Microsoft’s latest ad proves even its own marketing team won’t use Edge
January 6, 2026
In a recent advertisement promoting PC gaming, Microsoft inadvertently showcased Google Chrome pinned to the taskbar of a Windows computer. While it is not surprising that many Windows 11 users also opt for Chrome, the decision to feature this in an official Microsoft ad raises eyebrows, particularly given the company’s strong advocacy for its own browser, Microsoft Edge. This push has intensified as Edge has now become part of Microsoft’s AI division.
According to Windows Latest, the ad prominently displays Chrome early in the video. Windows has long been regarded as the epicenter of gaming, with nearly 95% of all Steam gamers utilizing some version of Windows. Furthermore, a significant 70.83% of Steam users have upgraded to Windows 11, indicating a robust trend among gamers towards the latest operating system and compatible hardware.
Market Dynamics and Alternatives
Despite Windows’ dominance in the gaming sector, there is a growing interest in alternatives to Windows 11. The end of support for Windows 10 has left millions of PCs unable to upgrade due to stringent hardware requirements. Interestingly, around 90% of Windows games are now compatible with Linux, presenting a viable option for some users. However, major titles such as Call of Duty and Valorant remain inaccessible on Linux due to kernel-level anti-cheat systems, resulting in only 3% of Steam users opting for this operating system—a figure that has seen a surprising increase over recent years.
In the realm of product marketing, it is customary to curate promotional images and videos to reflect the desired brand narrative. For instance, when creating a promotional reel for Microsoft Teams, one would typically avoid showcasing competitors like Slack. The creators of this particular ad seem to have adhered to this principle to some extent, featuring pinned applications such as Copilot, the Microsoft Store, and the Xbox app, alongside Microsoft Edge. Yet, the inclusion of Google Chrome stands out as an anomaly.
Promotional content often presents a sanitized version of reality. It is common practice to unpin applications from the taskbar before capturing screenshots, leading to a polished but unrealistic portrayal of user environments. Observing marketing materials, one can often find curated bookmarks that do not reflect typical user behavior.
It is a misconception to assume that all Microsoft employees exclusively use Microsoft Edge. Historical anecdotes suggest that even during the existence of Windows Phone, many within the company did not adopt the platform. Therefore, one might expect that any advertising efforts, whether conducted by an internal team or an external agency, would prioritize promoting the brand’s own products. Featuring Chrome in a Microsoft ad could be seen as undermining the company’s efforts to encourage users to transition from Chrome to Edge.
Should Microsoft promote Google products in ads? Do you think Chrome’s inclusion was a mistake? Let us know in the comments.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!
Microsoft’s latest ad proves even its own marketing team won’t use Edge
In a recent advertisement promoting PC gaming, Microsoft inadvertently showcased Google Chrome pinned to the taskbar of a Windows computer. While it is not surprising that many Windows 11 users also opt for Chrome, the decision to feature this in an official Microsoft ad raises eyebrows, particularly given the company’s strong advocacy for its own browser, Microsoft Edge. This push has intensified as Edge has now become part of Microsoft’s AI division.
According to Windows Latest, the ad prominently displays Chrome early in the video. Windows has long been regarded as the epicenter of gaming, with nearly 95% of all Steam gamers utilizing some version of Windows. Furthermore, a significant 70.83% of Steam users have upgraded to Windows 11, indicating a robust trend among gamers towards the latest operating system and compatible hardware.
Market Dynamics and Alternatives
Despite Windows’ dominance in the gaming sector, there is a growing interest in alternatives to Windows 11. The end of support for Windows 10 has left millions of PCs unable to upgrade due to stringent hardware requirements. Interestingly, around 90% of Windows games are now compatible with Linux, presenting a viable option for some users. However, major titles such as Call of Duty and Valorant remain inaccessible on Linux due to kernel-level anti-cheat systems, resulting in only 3% of Steam users opting for this operating system—a figure that has seen a surprising increase over recent years.
In the realm of product marketing, it is customary to curate promotional images and videos to reflect the desired brand narrative. For instance, when creating a promotional reel for Microsoft Teams, one would typically avoid showcasing competitors like Slack. The creators of this particular ad seem to have adhered to this principle to some extent, featuring pinned applications such as Copilot, the Microsoft Store, and the Xbox app, alongside Microsoft Edge. Yet, the inclusion of Google Chrome stands out as an anomaly.
Promotional content often presents a sanitized version of reality. It is common practice to unpin applications from the taskbar before capturing screenshots, leading to a polished but unrealistic portrayal of user environments. Observing marketing materials, one can often find curated bookmarks that do not reflect typical user behavior.
It is a misconception to assume that all Microsoft employees exclusively use Microsoft Edge. Historical anecdotes suggest that even during the existence of Windows Phone, many within the company did not adopt the platform. Therefore, one might expect that any advertising efforts, whether conducted by an internal team or an external agency, would prioritize promoting the brand’s own products. Featuring Chrome in a Microsoft ad could be seen as undermining the company’s efforts to encourage users to transition from Chrome to Edge.
Should Microsoft promote Google products in ads? Do you think Chrome’s inclusion was a mistake? Let us know in the comments.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!