Microsoft No Longer Has To Advertise Browser Rivals To New Windows Users

For the first time in five years, Windows PCs in Europe don’t have to offer rival web browsers to Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer when a new user sets up their machine.

Since 2009, Microsoft has had to provide users with a choice on setup, placing browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox on the Internet set up page.

European Commission

But now, the European Commission decision which was put in place in December 2009 has expired, meaning Microsoft doesn’t have to advertise its rivals.

A Microsoft support article published on Wednesday said: “Microsoft provided the Browser Choice update in accordance with a decision issued by the European Commission in December 2009.

“The obligations imposed by that decision have expired and as a result the Browser Choice Update will no longer be delivered to new users.”

The ruling was put in place as part of an antitrust settlement following accusations that Microsoft was unfairly dominant in the European market.

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