Microsoft

⚠️This article has been marked as incomplete. Sourcing or verifiability needs additional work.

A moderator needs to check the page before this notice can be removed. Visit the noticeboard or the #appeals channel in either Zulip or Discord to request removal.

More info ▼

Articles must provide verifiable, credible evidence for their claims and avoid relying on forum posts, personal blogs, or other unverifiable sources. You can help by replacing weak citations with reputable reporting, corporate communications, receipts, repair logs, or independent investigative coverage that demonstrates the systemic relevance required by the Mission statement and Moderator Guidelines.

❗This article uses tone or wording inconsistent with the editorial guidelines.

A moderator needs to check the page before this notice can be removed. Visit the noticeboard or the #appeals channel in either Zulip or Discord to request removal.

More info ▼

The wiki's voice should remain neutral and avoid loaded language or unnecessary offence. Direct attacks on individuals or companies are not permitted; malice may only be attributed through quotation and citation, never in the wiki's voice. In theme articles argumentation is allowed but should be clear, formal, and never inflammatory.

---

Microsoft is an American technology company founded in 1975. They are well known for the Windows operating system, Microsoft Edge and Outlook. Microsoft has faced many controversies over the years, including several antitrust lawsuits and general anti-consumer practices.

Controversies

Court cases up to the early 2000s

In the major antitrust case brought by the US Department of Justice, U.S. v. Microsoft Corp., 253 F.3d 34 (D.C. Cir. 2001), Microsoft argued that there was no barrier to entry in the market they were in. A central issue at that time was whether Microsoft could bundle the web browser Internet Explorer with the Microsoft Windows operating system. The following was said in the court case: "The District Court condemned a number of provisions in Microsoft's agreements licensing Windows to OEMs, because it found that Microsoft's imposition of those provisions (like many of Microsoft's other actions at issue in this case) serves to reduce usage share of Netscape's browser and, hence, protect Microsoft's operating system monopoly."

The court specifically identified three main license restrictions for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that were considered problematic:

1. the prohibition upon the removal of desktop icons, folders, and Start menu entries
2. the prohibition for modifying the initial boot sequence
3. the prohibition of otherwise altering the appearance of the Windows desktop

The case was eventually settled, and did not result in a company breakup.

Section III.H of the Consent Decree required Microsoft to "allow end users and OEMs to enable or remove access to all middleware products­, including web browsers, e-mail clients, and media players ­through a readily accessible, centralized mechanism". End users and OEMs should be able "to specify a non-Microsoft middleware product as the default middleware product to be launched in place of the corresponding Microsoft middleware product".

In the case United States v. Microsoft Corp., 87 F. Supp. 2d 30 (D.D.C. 2000), Microsoft's Conduct taken as a whole is described as "deliberate assault upon entrepreneurial efforts that, could well have enabled the introduction of competition into the market for Intel-compatible PC operating systems". Further, "Microsoft's anticompetitive actions trammeled the competitive process through which the computer software industry generally stimulates innovation and conduces to the optimum benefit of consumers".

Edge

Microsoft's web browser, Edge, comes preinstalled on Windows and cannot be removed through ordinary means, typically also being reinstalled after major updates. Edge was also shown to import user data from Chrome and Firefox without asking for user consent.

Windows

Forced Updates

Beginning with Windows 10, updates were no longer able to be selectively chosen by the end user, instead updates are automatically scheduled when your computer is inactive, or before the system is shut down. This has also led to some systems being rendered unusable due to bugged updates that cannot be avoided.

Windows 11

TPM 2.0 Chip Requirements

While being something that can be reasonably circumvented, Microsoft's decision to attempt to lock-down Windows 11 to computers with Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chips (TPMs) has forced the hands of both consumers and companies alike to dispose of hardware that would otherwise be perfectly acceptable to use. This has also included Windows 10 users to be frequently reminded by Microsoft to upgrade their hardware to Windows 11, which has caused many users frequent agitation.

Recall

During 2024, Microsoft unveiled Recall, marketed as a way to search through what you have done on your computer. This sparked controversy, especially among security experts who worried about the security of screenshots, since it could easily document private information like Social Security Numbers, bank account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. There is also a python script called "TotalRecall" that collects the screenshots and descriptions of them proving the danger of Recall. This feature was delayed after backlash.

Microsoft account dark patterns when installing Windows

Numerous dark patterns have been implemented in the form of sneaky language and user interface during the installation process to mislead users into thinking a Microsoft account is required and thus logging in or creating an account. The dark patterns to push users towards linking a Microsoft account have been in place since Windows 10 was launched in 2015 and continue into the Windows 11 installation process.

De-listing/destruction of access to games

In early September of 2016, Microsoft shut down access to purchasing Xbox 360 Indie Games , and in late July of 2024, Microsoft shut down their storefront for Xbox 360 games. These shutdowns have caused hundreds of games to become impossible to obtain new copies of and for some, additionally play.