Stop Using Microsoft Edge To Download Chrome -- Unless You Want Malware

[Chris]

Just a warning, and a way to avoid problems.

Stop Using Microsoft Edge To Download Chrome -- Unless You Want Malware

For many people who purchase a new Windows 10 PC, Microsoft's built-in Edge browser has one purpose: to download an alternate browser like Google Chrome. The most common way to do this for people who don't have the URL memorized? Type "download Chrome" in the address bar and click the first result provided by Bing search. Unfortunately those unsuspecting users have a high chance of downloading malware and adware. That's because Bing has been serving up malicious but highly visible Google Chrome ads for months.

...The malicious URL that Bing is happy to promote can't fool Google or Firefox. When I simply type the above URL into my Firefox browser I'm faced with a bold red page declaring "Deceptive Site Ahead" completely with details and an option to go back.

...There's a pattern here, and it's a disturbing one. How many people have been affected by these short-lived but recurring hijacks that Microsoft is letting through to millions of people? It's inexcusable that these types of ads aren't vetted properly, especially when the majority of browsers automatically know these sites are unsafe.

...What You Can Do

If you must use Windows 10, go directly to Chrome.com to download Google's browser, or to Mozilla.org for Firefox. Commit those to memory or just open up Edge and browse directly to google.com. I also highly recommend installing a tracking blocker like DuckDuckGo. If you choose to use the Edge browser, remove Bing as your default search provider by following these steps.

At the very least, please do not use Bing to search for anything. Ever. You probably won't after reading this.

[DGUtley]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Dr. Who]

Just a warning, and a way to avoid problems.

Stop Using Microsoft Edge To Download Chrome -- Unless You Want Malware

I knew that there had to be a good reason why I dislike Bing as a browser (the default at work that I am not permitted to change). Fortunately, it's only the default on my IE, not my Chrome, which defaults to Google. Bing searches always bring back too much garbage.

[Common]

I dont use either one, I especially dont like chrome

[Chris]

I dont use either one, I especially dont like chrome

Well, I use google mail, docs, etc and it's all built into chrome.

[Captdon]

I never use a Microsoft browser, search or forum.

[Captain Obvious]

Both edge and chrome are predatory and will rape your privacy and I consider both a risk

[Cthulhu]

Firefox or bust.

Or Tor.

Sent from my evil cell phone.

[Chris]

Firefox or bust.

Or Tor.

Sent from my evil cell phone.

Firefox is not a serious competitor fr M$ so Bing probably won't waylay people looking for Firefox.