The Fight against Microsoft's Monopoly on browser Control... 😤😡

Microsoft prevents consumers from finding and using the browser they want on Windows PCs.January 20, 2025

At every turn, Microsoft uses dark patterns, technical roadblocks, and deception to stop consumers accessing the browser they want or setting it as default!

The Fight against Microsoft's Monopoly on browser Control on the Windows platform

Windows is the leading desktop operating system, with over 70% of desktops using Windows globally according to StatCounter. As of January 2022, 1.4 billion monthly active devices ran Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the number of devices running Windows 11 more than doubled in 2023. Microsoft accomplished this with forced mandatory Windows updates and not by user's choice!

Browsers are a key enabler of other important services such as AI, and productivity tools, and the browser market has great potential, with direct economic impact. Desktop continues to be an important way for users to access the internet and apps, as well as for developers to be found by users.

This is especially true in the important educational and enterprise contexts. However, Microsoft restricts the ability of rival software to compete on Windows by creating onerous restrictions for competitors that frustrate consumer choice.

Microsoft’s tactics

Windows is the leading desktop operating system, with over 70% market share globally according to StatCounter. This power has allowed Microsoft to restrict the ability of rival software to compete on Windows by creating deceptive restrictions against competitors.

At every turn, Microsoft uses dark patterns, technical roadblocks, and deception to stop consumers accessing the browser they want or setting it as default.

This includes:

• Creating hurdles for downloading a different browser
• Changing users’ default settings back to Edge during regular updates
• Preventing independant browsers to be registered as the default browser on Windows
• Force-opening links in Microsoft’s own services (Teams/ Outlook etc) into Edge or Bing
• Coercive messaging around browser choice, encouraging users to “restore Microsoft recommended browser settings”.

The importance of Internet browsers

Browsers are the gateway to the Internet, and they also enable a wide range of other important services – from AI to productivity tools and more. These services directly impact many lives and livelihoods globally as part of the greater Internet economy.

Particularly in education and enterprise, the use of browsers on desktop computers remains and will likely continue to be a fundamental part of user experiences for years to come. That’s why promoting fair competition on browsers is essential: as technologies continue to evolve, competition ensures innovation and choice for consumers.

Microsoft Edge as a Gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act

Through dark patterns, technical roadblocks and deception, Microsoft prevents consumers from finding and using the browser they want and setting it as their preferred default on Windows PCs. These actions affect not just browser developers, but the entire web ecosystem.

There has been a rising chorus of complaints about Microsoft’s practices. In July 2024, Opera filed an appeal against the European Commission’s decision not to designate Microsoft Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act, and several browsers supported that appeal publicly.

Better Alternatives with high security and perfomance...

SSuite NetSurfer Extreme is a cutting-edge browser that combines high performance, robust security, and exceptional customization options. Designed for users who prioritize speed, reliability, and flexibility, this browser offers a seamless online experience while ensuring top-notch security features.

With its lightning-fast page load times and smooth navigation, SSuite NetSurfer Extreme excels in both everyday browsing and demanding tasks. It maximizes efficiency without sacrificing user experience, all while maintaining a strong focus on online safety.

The browser is built on the Chromium platform, guaranteeing enhanced performance and security across all Windows systems. Regular monthly updates keep it at the forefront of security and performance, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date browsing experience.

SSuite NetSurfer browsers are based on the WIN32 API, unlike browsers built on the DotNet or WPF framework... 🤔 😏

Quote from Microsoft's website:

“...The Win32 API platform is the choice for applications that need the highest level of performance and direct access to system hardware...”

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How Microsoft Impedes Free Browser Choice:

Creating hurdles for users downloading a different browser. Often, misleading pop-up screens, warnings and excessive and confusing steps are initiated by Windows and Edge when consumers want to download and install an alternative browser, limiting choice and innovative solutions.

Creating hurdles for users to set their preferred browser as default

Consumers experience difficulties when opening different file types with their preferred browser. In this example, a user had “Edge” by default and decided to switch to use SSuite NetSurfer. Despite setting SSuite NetSurfer as a default browser, Edge remained the default browser to open some file types such as pdf which will still open with Edge. This undermines the consumer’s choice, affects their experience, and leads them to question the quality of service from SSuite Software.

Creating hurdles for users downloading a different browser

Edge users interested in downloading a different browser (SSuite NetSurfer in this example), experience unnecessary pop-ups with ads inviting them to keep using Microsoft Edge as a direct recommendation from Microsoft, or giving a download danger warning message when being downloaded by the user. This type of message or notifications will create confusion or hesitation for users.

Anyone who uses Windows should experience:

• Respect for the user’s choice of defaults. Users should be able to easily choose and keep their preferred default browser and other software.
• No deceptive or manipulative tactics impeding user choice.
• Misleading tactics or use of dark patterns should not be employed to discourage or impede users from using their preferred browser or software.
• Preventing third-party browsers from setting themselves as the default browsers using hidden/unpublished Windows APIs.

Why consumer choice should be respected

For the last decade, Microsoft has been using a variety of shifting tactics, including dark patterns and misleading user interfaces, to hinder consumers from reliably accessing their preferred browser or setting it as a default. In the face of consumer backlash, Microsoft merely responds by shifting to new tactics designed to achieve the same end.

This harms consumer choice and undermines competition. It’s time for regulators to intervene!

. . . Live Free and Without Fear . . .

SSuite NetSurfer Extreme

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