Microsoft Seeks to Replace Chrome with Edge, Gains in Stock Price Amidst Criticism

Microsoft's recent push to force users to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and from Google Chrome to Microsoft Edge has drawn criticism. Despite this, investors have boosted the company's share price. Analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock, with a 26.03% rally in its share price over the past year.

Microsoft's recent push to force users to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and from Google Chrome to Microsoft Edge has drawn significant criticism. Despite this, the company's stock has seen a substantial boost, with investors responding positively to the strategic moves. Analysts have a strong consensus rating on MSFT stock, with a 26.03% rally in its share price over the past year [1].

Windows 10 to Windows 11 Migration

Microsoft has been actively encouraging users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The company has officially ended support for Windows 10, which will include the end of security updates on October 14, 2025 [2]. This has led to a lawsuit filed by Lawrence Klein, who argues that this move is an attempt to monopolize the generative AI market by forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11 [2]. Despite this legal challenge, Microsoft has continued its push for the upgrade, which is technically free but requires devices to meet specific hardware requirements, such as the mandatory TPM 2.0 security module [2].

Google Chrome to Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has also been actively promoting its Edge browser as a replacement for Google Chrome. The company has integrated its AI-powered "Copilot" assistant directly into Edge, offering features like tab management and task automation [3]. This move has drawn criticism from the Browser Choice Alliance (BCA), an industry coalition backed by Google, which argues that Microsoft is using unfair tactics to promote Edge [3]. The BCA has filed complaints in Europe and Brazil, alleging that Microsoft is skirting new competition rules and harassing users who try to switch browsers [3].

Investor Response

Despite the criticism, Microsoft's strategic moves have been well-received by investors. The company's stock, MSFT, has seen a significant rally over the past year, with a 26.03% increase in share price [1]. Analysts have a strong consensus rating on MSFT stock, indicating a positive outlook on the company's future performance. The investor response suggests that investors believe Microsoft's strategic moves will pay off in the long run, despite the current criticism.

Conclusion

Microsoft's recent strategic moves, including the push for Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge, have drawn criticism but have also led to a significant boost in the company's share price. Investors appear to be optimistic about the long-term potential of these moves, despite the current legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny. The future of Microsoft's strategic initiatives will depend on how the company navigates these challenges and continues to innovate in the tech industry.

References

[1] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5517743/how-to-rebuild-azure-vm-with-windows-11-images

[2] https://www.eteknix.com/windows-10-user-sues-microsoft-over-forced-upgrade-to-windows-11/

[3] https://www.news18.com/tech/microsoft-edge-vs-google-chrome-how-the-90s-browser-war-is-back-with-an-ai-twist-ws-kl-9501419.html