Browser Choice Alliance

Consumers deserve the freedom to choose their desktop browser. Microsoft uses manipulative designs and coercive tactics to force users back to Edge, violating their digital freedom and user experience. Learn more about Microsoft's dark practices and how you can help stop them: bit.ly/4i1NQSh

"Most of the 2024 patterns are still there. The 2026 patterns are worse." A new @mozilla.org blog highlights how Microsoft continues to play the system, respecting people’s choices only when it’s legally required. PC users deserve better. Read more: bit.ly/3UbDxoQ

Confusing prompts, forced defaults, and hidden settings are just a few ways Microsoft manipulates user choice. We champion a web where choice belongs to everyone. Learn more: bit.ly/4dd8hw2

At last week’s @londonwebstandards.org's event, Gerardo Proaño discussed initiatives spanning the EU, UK and Brazil to advance browser choice— and how firsthand consumer testimonies can help regulators enforce effective regulation. #LWSSept2026 Learn more: bit.ly/3TJKoWg

Microsoft deliberately engineered its operating system to make installing an alternative browser on Windows difficult. This is what it looks and feels like to be a PC user trying to choose your own browser:

Microsoft’s older user base is the most likely to experience higher confusion and complexity when navigating default browser settings. Over half of Windows PC users aged 65+ do not feel confident in their ability to change their default browser from Edge. Read more: bit.ly/4xc882U

Global PC shipments are increasing every year, and Microsoft is ensuring Edge is set as the default on every device. Through its "Jumpstart" program, it revokes Windows license discounts for PC manufacturers if they preinstall a competing browser. Read on: bit.ly/4is2TZn

From everyday PC users to leading tech voices like @tomwarren.co.uk, the consensus is clear: Microsoft’s anticompetitive tactics are harmful to the user experience.

When you set a default browser, it should stick. "The Reset Trap" details how Microsoft repeatedly undermines user choice by continuously pushing Edge — even after alternative preferences are set. Learn more: bit.ly/4qz0Vs4

The EU General Court is letting Microsoft Edge off the hook from strict DMA rules—even though it met all the requirements to be regulated as a gatekeeper. The @ec.europa.eu needs to reassess Edge’s gatekeeper status. Read the full breakdown: bit.ly/3VjJTCD

The EU General Court kept Windows PC users stuck with the status quo by not designating Edge as a gatekeeper, despite a stronger case than ever. We support the Commission in any reassessment of Edge’s gatekeeper status, one that gives users the freedom to choose their own browser.

The "Browser Choice Gap" exposes a glaring disconnect between Microsoft and its users. Despite clear preferences for alternative browsers, Microsoft continues to aggressively push Edge. Learn more: bit.ly/3U8aVN0

"The Complexity Barrier": A wall of friction deterring users from accessing their browser of choice. This includes a series of redirects and prompts, broken links, confusing processes and unwanted switchbacks. Learn more: bit.ly/4hBqZjY

Microsoft is testing a new way to push mobile users toward Edge, and people aren’t thrilled. Or is just overreacting to unlocking what is a cosmetic feature? www.windowscentral.com/software-app...

A new report from @antitrustintel.bsky.social highlights how Microsoft is leveraging its market dominance to impede competition as the PC sector expands. Read our take: bit.ly/4g6XQvY

"Microsoft can do better than this." A recent @techradar.com article covered the BCA’s consumer survey of 2,000 US adults who own a Windows PC, and the results are undeniable. Read the article: bit.ly/4zoVAaU

72% of Windows users who tried changing default browsers in the past 1-2 years reported encountering challenges. Our recent consumer survey underscores the obstacles PC users experience when attempting to switch to their preferred browser. Learn more: bit.ly/4wzkAtl

"Microsoft has made a calculated decision to get aggressive." In a new blog, Gene Burrus highlights how the company leverages its dominant operating system to get ahead, rather than to create an optimal experience for its users. Read it here: bit.ly/4pYGkgr

It’s not a glitch: Microsoft can override your default browser without your knowledge or permission. This deliberately manipulates how millions of people worldwide access and experience the internet.

Tech influencers voiced their frustrations with Microsoft’s deceptive tactics in a recent @linusmediagroup.com video. Watch it here: bit.ly/4wZrIzY

Dark patterns in Windows are steering users to Edge: Mozilla-commissioned report

Microsoft overrides your preferences like that one colleague who 'just made a few small edits' to your finished report — and somehow changed everything without your permission.

Even tech influencers are noticing Microsoft’s deceptive, anti-consumer behaviors. In a recent @linusmediagroup.com video, @linussebastian.bsky.social notes Microsoft "doesn’t take no for an answer." Watch it here: bit.ly/44uXc4D

In response to the CMA's eventual Strategic Market Status (SMS) designation of Microsoft’s business software system, over 25+ organizations are voicing their concerns around Microsoft’s anti-competitive practices, highlighting broad support for intervention. Read more: bit.ly/4ydLYzd

Your OS has no business interfering with your browser choice. Learn more: bit.ly/4vhHDs0

So nice of them to provide their users with choice 🙃

No matter where you go or what you do, Microsoft pop-ups just won’t go away.

Recent coverage highlighting the CMA’s investigation into #Microsoft amplifies its history of utilizing manipulative tactics to influence users' choice of internet browser, and how this behavior has the potential to carry over to the #AI space. Read more: bit.ly/4uUQ0td

Industry voices aren’t willing to let #Microsoft continue with its deceptive practices towards consumers. Neither are we. The BCA is ready to support the move towards a Strategic Market Status designation, as highlighted by @theregister.com. Read more: bit.ly/4xOjUlK

Changing your browser shouldn’t feel like a day at Macrofirm.

Browsers are a part of everyday life, and allow users to access the web. When a user’s choice is disrespected, it negatively affects the user experience. Everyone deserves the right to choose: bit.ly/4uBUbKp

ICYMI: Our open letter to Satya Nadella directly calls on Microsoft to respect users’ choice in selecting their preferred browser. Read it on @politico.com: bit.ly/3Qwy9uB

Satya Nadella — we have a message for you. Read our open letter to @microsoft.com here: bit.ly/4e1gcw1

Hmmm looks like a recent update (assuming a windows update??) automatically switched edge to my default browser and also set the xbox app to automatically launch on startup with no way for me to change the setting (when I click the option, nothing happens) seems bad, to me

The BCA welcomes the CMA investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem — an important step towards addressing Microsoft’s longstanding anticompetitive behaviors. Read our full statement here: bit.ly/4dYa3Sk

Browsers are the gateway to the internet and a key enabler of other important services, such as AI and productivity tools. That’s why we’re fighting for users’ ability to choose their own browser — to rightfully control their experience online. Learn more: bit.ly/4to55mV

Your browser, your choice. At least that’s what the experience should be. We’re holding Microsoft accountable for failing to respect user choice and instead, acting in its own interest. Learn more: bit.ly/4tjUMAM

"It makes it harder for alternatives to compete when a company uses its reach and control to steer people back into its own products." Microsoft continues using dark patterns that prioritize its own interests over user experience. Read @mozilla.org's article: bit.ly/4cqTn4e

Microsoft is being hit with a second investigation from the CMA on reports of limiting competition ​by charging licensing fees when its services were used on rival platforms. Read the @reuters.com story here: bit.ly/4bXWHok

Our goal is simple: It shouldn’t be this difficult to use your browser of choice. Learn more: bit.ly/4bXAwyE

We applaud the CMA's decision to open an investigation into Microsoft’s business software, including Windows OS, productivity and other software. Read our official statement: bit.ly/4sdVoqd

The BCA stands for a digital world where everyone is free to choose the browser that best serves them. Learn more about what we stand for — and why it matters: bit.ly/4to55mV

Just when you thought you’ve successfully changed your default web browser, Windows opens the next link in Edge. It’s time Microsoft is held accountable for continuing to disrespect user choice.

The Browser Choice Alliance applauds the @imco.europarl.europa.eu motion to require Microsoft to provide “effective user choice and a fair and contestable environment for third-party providers” on its Windows PC operating system under the DMA. Learn more: bit.ly/47pxtfU

Hear CEO of Astian Foundation, Alfonso Hernández, speak to how Windows tricks its users into sticking with Edge as default on PCs.

Ever had a hairdresser who doesn’t listen? Feels an awful lot like trying to pick your browser on a Windows PC.

"Microsoft has always used Bing.com... to push the Edge browser, particularly when you search for Chrome." A new article highlights Microsoft’s anti-competitive behaviors — this time Bing aggressively pushing Copilot when users search for rival LLMs. Read more: bit.ly/475TaS4

Microsoft is rolling out a Copilot update to Windows Insiders that embeds web browsing directly into the assistant, opening links in Edge rather than honoring a user’s default browser. Get the latest in a recent article from @theregister.com: bit.ly/4sM5qQ5

A quintessential Microsoft tactic — using dark patterns to push its own products, rather than respecting consumers' choices.

The @oecd-ocde.bsky.social Competition Open Day 2026 brought insightful discussions on merger control, AI and competition remedies with a clear takeaway: protecting competition and consumer choice on PCs matters more than ever in the age of generative AI.