Microsoft Edge Bing's new tactic tries to steer users away from Chrome again

Microsoft has once again targeted Google Chrome. Now, when users search for Chrome Web Store on Bing within Edge, they are greeted with a pop-up message encouraging them to stay on Edge and use its extensions instead of switching to Chrome.

The pop-up message reads as below:

Enjoy your favorite extensions without switching browsers. Keep using to get world-class performance with more privacy, more productivity, and more value. Try now.

Clicking the Try Now message in the promotional banner takes users directly to the Edge Add-ons Store. This is definitely a new tactic from Microsoft to discourage users from using Chrome extensions and promote Edge extensions available on the Edge Add-ons Store instead.

Microsoft offers a variety of extensions and themes on its own Edge Add-ons Store. However, it’s not as popular as the Chrome Web Store. Interestingly, Edge also provides options to find themes and extensions from the Chrome Web Store in its settings.

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has used such tactics to discourage users from downloading Google Chrome or using Google-related services. Over the past few years, Edge has followed various strategies, including pop-ups, banners, and even aggressive prompts, urging users to reconsider before making the switch.

Despite Edge’s strong integration with Windows, many users still prefer Google Chrome. In response, Microsoft has implemented several methods to promote Edge. These include prompting users to reconsider when they attempt to download Chrome and displaying messages that highlight Edge’s advantages over Chrome, such as better battery efficiency and security.

Now, Microsoft is altering the Bing search results and adding pop-ups to keep users within the Edge ecosystem. Since Bing is the default search engine in the Edge browser, Microsoft has the leeway to try out these tactics.

Google, on the other hand, has also been known to nudge users towards Chrome when using its services in other browsers. However, Microsoft’s tactics within Edge appear to be more aggressive.

The battle between Edge and Chrome is not over yet. Microsoft’s latest pop-up could be another move in the ongoing rivalry. Will these tactics help Edge grow, or will they push users further away? Only time will tell.

Recently, we’ve noticed that Microsoft is redesigning the Edge Add-ons Store to improve user experience and make it easier to find extensions and themes. Additionally, Microsoft is working to bring incoming call notifications to Edge web Apps.

What’s your take on Microsoft’s promotions so far for Edge over Chrome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.