Would you use Edge as your default browser on Windows 11 if Microsoft nags you with a 3D banner? Microsoft seems to think so. In a new experiment, which seems to be rolling out to Edge stable on Windows 11, Microsoft has activated a banner that utilizes 3D graphics to promote the browser.
As first noticed by Windows Latest, Microsoft has been testing this new 3D banner for some time now, but it is now being rolled out to a wider audience. If Edge is not set as your default browser and you open it directly or through files like PDFs, a new banner will prompt you to adjust your default browser settings.
As depicted in the screenshot above, when Edge is not your default browser, a banner will appear suggesting that you make it the default. The banner highlights the security benefits of using Edge as your default browser, such as protection from phishing and malware attacks. It prompts you to confirm this change by clicking “Set default,” followed by another confirmation in the Windows settings app.
Upon clicking the “Confirm” button, Windows Settings will open, allowing you to select the default browser of your choice. This tactic of using pop-ups in the Edge browser is not new for Microsoft, as similar alerts have been seen before, including one that encourages users to stick with Edge when attempting to download Google Chrome.
Previously, a full-screen banner named “Use recommended browser settings” was also spotted by Windows Latest, suggesting the use of Microsoft Edge as the default browser. This full-screen prompt defaults to “Use Microsoft recommended settings,” and if ignored, users will receive additional reminders to switch to Edge when opening the browser.
Other Changes Coming to Microsoft Edge
In addition to the alerts regarding default browser settings, Microsoft Edge is set to undergo another change: AI-powered website suggestions. Windows Latest’s tests revealed that Microsoft plans to implement ChatGPT to generate website suggestions, which will be displayed below the search bar.
While this feature is still in the testing phase, it could potentially start rolling out in the upcoming weeks.
