It’s no secret that Google Chrome has long dominated the browser market. That dominance, built over years—especially during the decline of Internet Explorer—has been difficult for competitors to shake. Microsoft has steadily improved Edge, adding new features and polishing performance, which has helped it slowly gain market share.
However, Microsoft isn’t relying solely on improvements to Edge itself. The company has also taken an aggressive approach to promoting its browser, especially when users search for Chrome in Bing. A recent discovery shows just how far Microsoft is willing to go in convincing users to give Edge a chance.
Microsoft’s New Tactic: A Comparison Table
When users search for Chrome in Bing, they’re greeted not just with results for Google’s browser, but also with a large promotional card from Microsoft. The message reads: “Everything you need is here.” Microsoft highlights that Edge runs on the same underlying technology as Chrome but includes “extra” features from Microsoft.
Alongside this, Bing displays a comparison table that pits Edge against Chrome. The table emphasizes Edge’s additional offerings—such as an integrated VPN, AI-powered personalization, and the Microsoft Rewards program—painting Edge as the clear winner.
A Screen Filled With Ads
The promotional push doesn’t stop at a single message. The advertisement nearly covers the search results page, making it hard to ignore. Microsoft also provides quick links to popular sites like YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Netflix, further blending Edge promotion with user convenience.
Even when visiting Chrome’s official download page through Edge, users encounter floating messages reminding them that Edge is built on the same technology as Chrome, “but with added features.”
And it doesn’t end there. As soon as Chrome begins downloading, another banner appears at the top of the window with the same message—reinforcing the idea that you don’t need to switch browsers at all.
Helpful or Harassing?
There’s no doubt that Edge has improved dramatically over time. It’s faster, more reliable, and packed with features like built-in security tools, AI enhancements, and a smoother user interface. Many users who give Edge a chance find it more than capable of competing with Chrome.
But the way Microsoft is promoting Edge has sparked criticism. Instead of relying on the browser’s strengths to attract new users, the company is overwhelming people with ads and reminders at every step of the process. For many, the approach feels intrusive—even desperate.
Microsoft Edge has come a long way and genuinely deserves recognition as a modern, feature-rich browser. But aggressive advertising tactics, especially when users are actively searching for Chrome, risk alienating the very audience Microsoft wants to win over.
Improving the browser itself has already yielded positive results; perhaps giving users the freedom to choose without pressure would do even more for Edge’s reputation.
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