Microsoft pop-up advises users not to install other browsers when they have Edge

[midian182]

WTF?! As demonstrated by the methods it used to get people onto Windows 10, Microsoft isn’t averse to using shady tactics when pushing its products. Now, Redmond appears to be at it again, after a Windows 10 pop-up test was discovered that advised users to choose Edge over other browsers.

Users found that trying to install a third-party browser that doesn’t come from Microsoft’s stable brought the message: “You already have Microsoft Edge − the safer, faster browser for Windows 10.” They were offered two options: ‘Open Microsoft Edge’, and ‘Install Anyway’.

The pop-up is part of Window's ‘Apps & Features’ setting, according to Windows Central. This is normally set to the default option of “install apps from anywhere,” but when the Windows 10 Update arrives in October, it will be changed to “show me app recommendations.”

Unsurprisingly, the company has received a huge amount of criticism over the message. Ironically, trying to shove Edge down people’s throats is making them dislike the browser even more. However, it appears that Microsoft took note of the negative feedback and confirmed that this particular pop-up was only a test.

“We've tested this functionality with Insiders only - The Windows Insider Program enables Microsoft to test different features, functionality and garner feedback before rolling out broadly. Customers remain in control and can choose the browser of their choice,” said a company spokesperson.

Mozilla wasn’t too pleased with Microsoft's message, sending out a tweet that read “Choice is better without the serious side-eye.”

Well this is awkward.

(Choice is better without the serious side-eye.)https://t.co/wqRW2r2idI

— Firefox (@firefox) 12 September 2018

NetMarketShare has Chrome dominating the browser market with a 65.21 percent share, followed by Internet Explorer on 10.68 percent, Firefox with 9.76 percent, and Edge on 4.3 percent. Some analysts say Edge’s share has fallen over the last year, so maybe Microsoft needs all the help it can get.

Back in 2016, Microsoft admitted that its malware-like Windows 10 upgrade tricks went “too far.” A reference to the Get Windows 10 (GWX) pop-up in which the red ‘x’ was used to give consent rather than cancel the message.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/76411-microsoft-pop-up-advises-users-not-install-other.html

 

[Bubbajim]

Make the browser less sh!te and we might use it of our own volition, Microdicks.

 

[JB3543]

Seriously, I don't need another reason to blow off Microsoft products.

I gave up on those incompetent dickheads a long time ago.

 

[treeski]

And Google gives me TWO notifications on Gmail and YouTube when I visit them from Edge to switch to Chrome. All of these companies need to stop!

 

[senketsu]

And Google gives me TWO notifications on Gmail and YouTube when I visit them from Edge to switch to Chrome. All of these companies need to stop!

yes, all the nag screens are getting a little tiresome.

 

[KenRussell]

Uninstall edge and this problem goes away. Use an ad blocker and you won't see google telling you to use chrome browser when you visit their sites.
Might as well uninstall cortana while you're at it, disable telemetry, disable ads and uninstall all the bloatware.
Just a thought...

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

Every time they do a major update to Edge I try it again... and I mean try it hard. I give it a good solid few weeks of use, yet it still finds ways to infuriate me during every browsing session and crash at inopportune times. I get frustrated and go back to Chrome.

 

[OutlawCecil]

Everyone hates nagware like this but in the end, the one with the best product is less blameable and lets face it, Edge sucks and Microsoft is doing everything they can to make it sound like it competes with Chrome and Firefox and it DOESN'T! Listen to Google and download Chrome. Hate Google? Use Firefox. Simple as that.

 

[p51d007]

In other words...it was a test to see how many people complained, so now we'll try a different approach
and see how that works.

 

[j05hh]

The other 10% is what? Opera and Tor?

 

[DaveBG]

Desperate times call for desperate measures. No one serious about browsing the net uses Edge and this will not change regardless of the tactics. Oh and BTW just wait until the EU antitrust commission finds out about this.. LOL

 

[captaincranky]

I'm currently visiting this site on Windows 7, (with all updates shut off), the Opera for the browser.

I simply don't understand how "Chrome" could command 60+% of the market.

I guess the sheeple of the world really are too stupid to un-check the, "Install Chrome" box, which appears with every ad and app under the sun.

Windows 10 does seem infected with malware, with its constant nags, and forced visits to the M$ store. If it weren't a supposed Windows OS, people would be inundating our malware forum begging to have it removed.

 

[cliffordcooley]

I simply don't understand how "Chrome" could command 60+% of the market.

Deceitfully is how. A third of those users may not even know they have chrome.

 

[Uncle Al]

Yeah "only a test" to see what other junk they can get away with!

 

[Dustyn]

Too bad when you click "Install anyway" another dialog doesn't open stating, "You also have Internet Explorer 11 installed. Are you really sure you want to install this new browser in favor of Edge or IE?". lol