Microsoft stops nagging Windows users to make Edge the default browser, but only in Europe

[midian182]

In brief: Microsoft's incessant nagging that you use Edge like some kind of high-pressure car salesman can be intensely annoying. The good news is that these notifications will stop. The bad news is that only users in Europe will be granted this sweet relief.

The Windows Insider Program Team writes that as part of Microsoft's ongoing commitment to compliance with the Digital Markets Act, several new changes are being introduced to Windows 10 and 11.

Possibly the most notable of these changes is the parts relating to Edge. Windows will no longer hassle users to set Edge as the default browser unless they open it directly. Unfortunately, it only applies to those in the European Economic Area (the EU, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). The change is now live in the EEA, starting with Edge 137.0.3296.52, which rolled out on May 29.

I OnLy UsE yOu To DoWnLoAd ChRoMe

– Microsoft Edge (@MicrosoftEdge) May 30, 2025

Microsoft has long skirted – many would say surpassed – the boundaries of acceptability with its prompts to make Edge the default browser. The nags, including full-screen ads, can appear even when Edge isn't in use, some featuring very prominent "Confirm" buttons and less noticeable options to decline.

Microsoft hasn't been averse to using dirty tactics to push people toward Edge, either. The company initially made it harder to switch from Edge to another browser in Windows 11. There was also the tool that redirected Edge links in Windows 11 that Microsoft blocked. The company even told people attempting to download Chrome from Edge that Google's browser "is so 2008!"

As for the other DMA-compliant changes that were announced, Windows will now set extra link and file types to open with whatever browser you set as the default, including "read," ftp, and .svg. Setting the default browser will also pin it to the Taskbar. This update will roll out on Windows 10 and Windows 11 in July.

Users in the EEA will also be able to uninstall the Microsoft Store later this year. Helpfully, any apps installed and distributed from the store will continue to get updates even if the Microsoft Store is uninstalled, keeping them secure and up to date.

Elsewhere, Microsoft is allowing multiple third-party apps to provide web search results in Windows Search. There's also the option to reorder web search providers in settings based on your personal preference. The Search changes are coming in early June.

Permalink to story:

Microsoft stops nagging Windows users to make Edge the default browser, but only in Europe

 

[candle86]

Not sure why they're doing this edges the better browser I understand why they may stop nagging I mean you can't fix stupid people going to install Chrome but I certainly wouldn't help tighter integration between it I would just make Microsoft search not working at all unless you have edge as default.

As far as store apps know those apps are updated through the store that is actually the update process so if you want to install the store the pre-installed apps to our downloaded through the store they should just stop updating and I'm fine with that you make super decisions you pay for your choices should be that simple I guess you need to go and uninstall all the applications.

 

[dangh]

Not sure why they're doing this edges the better browser I understand why they may stop nagging I mean you can't fix stupid people going to install Chrome but I certainly wouldn't help tighter integration between it I would just make Microsoft search not working at all unless you have edge as default.

Aahahaahahahaaha ;D nice to see a new comical account.

But seriously, just for you: "......... ,,,,,,,,,,". I have plenty of them, take and use them freely.

 

[Liranan]

Fortunately I'm not one of the smart people who downgraded to that even worse spyware masquerading as OS. While 10 isn't free from spying I will hug this version (IOT) that I have for years to come.

 

[yannus]

The first post shows exactly Micro$oft philosophy, as this whole article does. Interestingly, Micro$oft keeps on having the same predatory and unfair behavior, and absolutely nothing changes. Nothing has been done to prevent them from doing so in the long term. The same can be said about Google, but Micro$oft owns the crown of shamelessness and insistence.

 

[Homerlovesbeer]

Personally I've switched to Edge from Chrome and couldn't be happier.

 

[candle86]

The first post shows exactly Micro$oft philosophy, as this whole article does. Interestingly, Micro$oft keeps on having the same predatory and unfair behavior, and absolutely nothing changes. Nothing has been done to prevent them from doing so in the long term. The same can be said about Google, but Micro$oft owns the crown of shamelessness and insistence.

why should Microsoft do anything to help other app developers, they don't prevent the installation, but at the end of the day Edge is the better product. Chrome is trash, firefox is trash, and stuff like brave or opera are just jokes.

 

[yannus]

A lot of Stockholm syndrome in here.

 

[Mihai S]

A lot of Stockholm syndrome in here.

You got that right. People just don't understand why this matters because they aren't affected by it—yet. The apathy of many and, even worse, the way some simps are defending Microsoft are sad.

When Chromium Edge first came out, I switched in a heartbeat. It was perfect for my needs. But I was done with it as soon as I noticed Microsoft's dark patterns and abusive persistence on forcing Edge on everyone. It was completely unnecessary and downright embarrassing from Microsoft.

Got myself Windows IoT and "moved to the EU." So far, so good—no Edge on my PC.

Not ready yet, but considering gaming on Linux in the near future.

 

[candle86]

You got that right. People just don't understand why this matters because they aren't affected by it—yet. The apathy of many and, even worse, the way some simps are defending Microsoft are sad.

When Chromium Edge first came out, I switched in a heartbeat. It was perfect for my needs. But I was done with it as soon as I noticed Microsoft's dark patterns and abusive persistence on forcing Edge on everyone. It was completely unnecessary and downright embarrassing from Microsoft.

Got myself Windows IoT and "moved to the EU." So far, so good—no Edge on my PC.

Not ready yet, but considering gaming on Linux in the near future.

Well then enjoy an inferior experience, Linux is a server os. As for simping nah it's just a quality product and Microsoft should prioritize their own software inside their own software it actually makes sense. I still think Microsoft should simply ignore the EUs laws on this as it has always been bs. It was done because mozillia wasn't happy, well that's fine maybe they should write their own os.

 

[Athlonite69]

I'd rather MS just made it easy to uninstall Edge no matter where you live in the world,
They did get into trouble with forcing IE on people so why are they getting away with doing it to us with their Edge Browser now

 

[Mihai S]

Well then enjoy an inferior experience, Linux is a server os. As for simping nah it's just a quality product and Microsoft should prioritize their own software inside their own software it actually makes sense. I still think Microsoft should simply ignore the EUs laws on this as it has always been bs. It was done because mozillia wasn't happy, well that's fine maybe they should write their own os.

Why you trolling bro?

 

[candle86]

Why you trolling bro?

I'm not trolling I'm forced to support Linux desktop and an active directory environment daily because a couple developers insist on using it. It doesn't play well with active directory it doesn't work with most common tools for support in the Enterprise and user trainings of pain in the butt because it does nothing standard. On a server I think Linux is fine but it is never going to be a home operating system it shouldn't even be an Enterprise desktop environment but some people seem to think otherwise and insist that they should be allowed to use it

 

[Mihai S]

I'm not trolling I'm forced to support Linux desktop and an active directory environment daily because a couple developers insist on using it. It doesn't play well with active directory it doesn't work with most common tools for support in the Enterprise and user trainings of pain in the butt because it does nothing standard. On a server I think Linux is fine but it is never going to be a home operating system it shouldn't even be an Enterprise desktop environment but some people seem to think otherwise and insist that they should be allowed to use it

If you're not trolling, then I have to disagree with your logic.
1. Persistently forcing non-critical software (good or not) on the end user is a big no-no in most people's books. The fact that my default browser gets reset to Edge and my Edge settings get reset to "random" Microsoft presets (including Bing) after certain updates is infuriating.
2. To suggest that any for-profit entity should ignore consumer and competition protection laws is myopic at best.

I understand that your little corner of Linux is frustrating. But it sounds like you're just bitter about having to deal with Linux at work, and you're willing to nuke everyone else's options because of that.

Linux is not just a server OS. And people should absolutely have the option and be allowed to use any OS they please. It looks like Valve's SteamOS might bring Linux gaming into the mainstream pretty soon, and I welcome it. Serious competition is the only way companies innovate and we consumers benefit.

 

[yannus]

You got that right. People just don't understand why this matters because they aren't affected by it—yet. The apathy of many and, even worse, the way some simps are defending Microsoft are sad.

When Chromium Edge first came out, I switched in a heartbeat. It was perfect for my needs. But I was done with it as soon as I noticed Microsoft's dark patterns and abusive persistence on forcing Edge on everyone. It was completely unnecessary and downright embarrassing from Microsoft.

Got myself Windows IoT and "moved to the EU." So far, so good—no Edge on my PC.

Not ready yet, but considering gaming on Linux in the near future.

Good things your plans to switch. Linux freedom contrasts so much with windows. I did a few distros before settling. Mint was very good for my needs but I finally preferred MXlinux.