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Microsoft Windows U-turn Removes Warning About Installing Chrome, Firefox (cnet.com)

Posted by msmash on from the call-it-a-truce dept.

Earlier last week, several users with a new Windows 10 build reported that they were seeing a warning when they attempted to install Chrome or Firefox browser. It turns out, Microsoft has listened to the complaints and is reversing course. CNET reports: A new "fast-ring" test version of Windows, Insider Preview Build 17760, no longer interrupts the installation of rival browsers, a CNET test shows. Earlier this week, an earlier test version of Windows would warn people who tried to install the Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Vivaldi web browsers, "You already have Microsoft Edge -- the safer, faster browser for Windows 10." The dialog box presented two options: "Open Microsoft Edge" -- the default -- and "Install anyway." The feature raised some hackles and brought back memories of Microsoft's strong-arm tactics promoting its old Internet Explorer browser in the first browser wars two decades ago. But Microsoft isn't alone in such tactics: Google promotes its Chrome browser as faster and safer to people who visit its own websites with other browsers.

8 of 100 comments (clear)

  1. I wish ... by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... Microsoft had warned me before installing Windows 10. :-)

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    It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
  2. Ads are too far too. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Unlike Google I actually pay to use Windows on my systems. It needs to be an operating system, not a fucking ad machine, which is what it is becoming.

  3. I still use Internet Explorer by jfdavis668 · · Score: 5, Funny

    The best browser to use to download a better browser.

  4. they are not 'listening to users'... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    don't kid yourself.. they don't give a shit about you.

    they're listening to their lawyers.

  5. Still has a prompt when changing default browser by xack · · Score: 4, Informative

    Microsoft still bugs you about Edge when changing default browser making you “switch anyway”. Plus like I said in a previous post Microsoft Edge is evil.

  6. Re:That was expected after the bad press by omnichad · · Score: 5, Funny

    They tried putting it on Bing, but nobody visits that site.

  7. Nice false equivilance by Uberbah · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The feature raised some hackles and brought back memories of Microsoft's strong-arm tactics promoting its old Internet Explorer browser in the first browser wars two decades ago. But Microsoft isn't alone in such tactics: Google promotes its Chrome browser as faster and safer to people who visit its own websites with other browsers.

    Yeah, Microsoft is alone in these tactics as Google isn't interrupting other installations. If Microsoft put up an ad on Bing.com calling Edge the fastest secure browser, then you'd have a comparison.

  8. Re:Welp by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 4, Funny

    Are we replying to questions with other questions? It looks like it.

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    #DeleteFacebook