Microsoft recently unveiled its big plan to fix Windows 11 in 2026, with a focus on returning missing features, giving users more control over Windows Update, and taking a more measured approach in integrating Copilot-powered AI features in its software. We saw some tangible improvement on the final item in the aforementioned list with the latest Windows Insider update for Notepad which scrubs mentions of "AI" and "Copilot" in various menus. As Microsoft continues to roll back some of these changes, Mozilla has deemed this the right time to criticize the company for forcing Copilot on users in the first place.
In a blog post spotted by Windows Central, Mozilla has talked about how, in the past months and years, Microsoft has tried to limit user choice when it came to Copilot and AI integrations in Windows experiences. This includes the forced Microsoft 365 Copilot app rollout (now paused), adding a dedicated Copilot key to Copilot+ PCs, and plans to fit the AI assistant in your notifications too.
However, thanks to user backlash, Microsoft is backpedaling on many of these strategies, but Mozilla says that this just proves that the firm had made "repeated choices" to serve its business rather than prioritizing customers. It pointed to the findings of an independent research study commissioned by Mozilla that confirmed that Microsoft uses dark patterns and shady distribution tactics to eliminate user choice in subtle ways. Some examples that have been highlighted are:
- The Windows Search bar, embedded in the taskbar on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, is hardcoded to only open Microsoft Edge, regardless of your default browser.
- Windows has not implemented a true device migration system, like we see with Android, iOS, and MacOS, where your apps, settings and data are all reflected on your new device when you buy a new computer. Instead, the defaults are changed back to Microsoft’s own products.
- Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams by default ignore your default browser selection and open links directly in Edge.
- Windows does not offer a simple prompt that other browsers can trigger asking to become your default browser. Instead, other browsers have to direct you to Windows settings and hope you finish the multi-step process.
Mozilla claims that Copilot follows this same playbook by forcing itself upon your software experience and learning about you as quickly as possible, without you realizing what"s even happening.
The browser vendor has also decided to insert a plug for its own AI capabilities and integrations in Firefox, which are based on the principle that AI should work on your terms, not Mozilla. It emphasized how its browser also lets you individually disable each AI feature or all of them through one killswitch that is easily accessible in settings. Moreover, it also highlighted how your preferences persist across updates rather than being rolled back to the default configuration, throwing shade at Microsoft"s Windows update practices.
Mozilla further went on the offensive against Microsoft, saying that:
When a company with Microsoft’s reach continues to control users — and only walks it back when the noise gets loud enough — it shapes what people expect from technology. It tells people that their only real move is to complain until, hopefully, the company relents. It also makes it harder for alternatives to compete when a company uses its reach and control to steer people back into its own products.
We don’t think that’s the internet we have to accept. People have been clear about what they want when it comes to this era of the internet. They want to feel like they’re in control of their own devices and their own data. That’s the internet we’re trying to build.
The timing for Mozilla"s fiery blog post is certainly interesting, particularly when Microsoft is in the process of procuring some goodwill for rolling back some of its controversial Copilot changes. But perhaps that is what the browser vendor is aiming to do: shape public opinion on the topic while it is still fresh in the minds of people. That said, it"s difficult to ascertain if Mozilla"s words will have any significant effect on the masses.