Microsoft Windows starts warning users if they try to download Google’s Chrome browser

Microsoft has started stalking Windows users if they try to download rival browser Chrome.

If users go to the page to download Chrome on their Windows computer, they will see a series of pop-ups that kindly reprimand them for trying to download Google’s alternative.

Instead, they are encouraged to use Microsoft’s built-in Edge browser.

The notifications appear differently than normal Edge notifications and as such appear to have been coded in Windows itself. They show up on both Windows 10 and 11.

Some of the prompts are drier, simply stating that Edge is a better browser and users should download it. “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with added confidence from Microsoft,” it reads.

Others aim for a more pleasant approach, even going so far as to make jokes about Google’s browser.

“’I hate saving money,’ no one ever said. Microsoft Edge is the best browser for online shopping,” it reads.

“This browser is so 2008! Do you know what’s new? Microsoft Edge,” said another.

Google displays similar messages when users are on Edge and accessing its own services, such as Gmail. But these appear as normal website alerts, rather than coming from the service itself.