Microsoft proves they've learned nothing, start testing full-page ads for Microsoft Edge to roll out in Windows 10

I am surprised only that people are surprised.

As reported by Windows Latest:

In production builds, Microsoft is A/B testing a new ‘feature’ that is designed to nag users with fullscreen window-less Microsoft Edge recommendations in the OOBE screen.

The nag will appear when users set up their PC, sign in to their system after applying updates, or when they click on a new ad banner within the Settings.

[...]

In the Settings app, there’s a new banner that appears to be rolling out to non-Insiders [...] the advert appears across the top of the Settings app window, just above the settings options. The banner states that you can “get even more out of Windows” and it surprisingly launches the OOBE (out of the box experience) screen [where] there’s a new page titled “Use recommended browser settings” that advises users to restore the Microsoft Edge and pin the browser to the desktop and taskbar.

[...] If you try to skip the setup, the pop-up will appear again in future.

Unfortunately, you cannot permanently disable these recommendations in Windows 10.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Windows is malware, and Microsoft should absolutely be facing antitrust action of their own for this shit. Microsoft controls over 80%, and nearly 90%, of the desktop/laptop OS market at a time when COVID-19 has pushed demand for desktop/laptop PCs to heights they haven't enjoyed for nearly ten years, and they've clearly decided to abuse that gatekeeper position to push their own products in the most anti-competitive, anti-consumer manner possible. 

I'm looking for the EU, at least, to bring action against Microsoft for this latest over-reach, but the US Department of Justice should also be scrutinizing the Redmond firm for this sort of behaviour, which was rampant during the Windows 10 rollout, and clearly isn't going to stop anytime soon.

For more details, along with screen shots, click through to Windows Latest's article.