I like Microsoft Edge; I don't like Microsoft's attitude towards Microsoft Edge. In case you haven't tried Edge lately, Microsoft has made incredible strides with this browser, making it lighter and more functional than ever. Yet, it is odd that this Windows maker seems to be shrugging its shoulders at users who want to switch to Chrome.

Changing browsers in Windows was already a hassle, but Microsoft is making it even harder.

Baffling to say the least.

Neowin reported on Microsoft's new tactic, which is passive-aggressive even by modern online standards: when you open Edge and try to download Chrome (on a new computer, for example), various pop-ups appear in the upper right corner.

"Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.

"That browser is so 2008!" exclaims another. 'You know what's new, Microsoft Edge? (The "Nice to meet you, kids" energy this kid exudes is quite brilliant.)

Pop-ups like this are not the only way Microsoft tries to discourage people from switching to Chrome: a search for "Chrome" or "browser" on Bing (Edge's default search engine) will bring up a warning at the top of the page, saying "You are already browsing with Microsoft Edge" or "You do not need to download a new web browser."

Having been able to replicate Neowin's findings, it seems that Microsoft is going all out with its "embarrass your users" strategy. It is bold, if nothing else.

Microsoft has already made it a pain to switch to Chrome after installing the program, even more painful when you know that Chrome brings features that can help you save money when shopping online. Whenever I try to switch my default browser to Chrome, Windows prompts me to check Edge first. Microsoft has made it even harder to avoid the Edge browser in Windows 11, forcing Windows 11 users to open system-level web links in Edge instead of instead actively shutting down a fan-made workaround that allows them to choose their own browser.

Microsoft's commitment to Edge is so frustrating because the company doesn't need to use such heavy-handed sales tactics; Edge is a superior browser, arguably even better than Chrome. In our tests, Edge routinely performs better than Chrome in terms of resource management, not to mention speed and reliability. Microsoft is now making streamed Xbox games look better in Edge, and since Edge runs on Chromium, it inherits all the features we like in Chrome.

Indeed, many users are so familiar with Chrome that they will continue to use it no matter what. But did you know? That's the beauty of a Windows PC; Windows is not a walled garden like macOS. Windows doesn't tell you which programs to run or how to manage your online resources; Chrome's popularity was born out of straightforwardness, and if users want to stick with Chrome, that's up to them.

Microsoft is right, users should try Edge and not stick with Chrome out of mere habit. But there is something often said about loving something and being free to do so. If Edge is as good as Microsoft thinks it is, users should be free to discover it.