Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge

Basic Information
Release Year	2020-01-15
Product Type	Web browser
In Production	Yes
Official Website	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge

Microsoft Edge is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.^[1] However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.^{[citation needed]}

Microsoft discourages people from switching to a different web browser. Edge is set as the default browser in Windows, and is sometimes automatically re-installed when Windows updates occur.^{[2] [3]} When attempting to install Google Chrome, for example, Edge displays text telling people "There's no need to download a new web browser", among other things. ^[4] Microsoft also hosts a page on their website with the URL "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/uninstall-edge", suggesting this is a guide to uninstall the browser. However, the page is actually titled "Are you sure you want to uninstall Microsoft Edge?" and attempts to convince the reader that Edge is worth using, misleading readers. ^{[5] [6]} All of these methods try to keep Edge installed on a person's computer and try to maximize the chances that person uses Edge.

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.^{[citation needed]} While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.^{[citation needed]}

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.^{[citation needed]} Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.^{[citation needed]}

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.^{[citation needed]} This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.^{[citation needed]}

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser.^{[citation needed]}

• Chromium
• Firefox
• Microsoft