Microsoft Edge's Persistent Push: New Pop-Ups on the Horizon

2024-12-20

Ever since the EU mandated easier switching of default browsers on Windows 11, many users have ditched Microsoft Edge in favor of their preferred alternatives. But it seems Microsoft isn’t giving up on winning you back just yet.

This article explores

Microsoft’s Not-So-Subtle Reminders

Recent findings by Windows Latest suggest new pop-ups are in development for Microsoft Edge. Code references like “msNurturingDefaultBrowserBannerUX2OneBtn” hint at buttons within the browser encouraging users to switch their default browser to Edge. Additionally, “msEdgeDefaultBrowserTrigger” and “msEdgeNotDefaultBrowserTrigger” suggest triggers for these pop-ups based on your current default browser settings.

Do Pop-Ups Work?

While these tactics might seem annoying, Microsoft likely finds them effective. A small percentage of users might be swayed to switch browsers after seeing these messages. The logic is: some user engagement is better than none.

Let’s face it, pop-ups can be visually unappealing. Remember the bizarrely large cursor icon in a previous Edge pop-up promoting “recommended browser settings”? This highlights the sometimes clumsy execution of these messages.

What Undercode Says:

Microsoft’s persistence in promoting Edge isn’t surprising. Companies naturally want users to leverage their products. However, the effectiveness of these pop-ups is debatable. While some users might switch, many will find them intrusive and ultimately counterproductive.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Targeting Users: While Microsoft claims not to target specific browsers, the pop-ups likely appear when Edge detects you’re using a different default browser. This personalized approach might feel less intrusive than a blanket pop-up for all users.
Industry Standard: Pop-ups encouraging users towards a specific browser aren’t unique to Microsoft. Google is just one example of a competitor using similar tactics.
The Future of Pop-Ups: Based on the discovered code references, expect more pop-up variations in the future.

Ultimately, the choice of browser remains yours. If you find these pop-ups a nuisance, simply ignore them or explore options to disable them if available. While Microsoft might not give up on promoting Edge, you have the power to decide which browser best suits your needs.