Tech giants Google and Microsoft are at it again, reigniting their long-running rivalry — this time over web browsers. Google has reacted strongly to new reports that Microsoft is stepping up efforts to push Windows users away from Google Chrome and back to its own browser, Microsoft Edge.
According to a recent report from Windows Latest, Microsoft is testing a new strategy on Windows 11 that directly targets people who use Chrome regularly. The goal is to encourage them or some say pressure them to switch to Edge instead.
When users try to install Google Chrome on a Windows device, Microsoft now displays messages like: “Browse securely now,” or “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.” While these kinds of messages have been around for a while, tech experts say Microsoft is about to take things further.
New hidden settings known as “flags” have been discovered in early versions of Microsoft Edge (called “Canary builds”). These settings allow Microsoft to monitor how often you use Chrome and then automatically suggest pinning Edge to your taskbar when you close Chrome especially if you use Chrome more than 90% of the time.
One of the flags is called “msPinningCampaignChromeUsageGreaterThan90Trigger.” This triggers a prompt that pops up after you close Chrome, asking you to pin Microsoft Edge to your taskbar.
The message is clear: Microsoft is watching which browser you use most and wants to remind you that Edge is there and that it wants to be your default browser.
Google is not happy about it. The company has previously accused Microsoft of using unfair tactics to make it harder for users to choose Chrome. While Microsoft argues that Edge is faster, safer, and built on the same Chromium engine as Chrome, Google sees these tactics as manipulative.
Chrome is still by far the most popular browser in the world and especially among Windows users. It has almost six times the number of users compared to Microsoft Edge, according to recent market data.
But despite Chrome’s dominance, Microsoft has not stopped pushing Edge aggressively. Tech experts say Microsoft’s actions are now more targeted and disruptive than ever.
A recent article by Tech Radar put it bluntly: “Sorry, Microsoft: your latest attempt to get people to switch over to Edge in Windows 11 is crossing a line.” It added that Microsoft is “only helping itself” and ignoring user choice.
Microsoft has not made an official comment on the latest report. But in the past, the company has defended its actions by saying it wants users to have a better and more secure browsing experience.
Microsoft Edge is built on the same base technology as Google Chrome —Chromium and includes features like enhanced privacy tools and better integration with Windows features such as Copilot AI and security systems. Microsoft says it believes users would benefit more from using Edge instead of downloading a separate browser.
In some business settings, especially in company networks, Microsoft even requires staff to use Edge instead of Chrome or Firefox. This is part of what Microsoft calls a “secure enterprise environment.”
Technology websites and developers have criticized the move. XDA Developers noted that from the moment a user searches “download Chrome” on Bing, Microsoft will try to convince them to stay with Edge — using pop-ups, warnings, and suggestions.
Another tech site, BGR, described it as “another awful campaign to get Chrome users to move to Edge,” and called Microsoft “desperate” to win back users.
Meanwhile, users on social media and tech forums are divided. Some support Microsoft’s push for its own browser, while others believe the company is being too aggressive and ignoring people’s right to choose their own software.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has been accused of trying to dominate the browser market. In the early 2000s, the company faced legal trouble in the United States and Europe for bundling Internet Explorer with Windows and making it difficult for users to switch to other browsers. That case led to major changes in how tech companies are allowed to operate.
Fast forward to today, and the “browser war” is still alive — but this time, it’s between Edge and Chrome.
While Google continues to lead, Microsoft is clearly not giving up. Whether these new tactics will actually change people’s behavior is unclear. Many users still prefer Chrome due to its speed, user-friendly interface, and strong integration with Google services like Gmail, Docs, and Search.
The taskbar-pinning feature is still in testing and hasn’t been rolled out to all users yet. But based on Microsoft’s history, experts believe the company may go ahead with it — unless public backlash forces a change of plans.
Both Microsoft and Google have been approached for comments, but as of now, neither company has issued a detailed response.
