Is a major browser showdown on the horizon?
For several years, anytime I set up a new Windows system, my immediate action is to launch Edge and download my preferred browser. This quirky ritual feels as familiar as the days of Mozilla Firefox. Criticism of Microsoft’s browser has been shamefully common, yet Edge might just be on the rebound.
During the recent Q2 2025 earnings call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced, “Edge has surpassed 30% market share in the US on Windows and has taken share for 15 consecutive quarters” (via Seeking Alpha).
It raises eyebrows, right? Is it possible that some users simply prefer not to download an alternative browser? Am I the odd one out for disliking Edge? [I actually enjoy using Edge, -Dave]
Nadella offered context regarding Edge’s success, stating, “The investments we’ve made in improving our ad rates are yielding results, and advertisers increasingly view our network as a vital platform for optimizing [return on investment].”
In simpler terms, Edge—and by extension Bing—is proving to be a serious player for businesses aiming for audience engagement, and Microsoft is witnessing substantial financial gains. For instance, based on recent trends, Google Search has become congested—especially with the prevalent AI summary overlaying many search results. This could explain the increasing appeal of Bing.
Nadella further elaborated on the growth, noting, “Search and News ad revenue ex-TAC grew by 21% and 20% in constant currency, exceeding expectations due to increased usage from a third-party partnership. Growth is driven by both rate expansion and a healthy volume increase in both Edge and Bing.”
Switching back to gaming, Edge’s Game Assist proves invaluable for gamers hunting achievements. Personally, I prefer a second screen to indulge my current obsession with Infinity Nikki, but many gamers may appreciate pinning a video guide in their play window.
Last year’s buzz about the US Department of Justice’s proposed solutions to dissolve Google’s dominance in search makes Edge’s rising popularity less shocking. That said, I’m not exactly rooting for another tech giant like Microsoft either.
