Despite not using the ‘Import browsing data’ feature, Windows users report that the latest update is causing Microsoft Edge to import browser tabs and other data from Google Chrome
Since its 2020 launch, Microsoft has aggressively promoted Edge on Windows devices, sometimes using questionable methods like making it difficult to change the default browser in Windows.
A recent report by The Verge indicates that following the latest Windows update, Microsoft Edge automatically launched after a reboot and imported all Chrome tabs, despite users setting Google Chrome as their default browser.
Although Edge has a data sync feature to import favorites, open tabs, history, bookmarks, and more from other browsers, it’s typically disabled by default.
Zach Edwards’ post on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that the latest Windows update includes a new setup prompt enabling Microsoft Edge to “regularly import data from other browsers on your Windows device.”
In addition to active tabs in other browsers, the imported data encompasses browsing history, autofill data, extensions, settings, cookies, and other browser data. To disable this feature, open Edge on your Windows device, enter “edge://settings/profiles/importBrowsingData” in the address bar, and press Enter. On the displayed page, you can deactivate the feature.
Microsoft states that the imported data is stored and processed locally. However, if you sign in to the browser and activate Edge’s sync feature, the data will be sent to Microsoft servers. It remains uncertain whether this is a bug or another method by Microsoft to promote the use of Edge.