Microsoft urges Win10 users not to give up the Edge browser

Computer Store News:

Microsoft recently played a small trick to convince Windows 10 users to continue using their Edge browser instead of Chrome or Firefox. It added a new prompt message in the latest preview of Windows 10 (build 10568), specifically for users who want to change the default app.

If you have set Edge as your default browser and then installed the Chrome browser and intend to change your default browser to Chrome, a dialog will pop up saying "To Microsoft" Edge once chance”.

This prompt dialog also lists the advantages of the Edge browser, including allowing users to write directly on the web, support Cortana, and include a reading view. There is also a button at the bottom of the dialog that says "Do not change and try again". Pressing this button will open the Edge browser and will not set other browsers as the default browser.

Microsoft's move may annoy competitors. Mozilla has responded quickly, accusing Microsoft of making it harder for Windows 10 users to switch to Firefox. It even made a video to guide Firefox users to restore default application settings.

Microsoft seems to have taken similar small moves in photo and music applications. If you want to change your photo or music app, a similar dialog will pop up to encourage you to continue using the photo app or Groove Music app that comes with the system.

The latest preview of Windows 10 (build 10568) is expected to be released in the next few weeks, so Microsoft may adjust the timing and manner of such dialogs.

According to market research firm Netmarketshare, as of September 2015, Edge’s share of the desktop computer browser market was approximately 2.4%. The market share of Safari, the default browser for OS X, is about 5%.