Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.^{[citation needed]} However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.^{[citation needed]}

Consumer-impact summary

Freedom

Microsoft Edge has been criticized for undermining user choice by being set as the default browser in Windows and by employing “dark patterns” that discourage switching to competitors.^{[citation needed]} Forced reinstalls after system updates and persistent prompts have been described as limiting user autonomy.^{[citation needed]}

Privacy

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.^{[citation needed]} While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.^{[citation needed]}

Business model

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.^{[citation needed]} Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.^{[citation needed]}

Market control

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.^{[citation needed]} This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.^{[citation needed]}

Incidents

Forced Installation via Windows Updates

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser. ^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Web browsers
• Chromium
• Firefox