Mozilla: Microsoft keeps pushing users to use the Edge browser
Mozilla is once again accusing Microsoft of using targeted design tricks to force Windows 11 users to use the Edge browser. Such an approach would ultimately also be legally relevant, as it would represent an abuse of a dominant market position.
If you’re not careful, you’ll switch to Edge
The Firefox developer criticizes that the operating system makes it unnecessarily difficult to choose the default browser and sometimes even leads users back to Microsoft’s software unnoticed, reports PC Magazine. The fact that Microsoft could behave differently is shown by the European version of Windows, in which legal requirements improve the selection options. Mozilla had already documented its allegations in an 87-page report. It has now been 100 days since its publication. From the company’s perspective, however, Microsoft has not yet reacted sufficiently. The company is only just sticking to what it is legally obliged to do, criticizes Kush Amlani, who is responsible for competition and regulatory issues at Mozilla. Microsoft declined to comment on the allegations.
An example of the methods in question are notices that Windows displays after a system update. Under the heading “Let’s finish setting up your PC,” the operating system offers to apply recommended browser settings. The corresponding option is enabled by default and sets Edge as the default browser. If you don’t read the instructions carefully, you can change your preferred settings.
EU protects users
This specific setup dialog does not appear in European countries. In addition, shortcuts from the start menu in this country open in the specified default browser and not automatically in Edge. Mozilla is therefore calling on Microsoft to make these more user-friendly functions available worldwide. However, according to the company’s assessment, political pressure will be necessary for this. Preferring Edge could also have very practical consequences. Mozilla reports Firefox users who are surprised that their bookmarks have seemingly disappeared.
In fact, changing the default browser can cause links to suddenly open in Edge instead of the usual Firefox. Mozilla does not see the problem only with Microsoft. Apple and Google would also prefer their own browsers and services and thus promote closed ecosystems. At Apple, the requirements for alternative browsers particularly restrict the choice outside of Europe. Only legal regulations made further alternatives possible there.
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