Over two years ago, Neowin noticed that Microsoft started injecting pretty audacious ads into the official Chrome website. When attempting to download the most popular browser in the world, Edge would place a massive banner at the top of the website, begging you to stay on Edge under the pretence of "running the same technology as Chrome." Now, however, it seems that Microsoft has finally removed those stupid ads, at least for some users.
Neowin's co-founder, Steven Parker, recently noticed that those ads and all the additional banners that terrorize you when you dare to download Chrome all but vanished. Now, when you search for Chrome using Bing, there are no more banners claiming you do not have to download another browser (please use Edge, pretty please). No pop-ups are asking you to stay, and that massive banner? Simply gone.
Here is what they look like:
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The change is certainly welcome, but unfortunately, only some users can enjoy the refreshing breeze of frozen hell. It appears that Microsoft removed those banners only for users in the countries and regions where the Digital Markets Act applies. In other words, in some European countries. Outside the European Economic Area region, Microsoft still carpet-bombs users with ads when they use Edge to download Chrome.
The change is not really unexpected, though. A month ago, Microsoft announced several Windows updates and feature changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act. They included changes to how Windows handles default browsers, Windows Search, and even the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store. While Microsoft never mentioned those pesky ads and other shady tactics (remember Microsoft asking you to fill out a questionnaire after downloading Chrome?), it makes sense for Microsoft to remove them in order to comply with the DMA. We asked Microsoft about it, and we will update the article when we have a word from the company.
What if you live in the United States or other parts of the world? The good news is that it is very easy to make your computer DMA-eligible. All you need is one of our favorite apps, Wintoys. Get it for free from the Microsoft Store, then go to the Tweaks tab, open the System section, flick the Digital Markets Act toggle, and restart your system (there is no need to change your system and the Microsoft Store region). Now, you can uninstall Edge and enjoy other freedoms in Windows 11, including fewer annoyances across the operating system.
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