Microsoft Accused of Using 10 Dark Patterns to Push Edge on Windows 11

The Browser Choice Alliance (BCA) has accused Microsoft of using 10 dark patterns in Windows to push users toward Edge and discourage them from choosing competing browsers.

According to Neowin, the allegations come from a 46-page report prepared by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) and commissioned by BCA, a coalition that includes Google, Vivaldi, BrowserWorks, and Opera.

The report argues that Microsoft uses Windows settings, system integrations, and promotional messages to influence browser choices, often making it harder for users to switch to their preferred browser.

Researchers identify 10 ways Microsoft pushes Edge

The report identifies 10 practices that allegedly discourage users from switching away from Microsoft Edge.

• Promotional banners: Microsoft displays Edge advertisements when users search for competing browsers.
• Default app restrictions: Changing the default browser doesn’t automatically update every file association, including PDFs.
• Windows S mode: Users face restrictions on installing competing browsers.
• Windows Search: Web results open in Edge, even when users select another default browser.
• Widgets and Lock Screen: Certain links open in Edge instead of the preferred browser.
• News and Interests: Links from this Windows feature open in Edge.
• Outlook and Teams: Links can open in Edge unless users change the relevant settings.
• Third-party workarounds: Microsoft has blocked tools such as EdgeDeflector that redirect links to other browsers.
• Browser tabs: The report alleges that Windows can reopen tabs from competing browsers in Edge during login.
• Default browser resets: Researchers claim some Windows updates can restore Edge as the default browser.

BIT argues that these practices become particularly problematic when users encounter several of them at once. Together, they can make switching browsers more frustrating and influence users who haven’t yet developed a browser preference.

The report also notes that users in the European Economic Area face fewer restrictions, although some practices reportedly remain in place.

Microsoft faces renewed criticism over browser choice

This isn’t the first time the Browser Choice Alliance has criticized Microsoft’s browser strategy.

An earlier survey found that many Windows 11 users struggled to change their default browser, while the Browser Choice Alliance previously called for changes to Microsoft’s Edge promotion practices.

Mozilla has also accused Microsoft of limiting browser choice on Windows, raising similar concerns about how the operating system favors Edge.

However, the latest report has an important limitation. BIT conducted the research on behalf of the Browser Choice Alliance, which also supplied evidence for the investigation. The findings therefore represent an assessment commissioned by Microsoft’s competitors rather than an independent regulatory investigation.

Nevertheless, the report adds to growing criticism of how Microsoft integrates Edge into Windows and whether users have enough control over their default browser.