Microsoft Edge Dominates US Windows Market with Over 30% Share for 3 Consecutive Years
Is Microsoft’s Edge the Dark Horse of Browsers?
For years, I’ve had a ritual of automatically installing my go-to browser as soon as I get a new Windows system. Many of us have followed suit, often with Mozilla Firefox in mind. Jokes about Microsoft’s homegrown browser solutions are old news, but Edge might just be enjoying the last laugh.
A Surprising Turn of Events
During Microsoft’s Q2 2025 earnings call, CEO Satya Nadella dropped a bombshell: "Edge has taken share for 15 consecutive quarters, and surpassed 30% market share in the US on Windows." This tidbit was shared via Seeking Alpha, a reliable source.
The thought is mind-boggling: do people simply not bother downloading alternative browsers? I, for one, prefer Firefox, but maybe I’m the odd one out?
The Business Side of Things
According to Nadella, Edge’s success is thanks to "the investments we have made in improving our ad rates, which are paying off, and advertisers increasingly see our network as an essential platform to optimize [return on investment]." What does this mean? Edge and Bing are now a viable option for businesses to get their products in front of eyeballs. With Google Search becoming increasingly cluttered, especially with the prioritized AI summary on top of many search results, it’s no wonder Bing is gaining traction.
More Good News for Edge and Bing
Search and News advertising revenue ex-TAC increased 21% and 20% in constant currency, exceeding expectations, driven by usage from a third-party partnership. The growth is driven by rate expansion and healthy volume growth in both Edge and Bing.
The PC Gamer Connection
For us gamers, Edge’s Game Assist is a game-changer. Pin videos in-game without setting Microsoft Edge as your default browser? Yes, please! While I personally prefer using a second screen to keep my gaming experience distraction-free, many will appreciate the flexibility Game Assist offers.
Broken Monopolies and the Like
The rise of Edge isn’t entirely surprising, considering last year’s news about the US Department of Justice’s proposed remedies to break up Google’s search monopoly. Perhaps this is why we’re seeing a shift towards alternative browsers. While I’m not exactly thrilled about another massive corporation like Microsoft rising to power, this development does keep me on my toes.
Stay Informed, Stay Informed
Want to keep up with the most important stories and deals, as selected by the PC Gamer team? Sign up for our newsletter and stay ahead of the curve!
