Google Chrome’s position as the leading browser has been unshaken, and Microsoft’s attempts to boost Edge’s popularity haven’t gone unnoticed. Since shifting Edge to the Chromium engine, Microsoft has employed tactics like making Edge the default for certain links and, as of this year, even “accidentally” pulling tabs from Chrome due to a data import bug. Now, a recent Edge update is raising eyebrows yet again, with changes that some users may find invasive.
As reported by The Verge, this new update triggers Edge to start up automatically with Windows and prompts a pop-up asking users to import data from other browsers. By default, the pop-up is set to regularly import data, including open tabs, browsing history, and bookmarks, from Chrome. For users who click through quickly, this could mean Edge continuously pulls data from Chrome, making it easier to transition to Edge—intentionally or not. Microsoft confirmed the pop-up’s intent, describing it as a notification meant to offer the option to import data. Microsoft spokesperson Caitlin Roulston noted that users can disable this setting if they wish.
If you’ve enabled this by accident, here’s how to switch it off:
- Open Edge and go to Settings.
- Select the Profiles tab in the left panel.
- In Profile settings, click on Import browser data.
- Under “Import data from Google Chrome,” locate Import browsing data at each browser launch.
- Toggle Import browser data from Google Chrome on each launch to Off.
Many users find this type of push for Edge frustrating. While the browser has made strides in performance and unique features, Microsoft’s aggressive promotion tactics risk alienating users. Whether Microsoft will reevaluate this approach remains to be seen, but these tactics continue to draw skepticism and resistance from users.