Microsoft tests ‘warning’ Windows 10 users not to install Chrome or Firefox - The Verge
►https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/12/17850146/microsoft-windows-10-chrome-firefox-warning
Microsoft is testing a warning for Windows 10 users not to install Chrome or Firefox. The software giant is in the final stages of testing its Windows 10 October 2018 Update, and testers have spotted a new change that appears when you try to install a rival web browser. “You already have Microsoft Edge – the safer, faster browser for Windows 10” says a prompt that appears when you run the Chrome or Firefox installers on the latest Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
The Verge understands Microsoft is simply testing this prompt for now, and that it won’t appear in the final October update. Microsoft does test feature changes over the course of its updates, but this particular change was not documented in the company’s various blog posts and appeared very late in the testing stages. The prompt may still appear in a future Windows 10 update, but that will depend on feedback to this controversial change.
While the prompts can be turned off, they’re yet another example of Microsoft infesting Windows 10 with annoying ads and pop-ups. Some similar prompts already appear and attempt to push Chrome or Firefox users to use Edge, but this latest one steps up Microsoft’s war against Chrome even further. It’s not clear why Microsoft thinks it’s a good idea to include these irritating prompts, as all they’re likely to do is anger Windows 10 users rather than convince them to switch to Edge.