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It appears that Microsoft's actions may indicate a certain level of desperation. As someone who openly favors Google, I was taken aback when I discovered Microsoft Edge unexpectedly open on my taskbar. To my surprise, upon further investigation, I found my Gmail account open in Edge, despite never intentionally using it for that purpose. This experience shed light on the extensive measures Microsoft is taking to coerce users into using their browser.
Edge opens all your Chrome tabs automatically
Undoubtedly, Microsoft holds a deep affection for Edge, and understandably so. Edge is their brainchild, and like any caring parent, they yearn for users to embrace it as well. Previously, when clicking on links within the Windows operating system, such as news articles or intriguing facts from the lock screen, they would automatically open in Edge. However, the Redmond giant has taken this a step further. Now, all the tabs currently open in Google Chrome, including personal email inboxes, are launched within the new Edge instance. This can create confusion, as users may unknowingly start interacting with their email inbox without realizing they have switched browsers.
I personally experienced this situation, and it nearly deceived me. Engaged in my routine work with Chrome, I had two tabs open—my email inbox and Envato.com—just as I normally would. By chance, my cursor hovered over the Windows News icon in the taskbar, revealing a feed of current articles. Glancing at the screen, I noticed an article about the passing of Tina Turner, which enticed me to click and read. I was aware that it would open in Edge, but I deemed it acceptable for that one article. As a new window appeared, displaying the article, I read it attentively. Satisfied, I closed the tab and returned to my email inbox. That's when something peculiar caught my attention. The appearance seemed slightly off. Had I fallen victim to a hack? No, I soon realized that I was in Edge. Surprisingly, my email inbox, which I never accessed in Edge, was open and ready for me to use. Furthermore, I discovered that my other Envato tab was also open in Edge. Microsoft's tactics proved to be quite cunning.
As of this writing, and I haven’t yet investigated for how long this is happening, clicking on an article in the native Windows 11 News app will open Edge, open your article and also re-open all your open tabs from Google Chrome. While Microsoft's enthusiasm for promoting their product is understandable, resorting to such tactics may reflect a sense of desperation. It is important for companies to prioritize transparency and respect for user preferences rather than resorting to manipulative methods. Ultimately, user choice and empowerment should be valued in the tech industry, fostering an environment of trust and genuine adoption.