Mozilla Says Microsoft Is Limiting Browser Choice on Windows

Mozilla has accused Microsoft of using aggressive design tactics to promote Edge and weaken browser choice on Windows. The Firefox developer says several Windows features make it harder for users to keep or restore competing browsers.

This is not the first time Mozilla has criticized Microsoft’s product-promotion practices. The company previously raised similar concerns about the way Microsoft promoted Copilot across Windows.

Mozilla Raises New Concerns About Edge Promotion

Mozilla says Microsoft continues to use Windows prompts, default settings, and interface designs that steer people toward Edge.

One recent example reportedly involves Microsoft Edge opening automatically when some users sign in to Windows 11. Mozilla argues that these actions can discourage users from returning to Firefox or installing another browser.

The company based its latest criticism on a newly published research study examining browser choice throughout the Windows user journey.

Study Identifies Manipulative Design Patterns

The Mozilla-funded study claims Microsoft uses several potentially harmful interface patterns to promote Edge.

Researchers identified practices including:

• Trick wording that makes choices unclear
• Extra steps that obstruct browser changes
• Visual designs that emphasize Microsoft’s preferred option
• Preselected settings that favor Edge
• Repeated prompts asking users to switch
• Actions that users must complete before continuing

According to Mozilla, these patterns do not simply advertise Edge. They influence how users make decisions and create additional friction for anyone trying to use a competing browser.

Microsoft has repeatedly promoted Edge through Windows notifications, Bing prompts, default-app settings, and messages that appear when users download another browser.

Windows Backup Could Reset Browser Choice

The study highlights the Windows Backup app’s impact on users upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Researchers say the process may not preserve a user’s default browser. Because third-party apps like Firefox are not transferred, Edge may be the only browser available after migration.

Mozilla argues this gives Edge an advantage, as some users may stick with the preinstalled option.

Firefox Could Lose Users During Windows 11 Migrations

Mozilla warns that this process could affect many Firefox users as they move to Windows 11.

While users can reinstall Firefox, doing so requires several steps, including downloading it through Edge and changing default settings, so some may choose to stay with Edge instead.

The company says this could reduce Firefox’s user base even among those who previously preferred it.

Windows 10 Support Extension Could Increase the Impact

Microsoft has extended Windows 10 Extended Security Updates through 2027, allowing users to receive security fixes beyond the standard support period.

Mozilla says this gradual migration to Windows 11 could give Windows Backup more chances to reset default browsers to Edge, potentially affecting Firefox over time.

Research Includes Important Limitations

Bear in mind that Mozilla has funded the study, so its findings may reflect its interests as a competing browser developer.

The research also found that Microsoft has improved browser-choice experiences in some regions, particularly in the European Economic Area, where regulatory changes have reduced certain Edge promotion practices.

Comparisons across regions suggest that browser-choice experiences vary by location and regulation.

Browser Choice Alliance Also Criticizes Microsoft

Mozilla is not the only organization challenging Microsoft’s treatment of competing browsers.

The Browser Choice Alliance recently sent an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The group raised concerns about Windows interface designs, default settings, and repeated prompts that favor Edge over rival browsers.

In other Firefox news, Mozilla is considering shortening its release schedule from four weeks to two weeks.