Microsoft may be willing to let Windows users try Linux, but it certainly doesn't want them to try Chrome or other browsers. The experience of downloading the most popular browser using Microsoft Edge is already a nightmare, filled with banner ads and white space, and Microsoft seems to be continuing to add more content.
Over the weekend, some users noticed that if they tried to download Google Chrome using Microsoft Edge, the latter would open a poll in the sidebar asking you to explain to Microsoft how dare you try to download Google Chrome. Of course, the specific wording is a little more subtle, but you should get the idea.
Now, in addition to canceling several banner ads and one full-size ad on Chrome sites, Edge wants you to answer a questionnaire with the following options:
We are so happy to have you!
Could you please take a minute to tell us why you want to try a different browser?
I can't easily search Google
I can't access my Google Docs
There are no favorites or passwords for me here
Too many ads and pop-ups
I don't like news feeds
too slow
My website doesn't work on Microsoft Edge
My reasons are not listed
Interestingly, Microsoft lists some of the most common complaints, such as news feeds being filled with low-quality news and often harmful or false content, and "too many ads and pop-ups." You can close the news feed and forget about it, but pop-up banner ads will test your patience to the limit - try the Dall-E image generator, try another new tab layout, try Bing Chat instead of Bard, download Edge on your phone, enable shopping, share browsing data with us to improve the experience, don't download Chrome, enable Microsoft Rewards, use Bing instead, and on and on...
Of the other questionable practices Microsoft has taken to keep you using Edge, the new feedback request seems the least objectionable. Additionally, the company appears to be testing this investigation, so not everyone will see it when they download Chrome. If only Microsoft acknowledged that some people just want to use Chrome.