Microsoft has recently started to show advertisements for Microsoft Edge every time you search for a competing browser, and there is no way to prevent it.
When searching from the Start Menu for a competing web browser to launch, Windows 10 will display an ad that recommends users download the new Microsoft Edge.
When testing for search keywords that trigger the ads, BleepingComputer saw the ad when searching for the following keywords: firefox, chrome, opera, safari, and internet.
While there is nothing wrong with Microsoft promoting its new products, what people are upset about is that there is no way to disable the promotion.
What trying to disable these ads, BleepingComputer has tried the following:
- Disable Bing web search in Windows Search.
- Sources have told BleepingComputer that you can prevent this advertisement by disabling the Start Menu personalization setting titled 'Show suggestions occasionally in Start.' When we tested this, the advertisements continued to be shown.
- Used Fiddler to examine network traffic to see if a blockable request was being made to Microsoft.
Unfortunately, none of the above steps stop Microsoft from recommending Microsoft Edge in the Start Menu.
BleepingComputer has reached out to Microsoft to see if there is a way to disable this promotion but has not received a solution.
Comments
Shawnssurfingmedge - 3 years ago
I tried windows update a few times this week, I have no update there saying Edge update. I checked windows update history. What to do?
Lawrence Abrams - 3 years ago
This is a slow roll out. It will eventually get to you.
Shawnssurfingmedge - 3 years ago
Thanks, is there a eta. I can't wait for the update. Do you have it yet
Lawrence Abrams - 3 years ago
If you want Edge now, just download it here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge
Shawnssurfingmedge - 3 years ago
I know, if I install edge now. Would It be a one way thing. If I install it now, would I still get the update?
computerfixingtime - 3 years ago
This is just borderline adware!
Shawnssurfingmedge - 3 years ago
What do you mean? It's bad?
GaryLtd - 3 years ago
I disabled these ads by hiding windows search and using Classic shell.
Works very well and does not offer any stuff.
Lawrence Abrams - 3 years ago
You mean disabling Bing search integration?
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-disable-bing-search-in-the-windows-10-start-menu/
That does not seem to work by itself.
Some-Other-Guy - 3 years ago
Easy fix....
Disable Windows 10
Shawnssurfingmedge - 3 years ago
You just get the new edge.
Some-Other-Guy - 3 years ago
No, I don't!
KyleAyle - 3 years ago
This ad also appears if you're offline, no internet required at all.
But not all users get it. It might be limited to the US region, because it went away when I changed my location setting to a different country.
Also, I didn't see it on W10 Enterprise, but I did see it on W10 Pro.
Windows10User - 3 years ago
I've got the ad on an AD Connected Win10 Pro PC in the UK
Dave1949 - 3 years ago
I tried Edge and my desktop icons got re-arranged. Why? Uninstalled.
GT500 - 3 years ago
Start menu replacements like StartIsBack, Start10, and Classic Shell should prevent it since they are handling displaying the search results rather than the regular Windows Start Menu.
contra123 - 3 years ago
Does not appear for me; but I've disabled so many Win10 spyware features, I'm not surprised. Bottom line is you can prohibit such adware, but you have to give up the trinkets.
aldfort - 3 years ago
Ad now appearing on Bing search pages in (old) Edge as well.