As highlighted by the folks over at The Verge, Microsoft seems to be abusing its automatic updates feature by forcing Windows users to install its new Chromium Edge browser. What’s even worse, users can’t even uninstall the Edge browser any longer following the intrusive update.
A Windows 10 update forces a full screen @MicrosoftEdge window, which cannot be closed from the taskbar, or CTRL W, or even ALT F4. You must press “get started,” then the X, and even then it pops up a welcome screen. And pins itself to the taskbar. pic.twitter.com/mEhEbqpIc7
— Taran Quarantino (@TaranVH)
Here’s what’s happening to Windows 10 users:
When I restarted my Windows 10 desktop this week, an app I’d never asked for:
- Immediately launched itself
- Tried to convince me to migrate away from Chrome, giving me no discernible way to click away or say no
- Pinned itself to my desktop and taskbar
- Ignored my previous browser preference by asking me — the next time I launched a website — whether I was sure I wanted to use Chrome instead of Microsoft’s oh-so-humble recommendation.
Numerous other angry Windows users are also railing against the fact that this came as part of a forced Windows update. Below are some examples from Twitter:
My PC just force shutdown to install Microsoft edge. Losing at least an hour of drawing. Thank you @Microsoft
No one is gonna use you’re shitty excuse for a browser, no matter how much you force it.— richie 🍏 (@paperichie)
If windows 7 isn’t supported then why did my Work machine automatically install Microsoft EDGE last night 😐
— DJ_Uchuu – Silicon Dreams Comin’ 3rd July 👀👀 (@DjUchuu)
“We care about your privacy” Microsoft Edge says as it quietly installs on my computer, opens up in the morning, and once more reminds me that Windows 7 sucks and plz update to the other O/S.
Never change, Microsoft.
— I’m To Blame (@im2blame4)
*wakes up and discovers they not only decided to install Edge on my computer without my consent but also pinned it to my taskbar* …no. NO
— ᴍeadow w👀f🌿 (@gothfundme)
