorably to Edge when users attempt to download Google’s browser.
Interestingly, Microsoft is not alone in this competitive tactic; Google also employs similar strategies, subtly promoting Chrome while discouraging the use of rival browsers on platforms like YouTube and Google.com.