Earlier this year, an unexpected event unfolded on my PC when Microsoft’s Edge browser launched automatically, seamlessly importing my Chrome tabs without prior consent. This incident raised eyebrows, and Microsoft remained tight-lipped about the underlying reasons. However, a subsequent update addressed the issue quietly, yet the company’s pursuit of Chrome user data continues unabated.
New Tactics to Lure Chrome Users
Recently, my colleague Richard Lawler experienced a similar scenario when Edge sprang to life on his PC during boot-up, presenting a new prompt that claimed to “enhance your browsing experience.” This pop-up featured a default-checked option to “bring over your data from other browsers regularly,” nudging users toward a big blue confirmation button. For those wishing to dismiss the prompt, a small white ‘X’—reminiscent of the sparkles in the background—was available, albeit easy to overlook.
By simply clicking “confirm and continue,” users unwittingly allow Microsoft Edge to import their Chrome data, with the browser set to continually sync tabs if Chrome is their default choice. This prompt appears predominantly on systems where Chrome is installed, indicating a targeted approach by Microsoft towards Chrome users.
In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft spokesperson Caitlin Roulston described the new feature as a notification that provides users with the option to import data from other browsers, while also noting the availability of an option to disable it. Yet, the company’s willingness to automatically launch Edge and subtly encourage Chrome data imports raises questions about its intentions.
This behavior is not new; Microsoft has been employing similar tactics for over four years. Following the launch of its Chromium-based Edge in 2020, the company began automatically initiating Edge on users’ PCs to facilitate a shift away from Chrome. Additional measures included blocking the EdgeDeflector tool, employing prompts to deter Chrome downloads, and complicating the process of changing browser defaults in Windows 11.
Moreover, users have encountered misleading AI responses in Bing search results related to Chrome, intrusive prompts in Windows 11 urging them to abandon Google, and even polls embedded within the Chrome download page. Such tactics have fostered a climate of distrust towards Edge, Windows 11, and Microsoft’s broader AI initiatives.
The ongoing controversy surrounding these practices serves as a crucial reminder for Microsoft. The intrusive Edge pop-ups in Windows 11 may hinder consumer confidence in the company’s AI integration efforts, potentially impacting its reputation in the tech landscape.
