The landscape of web browsers sees constant changes in terms of features and performance, with each offering trying to outdo the other in being the choice of web browser for the masses.
That fight has been pretty much one-sided thanks to the utter dominance of Google Chrome, with other browsers being miles behind in terms of user adoption. Microsoft Edge took the fight to Chrome starting 2020 with a Chromium remake, and things looked in favor of it, at least when compared with other non-Chromium browsers.
Nevertheless, Chrome still prevails as the most popular web browser, for both mobile and desktop. Though, a recent report reveals some bad news for Microsoft Edge's desktop market share.
What's Happening With Microsoft Edge?
According to the November 2024 survey on global desktop browser market share by Statcounter, Microsoft Edge has seen a 0.69% decline to 12.87% when compared to October 2024, when it had a 13.56% share.
When you take in data from November 2023-November 2024, you will find that Edge hasn't been able to gnaw at Chrome's desktop market share all that much, with some notable peaks in months like July 2024, August 2024, and September 2024.
Many, including myself, believe that the aggressive/malicious tactics used by Microsoft to force people into using Edge are one of the key reasons behind such slow adoption of the browser.
They have been reported to pull stunts like stealing data from other browsers, changing the default web browser to Edge after updates, and using deceptive pop-ups to mislead users, nudging them to “enhance their browsing experience with Copilot”. There are plenty of other instances of such devious moves by Microsoft over on Reddit and X too.
Interestingly, there is now a new advocacy group in Europe, the Browser Choice Alliance, that is pushing the European Commission to treat Microsoft Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The alliance includes the likes of Google Chrome, Vivaldi, Opera, Wavebox, and Waterfox, who have raised objections that Microsoft is employing dark patterns, technical roadblocks, and deception to prevent users from finding and using the browser they want.
They are calling for immediate intervention from regulators across the world to address the issue. Only time will tell what comes out of this campaign, but at the moment, Microsoft does not seem to be stopping anytime soon with their unethical tactics.
Closing Thoughts
I think Microsoft has done this to itself. Even though the dip in numbers is minute, when you see the overall performance of Edge in terms of user reception, they are highly lacking in it.
Rather than strong-arming people into using their product, maybe they could simply work on making the browser better? Doing such shady things will only drive users away from Edge in the long term, not towards.
Suggested Read 📖
Ankush Das
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