Microsoft Windows under fire for browser nudging and Windows 10 support lapse

A Mozilla‑commissioned study shows that Windows 10 and 11 use UI designs that steer users toward Microsoft products, a practice described as “dark patterns.” The report, covering India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, found that Windows Search, Widgets and the Copilot side‑panel open links in Edge, that Edge banners appear on Chrome download pages, and that the Windows Backup tool can reset default browsers. Mozilla urges Microsoft to extend the browser‑choice safeguards it applied in the European Economic Area globally.

The Browser Choice Alliance echoed the findings on 14 July 2026, re‑issuing seven demands – from ensuring a single‑click default‑browser change to removing Edge‑only promotional banners – after a follow‑up Mozilla study confirmed the continued nudging.

Separately, Microsoft’s end of support for Windows 10 on 14 Oct 2025 left roughly 17 % of devices still running the OS. Although security updates were extended to 12 Oct 2027 for private users, those machines carry about three times more active CVEs (1,903 vs 652 on Windows 11) and a higher share of high‑severity or exploitable flaws, raising significant security concerns and prompting experts to recommend migration to Windows 11.