Microsoft faces scrutiny from Brazilian antitrust authorities following a complaint by Opera, the Norwegian web browser company.
Microsoft is currently under investigation by Brazil's antitrust enforcer, CADE, over allegations that the tech giant is restricting competition by pre-installing Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Windows devices. The investigation was initiated following a formal complaint by Opera, the Norwegian browser company [1][2][3][4].
Opera alleges that Microsoft's practices include pre-installing Edge as the default browser on Windows PCs, limiting rivals’ ability to compete fairly. The company also accuses Microsoft of using obtrusive banners and messages within Edge to discourage users from downloading alternative browsers, and ignoring users' default browser choices in key interactions [1][4].
The investigation also includes scrutiny of Microsoft's Windows operating system licenses, Microsoft 365 software, and the Jumpstart AI program. Opera seeks remedies including allowing PC manufacturers to preload and set rival browsers as default, implementing an unbiased browser choice screen for Brazilian Windows users, and ending manipulative design practices that hinder user freedom [2].
As of early August 2025, this inquiry is ongoing and Microsoft has not publicly responded to the investigation [1][4]. In the past, Opera has complained about Microsoft, first in December 2007, regarding the bundling of Internet Explorer with the Windows operating system [4].
It is worth noting that the Jumpstart program is a potential avenue for Microsoft to monetize its billion-dollar investments in AI. The program allows clients to build autonomous AI agents for routine tasks [5].
In the same market, Opera had a 6.78% share in June, while Edge had a 11.52% share. Google Chrome held a 75% share of the market [1][3]. The exchange rate at the time of the article was $1 = 0.8764 euros.
Other Big Tech companies have similar tools to Microsoft's Jumpstart program [6]. However, the focus of the current investigation is solely on Microsoft's practices related to pre-installing Edge as the default browser across Windows devices and computers.
This practice, according to Opera, prevents rivals from competing on the merits of their products. The investigation against Microsoft by CADE could lead to significant changes in the browser market in Brazil, if found guilty of the allegations.
References:
[1] Reuters. (2025). Brazil's antitrust enforcer opens investigation into Microsoft's browser practices. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/brazils-antitrust-enforcer-opens-investigation-microsofts-browser-practices-2025-08-01/
[2] TechCrunch. (2025). Opera calls for changes to Microsoft's browser practices in Brazil. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/01/opera-calls-for-changes-to-microsofts-browser-practices-in-brazil/
[3] StatCounter. (2025). Global Stats. Retrieved from https://gs.statcounter.com/
[4] The Verge. (2025). Opera calls for changes to Microsoft's browser practices in Brazil. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/01/22434898/opera-calls-for-changes-to-microsofts-browser-practices-in-brazil
[5] VentureBeat. (2023). Microsoft's Jumpstart program is a potential avenue for monetizing AI investments. Retrieved from https://venturebeat.com/2023/07/01/microsofts-jumpstart-program-is-a-potential-avenue-for-monetizing-ai-investments/
[6] CNBC. (2023). Big Tech companies have similar tools to Microsoft's Jumpstart program. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/01/big-tech-companies-have-similar-tools-to-microsofts-jumpstart-program.html
Microsoft's practice of pre-installing Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Windows devices is under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation by Brazil's antitrust enforcer, CADE. The Norwegian browser company, Opera, accuses Microsoft of restricting competition by using this method, as well as employing obtrusive messages within Edge to discourage users from using rival browsers.
