GoKawiilReport commissioned by Browser Choice Alliance lists 10 Edge dark patterns in Windows
The Browser Choice Alliance, a group of rival browser makers, commissioned the Behavioural Insights Team to study Microsoft's tactics for keeping users on Edge. The resulting report identifies 10 'dark patterns,' including ads that discourage downloading rival browsers, incomplete default-browser switches, Windows S mode restrictions, and links in Widgets, Search, lock screens, Outlook and Teams that open in Edge regardless of a user's chosen default.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings could bolster regulatory arguments, especially in the EU and UK, that Microsoft is undermining browser choice despite antitrust scrutiny of default settings. Because the report was funded by competing browser makers, its conclusions may face scrutiny over bias, even though the specific behaviors described are testable and observable in Windows. If regulators act on these findings, Microsoft could face pressure to redesign how Windows handles default browser settings.
- The Browser Choice Alliance commissioned the Behavioural Insights Team to study Microsoft's browser practices.
- The report lists 10 dark patterns Microsoft allegedly uses to keep users on Edge, including incomplete default switches and forced links in Windows features.
- The findings could feed into antitrust or regulatory debates over browser competition on Windows.
Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “Microsoft's tricks to keep users on Edge detailed in new report identifying 10 "dark patterns"”
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