Maybe you noticed it too and didn’t think anything of it. In the last few days, a Windows update has caused a desktop shortcut to Microsoft’s Edge browser to appear on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Where others quickly delete the icon without even thinking about it, there are some that bother very much. That could be because Microsoft Edge and its predecessor, Internet Explorer, have been sneered at for years – to say the least.
Despite the perceived unpopularity of Microsoft Edge, it is the most popular browser in the world after Google Chrome. You can find out how this came about here:
more on the subject
Microsoft Edge: The once derided browser is now number 2 worldwide
Reddit between criticism and humor
Actually, it is surprising that the Reddit community reacted so clearly. After all, an icon on the desktop is not the end of the world. Little things like that happen sometimes when you work with Windows. This time, however, the unwanted icon is causing a lot of attention.
link to Reddit content
Among the dozens of posts there are several thousand comments that discuss the topic. In addition to the expected »criticism« towards Microsoft, there are also many who take the matter with humor:
link to Reddit content
In the comments you will find statements such as “Leave my desktop alone, Microsoft” and unfortunately also much less pleasant things. Some posts work against this at the meta level and parody the people who get a little too upset.
link to Reddit content
How did the intrusive Edge icon come about?
A few days ago, a Windows update was rolled out that accidentally caused some Microsoft software links to disappear from the desktop, start menu, and taskbar, like bleedingcomputer.com reported hat.
This error was corrected with a script that restored some links, including the Edge icon on the desktop. And that also with many users who did not have it on the screen before.
This script seems to run even if you have disabled Windows updates. At least that’s what some Reddit users are reporting.
For Microsoft, imposing a little is part of it. That in itself is nothing new. There is an emerging Edge icon is another small thing. With Windows 11, however, they have outdone themselves again:
Microsoft is getting more intrusive than ever with Windows 11 Home
Do you also have the icon on the desktop? Did you get upset about it, or did you just delete it without thinking about it? Have you ever experienced something similar? Feel free to write it in the comments!
