When first launched, Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge browser seemed like an excellent alternative to Chrome that millions could enjoy. However, in the past few weeks, some negative aspects of Microsoft Edge have been revealed, and the person they are most frustrated with is how it takes over their entire computer at startup.
Microsoft started implementing Edge for all Windows users a couple of weeks ago. That launch has really accelerated in the past few days, and users are no happy with what happens after the update.
This is what happens. Your device downloads a normal Windows update and on reboot everything seems normal. However, seconds after logging in, a full-screen popup takes over your device to “introduce” you to the new Microsoft Edge. It goes through a basic configuration, it asks you to import your data from another browser, and it does it in the background without asking. It does all of this without warning and, what’s more annoying, there is no obvious way to stop it.
On top of everything, Microsoft also pinned Edge to your taskbar (also in the first slot!) After this startup process, in addition to dropping the icon on your desktop.
Perhaps the most annoying and blatantly unpleasant thing Microsoft does here is to delete the default browser settings. As soon as you have updated and this whole process is finished, at some point you will receive a message asking about your default browser. It doesn’t matter if Chrome or something else has been the default for yearsMicrosoft removes those preferences and instead uses that notice as another way to try to access Edge.
To update: As a point of clarification, Microsoft points to 9to5Google that Windows doesn’t really Remove your choice of browser, but asks you to change it if you want. While true, I’d bet the average user certainly won’t be able to tell the difference.
Subtle, Microsoft. Very subtle
Many users are really upset by this, and it is especially understandable for those who are not on Windows 10. Windows 8 users and Windows 7 users, the latter of whom aren’t even supposed to be receiving updates, are also forced into this Edge update. Personally, I observed this behavior on my wife’s gaming PC last week. When it first happened to her, she turned to me confused, not knowing what to do.
the Edge He asked Microsoft several questions about this behavior, and the company’s response was basically, “You can still say no.” Microsoft obviously wants people to use the newer version of their browser, which replaces the old one, but this is a very unpleasant way to do it.
A Windows 10 update forces a full-screen @MicrosoftEdge window, which cannot be closed from the taskbar, or CTRL W, or even ALT F4. You must press “start”, then the X, and even then a welcome screen appears. And it is pinned to the taskbar. pic.twitter.com/mEhEbqpIc7
– Taran Quarantino (@TaranVH) July 2, 2020
Every Windows user has a valid right to be infuriated by what is happening here. Microsoft Edge once seemed like a great thing, but now it’s just traditional Microsoft, for better or for worse.
That is perhaps the biggest problem here. The new Microsoft Edge is a very good product and one that the company should be proud of. Forcing it all just sour that.
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