TITLE: Microsoft Edge Loses 25% of Users in 6 Months as Chrome Dominates
Microsoft Edge’s Steep Decline in Browser Market Share
Recent statistics reveal a troubling trend for Microsoft Edge, with the browser losing approximately a quarter of its user base over the past six months. According to market share data from Statcounter, Edge’s desktop browser share dropped from 13.64% in May 2025 to just 10.37% in September 2025.
Chrome’s Growing Dominance
While Microsoft’s browser struggles, Google Chrome continues to strengthen its position in the market. The same Statcounter report shows Chrome now commands an impressive 73.81% of the desktop browser market, with other competitors like Safari and Firefox also experiencing declines that contributed to Chrome’s gains.
Potential Reasons Behind Edge’s Decline
Industry observers point to several possible factors driving users away from Microsoft’s browser. The company’s aggressive promotion of Edge within Windows operating systems may be backfiring, creating user frustration rather than loyalty. Many users report feeling pressured by constant prompts to set Edge as their default browser, which can breed distrust and resistance.
Another concern involves Microsoft’s approach to feature integration. While the company has made efforts to streamline Edge, the continued addition of AI capabilities and other features may be creating perception of bloat among some users. This comes despite Edge receiving positive reviews in technical evaluations, including being ranked as the top browser in comprehensive comparisons.
The European Exception
Interestingly, Windows 11 users in Europe enjoy the privilege of being able to completely remove Edge from their systems due to data regulations – an option not available to users in other regions. This disparity highlights the different approaches Microsoft takes in various markets and raises questions about whether global users should have similar choices.
Looking Forward
The significant user loss, as detailed in recent market analysis, suggests Microsoft may need to reconsider its strategy. Rather than pushing Edge through persistent promotion, the company might benefit from focusing on building genuine user trust and offering meaningful choice. As 2025 progresses, it remains to be seen whether Microsoft can reverse this troubling trend for what is fundamentally a capable and well-regarded browser.
