Microsoft Edge ignores user wishes, slurps tabs from Chrome without permission
Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 is alleged to import open tabs, history and even saved passwords from Chrome without clear consent, prompting fears that Microsoft is exploiting its OS-level access to siphon data between browsers. Commenters link this behavior to a broader pattern of user-hostile design in Windows – from dark patterns, telemetry and OneDrive pushes to tight integration of Edge and Bing – and debate whether such practices cross legal lines under GDPR and EU’s Digital Markets Act. Many argue that the only reliable way to retain control over one’s computer is to abandon consumer Windows editions altogether, often in favor of Linux or, to a lesser extent, macOS.
Edge behavior and user experience
- Many report Edge importing Chrome data (tabs, history, passwords, credentials) without clear or recent consent, often after updates or first launch.
- Some say this is tied to a “continuous import” setting that may sync across devices; others doubt this explanation and see it as intentional dark pattern.
- Users describe Edge as packed with upsells, shopping/coupon features, Copilot, MSN content, and repeated attempts to reset defaults or push Bing/OneDrive.
Privacy, security, and telemetry concerns
- Strong concern that Edge and Windows treat all browser data on the machine as Microsoft’s to harvest, blurring boundaries between apps.
- Several keep credentials in separate password managers and refuse browser syncs to limit exfiltration risk.
- Some argue Windows should be treated as untrusted or even “a virus,” usable only offline or heavily isolated.
Consumer vs enterprise Windows
- Multiple comments say the worst behavior is on consumer SKUs (Home/Pro), with fewer dark patterns on enterprise‑oriented editions (Enterprise, LTSC, Pro domain‑joined, Pro for Workstations, Pro Education).
- There’s speculation that making Home untrustworthy nudges small businesses toward paid business licensing.
Alternatives: Linux, macOS, and workarounds
- Many advocate Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Pop!_OS, etc.) as more respectful, though others say desktop Linux often breaks, demands terminal use, and lacks key apps (especially Adobe).
- macOS is viewed by some as the “least bad” mainstream OS; others criticize Apple’s walled garden, right‑to‑repair stance, and App Store.
- For those stuck on Windows, LTSC and various “debloated” or redirected setups are popular workarounds.
Gaming and app lock‑in
- A recurring blocker for leaving Windows is gaming: anti‑cheat systems, VRR/HDR, and “it just works” expectations still favor Windows over Proton/Linux.
- Professional lock‑in to Office, Adobe, and other Windows‑first tools is another major reason people “put up with it.”
Legal, regulatory, and ethical issues
- Some see potential GDPR or other privacy violations; others note it may stay local unless sync is enabled, making legality unclear.
- Fines are viewed as a cost of doing business, not a deterrent.
- Several question the ethics of engineers and managers implementing these features, contrasting dev‑friendly Microsoft tools (VS Code, GitHub, TypeScript) with user‑hostile Windows/Edge decisions.