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Microsoft Is Testing a New Feature That Will Force Edge Browser to Auto-Open

Some users are finding the change frustrating, but here's how to turn it off.

Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security and Smart Home
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations. With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation. Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
Expertise Smart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
Tyler Lacoma
2 min read
A phone on a laptop shows the Microsoft Edge logo.

Microsoft's Edge browser is now appearing without warning, but you can turn it off. 

 NurPhoto/Contributor/Getty Images

The latest beta version of the Microsoft Edge browser may automatically open every time you start your Windows 11 PC, without explicit permission, Windows Central reports. The change could frustrate users, something the browser can't afford. Edge lost about a quarter of its user base in 2025 and now holds roughly 13% market share.

The Edge browser seems to appear unexpectedly at startup, accompanied by a new message.

"Edge now launches when you sign into Windows, so it's ready when you want to browse. Change this anytime in Settings," the new banner says, according to screenshots shown on Windows Central. 

The Edge browser showing a notification that it's opening automatically.

Test versions indicate you'll have to opt out of this Edge auto-launch if you want it to stop.

 Windows Central

A representative from Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

You can't avoid the original pop-up, but if you don't do anything about it, Edge will keep appearing. To make it stop, Windows Central reports you can select the "No Thanks" option when the pop-up appears, or navigate to settings to turn off the latest Edge attempts. 

This isn't the first time this auto-launch Edge has been spotted in the wild. Redditors have been reporting a similar situation for months, and some have said they can't disable it at all. It's not clear whether the auto-launch stops when you select another browser as your default. However, Windows Central reported that the Edge notification didn't disappear when they tried this. 

Not everyone testing the latest version of Edge reports that this feature is live, so it may be a slow rollout or limited to certain user groups for now.