Google Updates Chrome—Microsoft Warns Windows Users To Change Browser
Google strikes back.
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto
Microsoft is now pushing users to stop using Google Chrome. “Browse securely,” the Windows-maker warns anyone installing Chrome. “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome,” it says, “with the added trust of Microsoft.”
Microsoft’s latest tactic — taskbar flags which “pin Edge when you close the browser” — specifically targets Chrome users. This says Windows Latest “makes it obvious that Microsoft really wants you to stop using Google Chrome and open Edge instead.”
Now Google is striking back. Per Windows Report, Google is developing a “one-click option to make Chrome default and pin it to Windows 11 taskbar.” This new ‘Make default’ button “signals Google’s push to stay front and center.”
And front and center it is. Chrome enjoys six-times more Windows install base than Edge, and despite years of Microsoft’s campaign, nothing has changed. The biggest threat to Chrome is likely new AI browsers or a forced sale, rather than Edge.
Google strikes back
Windows Report
Microsoft’s new flags are not subtle, albeit they’re in development so it’s uncertain what will release. “MsOptimizeChromePBSignalForPinningOnCloseCampaigns” and “msPinningCampaignChromeUsageGreaterThan90Trigger” do exactly what they say.
Now we have a response, says Windows Report. A Chromium update “describes the feature as: ‘WIP Add option to pin to taskbar in settings’. Once implemented, the button text will read: ‘Make Google Chrome the default browser and pin it to the taskbar’.”
Google execs have accused Microsoft of dirty tricks when it comes to some of its tactics, but perhaps a more direct game of tit-for-tat will be more effective. The vast majority of Windows users already default to Chrome, so this is just mopping up.
Neither Google nor Microsoft are commenting on this new twist in the browser battle.