Windows 10 has a default web browser installed, it’s Microsoft Edge. However, market data shows that users prefer to download the dominant Google Chrome and to a lesser extent Mozilla Firefox. In an effort to entice more customers to Edge, Microsoft is reportedly embarking on a controversial method.
When Windows 10 October 2018 Update, the company will be more forceful in pushing users towards Microsoft Edge. A new feature called “App Suggestions” will be turned on for all users by default. This will result in a popup windows appearing when a third-party browser is installed.
The new popup will prompt users to try Microsoft Edge before installing a third-party browser. At the moment, it seems that the popup is tied to the Microsoft Store. It is worth noting that users can turn off App Suggestions by heading to Windows Settings app.
Also worthy of consideration is the fact the popup does not stop you from downloading the third-party. Still, it is definitely another step towards Microsoft forcing users to at least test Edge.
We wondered if App Suggestions would be in place for other Microsoft services, but it does not seem to work just year. We guess the company will expand the feature to other apps. For example, if you try to install a productivity app, Windows 10 will suggest you try Office first.
There’s a Choice
If you don’t want this feature, you will be able to turn it off by heading to “Apps & Features” in the Settings app. Again, this will be introduced in Windows 10 version 1803, the October 2018 Update, so you won’t see it yet.
While Microsoft wants more Windows 10 users to embrace Edge, we don’t think this tactic will help. Not least because users who are downloading Chrome or Firefox have already made their mind. Offering a mere suggesting is unlikely to change their opinion.
