Microsoft Warns Users Not to Install Chrome Browser

John Lister's picture

Microsoft is asking users to think twice before installing browsers such as Firefox and Chrome. A "warning message" is being tested in Windows 10.

The message has been spotted by people in the Windows Insider program that lets them get early access to new features. The idea is to test the features on computers being used out in the 'real world' rather than in Microsoft labs.

One such user has posted a screenshot of a message that appeared when they attempted to install Mozilla's Firefox browser. It reads "You already have Microsoft Edge - the safer, faster browser for Windows 10."

Edge Portrayed As "Default"

The message then offers two button options: one in white writing on a blue background reading "Open Microsoft Edge" and one in black writing on a gray background reading "Install anyway". The design makes the former button appear to be the 'default' option.

There's also a link at the bottom of the message reading "Don't want to be warned in the future? Open settings." This brings up access to a setting for whether or not to receive app recommendations.

The user in question, Sean Hoffman, was not impressed, describing the message on Twitter as "slimy marketing cesspool crap." Other people with access to the Insider program have confirmed the message also appears when they attempt to install Google's Chrome web browser. (Source: theverge.com)

"Warning" May Be Excessive

Microsoft is certainly sailing close to the wind here. While it's debatable whether Edge is safer or faster than other browsers (the answer usually depends on the definition and the criteria used for testing), it's certainly pushing it to say users need what is described as a "warning" when they are trying to install legitimate, non-malicious software.

It's also a surprising move given that previous attempts to promote Microsoft's own browser - albeit in a more intrusive and arguably unfair way - have led to prolonged regulatory investigations.

Assuming Microsoft doesn't pull the warning, it will start appearing for all users once they install the next major Windows 10 Update, due next month. (Source: betanews.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Is Microsoft being reasonable by showing this warning screen? Does it have the right to ask people to think twice before installing a rival browser? Or is it a lot of fuss over nothing as it only takes one click to dismiss the message?

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Average: 4.5 (8 votes)

Comments

Dennis Faas's picture

Even more annoying are the Google-sponsored messages that appear whenever you go to Google.com to perform a search with either Edge, Firefox, or Internet Explorer.

Examples include: "Google recommends using Chrome. Try it?" or "Switch to Chrome. Hide annoying ads and protect against malware" or "Come here often? Make Google your home page". These messages appear on the top right of the screen every time I visit Google.com.

Even if you click "No thanks" the message still comes up next time you visit Google.com. This is incredibly annoying because it takes up part of the page each time and there is no way to shut it off.

Navy vet's picture

They already attempt to dissuade us when attempting to change any default program.

davolente_10330's picture

A damn cheek and infernal sauce. How dare they interrupt a perfectly legitimate installation? Reckon MS have stepped over the line this time. They are getting far too aggressive for my liking. It's MY PC and only I will decide what I want on it!

n7mpj's picture

As long as Microsoft Edge doesn't run my online gaming I'm not using it. AND it's not faster.

russell.donaldrussell_4813's picture

I'd like to suggest a warning that the computer contains an operating system called "Windows", and that there are faster and safer operating systems available so the computer should be returned to the retailer in exchange for one without "Windows" preinstalled.

brigadand's picture

Not a very big deal. I get worse than this every day.

Rusty's picture

This is indeed surprising after all the backlash Microsoft had in the past from doing something similar with Internet Explorer. Maybe this is different, but show me any compelling evidence that Microsoft Edge is the better and safer browser for Windows 10! Without that, this antic seems to me to be against the law. Internet Explorer certainly never proved to have any overall edge over the competition. So there’s no reason to think that Microsoft Edge ever will either. The whole Windows 10 upgrade coercion matter left me knowing that Microsoft doesn’t genuinely care about its customers. Google certainly doesn’t seem to either, but Chrome actually is a pretty good browser. I still use Firefox most of the time in Windows. However, I find for personal use, I only infrequently use Windows any more. I instead do quite a lot on my phone. Mobile Safari leaves something to be desired, but the way it is conveniently integrated into iOS, it doesn’t make much sense to use anything else. I wonder if that could in any way be shown to be illegal. It seems to be a similar phenomenon.

David's picture

Europe spanked M$ hard before, over their default browser installation. This seems to be the same problem in a shiny new coat. Maybe M$ could use another multi-billion dollar fine.

I blame Android though. Their model of "OS-as-ad-server" that we have subjected ourselves to has largely desensitized us to this sort of shenanigan, and Windows 10 is full of them.

https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/

Punk'd's picture

This article is old news. The idea was scrubbed: https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/17/17868946/microsoft-windows-10-warning-prompt-chrome-firefox-test