It's time to play fair, Microsoft

The problem of automatically forcibly replacing the default browser with Edge when updating the operating system to Windows 10 is well known and much has been said about it. I refrained from commenting on this subject, but my patience ran out.

Microsoft has repeatedly been caught using dirty tricks to fight competitors, but now I want to talk about how this behavior creates problems for users - ordinary people who use modern technology in everyday life. How does a similar situation affect them?

A few days ago an old acquaintance called me. She got into a situation that turned into a serious problem for her. It all started with the fact that the operating system on her computer was updated from Windows 8 to Windows 10 - in addition to the desire of the hostess of the computer and without her consent. Further, worse: the default browser used earlier by default was replaced by Edge for no reason, and no one asked for the user's desire.

I understand that Microsoft is concerned about the low popularity of Edge, but instead of making a better and more convenient browser, they prefer to impose their software product on people in the most unforgivable way.

Each time you upgrade your operating system to Windows 10, Edge is forced to be the default browser. The same thing happens when you install any other browser on the system - for some reason, this leads to the appointment of Edge as the main system browser. Not a new browser, or even the browser that was used by the main browser up to this point.

Microsoft has complicated the process of restoring the default browser for people who are new to the technical side of the issue. My 72-year-old acquaintance was not able to do this, despite all her efforts.

Our goal as technology companies is to provide the best software to their users. At the same time, we must accept the fact that some users will prefer to use applications created by other companies. Our duty is to be honest with users, and it is this approach that should drive technological progress and develop new technologies. If we deprive users of the right to choose and forcefully limit their preferences, there will be no progress. Only efforts to create quality products should drive us in our quest to be the best.

That is why we created the Vivaldi browser - to enable users to decide for themselves how they want to work on the network. Microsoft is simply imposing its Edge browser on users.

So, I want to ask Microsoft: where did the absolute right of the user to free choice go?

It's time to play fair, Microsoft. Stop grabbing the default browser, accept the users choice and compete on the merits.


Jon von Techner, CEO, Vivaldi

[ Original article ]