Microsoft has recently tackled a problem where Google Chrome tabs were unexpectedly imported into Microsoft Edge without users’ consent. This development comes after reports surfaced regarding this peculiar behavior.
Unwanted Tab Replication
Towards the end of January, The Verge’s Senior Editor, Tom Warren, encountered an unexpected glitch with Microsoft Edge. Following a system update, Edge launched with tabs previously accessed in Google Chrome, a perplexing occurrence for Warren. Upon investigation, he discovered an intriguing feature in Edge, allowing access to recent browsing data by default.
This setting, accessible through “edge://settings/profiles/importBrowsingData,” permits Edge to import data from Chrome automatically upon launch, unlike Firefox, which requires manual importing. Surprisingly, despite this feature being disabled, Edge continued to seize Chrome tabs. Numerous users echoed similar grievances on Microsoft’s support forums and various social media platforms.
Microsoft’s Response
Initially silent on the matter, Microsoft released an Edge update on February 15, addressing the concerns. According to the release notes, the fix ensures that Edge’s data import feature syncs accurately across devices, resolving the unintended tab replication.
Clarification from Microsoft
While Microsoft claims the glitch was unintentional, it remains ambiguous due to the lack of detailed explanation. Additionally, Microsoft’s history of promoting Edge and other products suggests a possible link to the incident.
Competitive Landscape
Edge, despite being based on the Chromium engine like Chrome, struggles to compete in the browser market. Chrome maintains a significant lead globally and particularly in the US.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s swift action in rectifying the tab replication issue signifies its commitment to providing a seamless browsing experience on Edge. However, questions remain regarding the incident’s origin and duration, underscoring the need for transparency in addressing such issues.
