Microsoft Edge is more and more aggressively snatching your open tabs from Google Chrome in an try to get you to change. The brand new Microsoft Edge has proven to be an excellent browser since its launch in 2020, however Microsoft has by no means stopped aggressively pushing Edge over competing browsers, primarily Chrome. Google and Microsoft have been at odds over this matter for years; Microsoft even briefly hid the Home windows 11 default browser’s choices.
The Verge reported that after updating a Home windows laptop, Microsoft Edge would immediately launch and show each tab open in Google Chrome on the identical system. Though Edge has by no means requested to sync knowledge with Chrome and hasn’t been utilized on that laptop. The identical factor occurred on one other machine after an improve and a system restore. One other technique Microsoft is utilizing, which is beginning to obtain discover this week, is to have Edge copy your whole open tabs from Google Chrome so chances are you’ll resume the place you left off for those who finish your self in Edge.
Transferring knowledge from Chrome to Edge every time browser is used
With the newest Home windows upgrades, Microsoft seems to be making larger use of an already-existing function that transfers knowledge from Chrome to Edge every time the browser is used.
Customers of Microsoft Edge can “import browser knowledge on every launch.” Though customers can disable the function by means of Edge’s settings (edge://settings/profiles/importBrowsingData), Microsoft is now forcing customers to allow it following Home windows updates.
this put up bothered me for days so I reinstalled Home windows ++ confirmed that there’s an obscure setting to sync Chrome knowledge into Edge (+ it’s shared to MSFT for those who’re signed-in & sync your shopping knowledge) — to show it off, open Edge then: edge://settings/profiles/importBrowsingData pic.twitter.com/SiBmDsD8oT
— Zach Edwards 🔗infosec.trade/@thezedwards (@thezedwards) January 26, 2024
Zach Edwards on Twitter/X discovered that, throughout post-update setup, Home windows has added a brand new choice turned on by default, which is described as saying: “Along with your affirmation, Microsoft Edge will often herald knowledge from different browsers out there in your Home windows system. This knowledge contains your favorites, shopping historical past, cookies, autofill knowledge, extensions, settings, and different shopping knowledge.”
After giving clients a quick clarification on learn how to disable this, Microsoft prompts them to approve the conduct and offers a “Not Now” choice on a distinct display. Some customers have noticed that Edge continues to import Chrome knowledge every time it launches — even when this import setting is turned off. Though many individuals have seen this conduct, Microsoft has not responded to requests for data or to remark.
Featured Picture Credit score: Photograph by Neon Joi; Pexels
