After the most recent Windows update, it appears Microsoft Edge might be importing your data from other browsers without asking. It’s no secret Microsoft wants you to switch permanently to Edge, they try every other day after all. But, be it a glitch or more, it seems the browser has gone a step further. Users who have recently updated Windows might want to double-check their settings in Edge.
Microsoft Edge importing data from other browsers
This is apparently an issue that has been happening for months. Users on various social media platforms have reported Edge “stealing” their data from other browsers on their devices. It is true that Microsoft has been working on a feature to import your data from other browsers. However, according to these reports, not only is this feature on without consent, but users are having trouble getting it to stay off.
The entire ordeal got more attention recently when Tom Warren of The Verge reported falling victim to it. After a Windows update, he saw Microsoft Edge open itself with the tabs he had been working on in Chrome. Some research later, and it turns out this isn’t anything new. Microsoft Edge now has its import feature turned on by default. This allows it to import not just your browsing history, but also your bookmarks, cookies, extensions, settings, and even your auto-fill data.
Is this a concern, and how to turn it off?
Though extremely handy for people making the switch to Edge, this does result in a massive breach of trust. The biggest red flag is how Edge does not ask for your consent before turning this feature on. Auto-fill data can have some very sensitive information stored in it. Information users don’t want being shared around without being informed. Furthermore, if additional reports and tests are to be believed, it appears Edge imports this data even with the option turned off.
Turning this feature off is quite simple, though it cannot be guaranteed at the moment that it will actually remain off. Simply go into Settings, then Profiles, and you will find the option there under Import Browsing Data. You will also see options to manually import data from other browsers on your system should you wish.
Microsoft has recently put a lot of effort into making Edge a much better browser than Internet Explorer ever was. But, despite Edge being a solid browser, most people are unwilling to switch over from what they’re familiar with. Microsoft might continue to become even more aggressive going forward in attempts to make users switch over. If it does, we could be looking at an Apple-like Microsoft ecosystem where everything is tightly controlled and under Microsoft’s supervision.
2024-01-31 15:06:50