Microsoft ‘recommends’ making Edge the default browser in Windows 11 using a 3D banner touting its built-in security features
Microsoft wants you to use Edge as the default browser in Windows 11.
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What you need to know
In the past few months, Microsoft has been spotted usingannoying full-screen multipage popup ads to get Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 10 is set to reach itsimminent end-of-support on October 14, 2025, which prompted Microsoft to issuea subtle reminderurging users to make the upgrade to avoid inconveniences in the future.
And as it now seems, Microsoft is back at it again. This time, the company is using annoying ads to try and get users to use Microsoft Edge as the default browser in Windows 11 (viaWindows Latest). The outlet stated that the company recently started using a 3D banner to ‘encourage’ users to transition toMicrosoft Edgeas the default browser.
It seems to be an experiment that Microsoft is currently testing with limited users, but it’s reportedly rolling out to more users with the Edge Stable version.
Microsoft Edge | Free
Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows. It’s based on Chromium, so it’s compatible with the vast majority of the web. There are several Insider versions of the browser, allowing you to test new features and provide feedback to Microsoft.
Aggressive ads won’t compel users to make Microsoft Edge the default browser, but debloating it might
I tried to investigate the issue to see whether I could replicate similar results. Indeed, Microsoft is using a banner to get users to use Microsoft Edge as the default browser in Windows 11. The banner states “Edge helps you stay safer online with built-in tools that keep you secure and your browsing data private.”
Upon clicking the Confirm button, you’ll be redirected to the settings app and required to click the Set default button to make Microsoft Edge the default browser in Windows 11.
However, clicking the Not Now button seemingly fixed the issue, as the ad banner disappeared. It didn’t reappear after relaunching the browser, either.
Mozilla placed Microsoft under fire forusing ‘harmful designs’ and deceptive tactics to give Edge a competitive advantageover other browsers on Windows. Microsoft Edge is arguably the best Windows 11 browser, but most people have openly indicated that it’s bloated with many features that might not be useful for everyone. Users are leveragingthird-party apps and scriptsto bypass some of these issues.
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Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
