Microsoft Edge is having problems again. After multiple revelations of controversial and hostile behavior against users, the browser is once again being discussed for stealing data from other browsers. Some users claim that Microsoft Edge is stealing open tabs and other information from the Chrome browser without permission.
The Edge browser has a toggle button that you can use to quickly and automatically migrate browser data from Edge to Chrome, such as open tabs, history, favorites, etc. During initial setup, Edge will ask users to allow it to sync with other browsers, so users can seamlessly switch from Chrome or Firefox browsers. This option can also be turned off by default in settings. Interestingly, during the configuration process after Windows 10 is installed, Microsoft will also prompt you to allow this behavior through an elaborate screen.
Of course there is no problem with the above approach. But what's wrong is that Edge doesn't seem to care about the options selected by the user, but steals data from the Chrome browser without permission. Tom Warren claims that after the installation of the recent Windows update KB5034204, Edge took over Chrome browser tabs on two of his devices without permission. Edge automatically launched and copied all data from the Chrome browser, and other users have reported experiencing the same automatic actions.
Fortunately, at least for EU users, those tired of Microsoft Edge constantly getting in the way will soon be able to uninstall the browser with a right-click in the Start menu.