Microsoft hit with a 561 million fine by EU for disregarding browser choice rule
The European Union has imposed a fine of €731 million on software giant Microsoft for failing to comply with a 2009 antitrust ruling that required the company to offer users a choice of Internet browsers instead of bundling Internet Explorer by default.
The 2009 EU antitrust ruling targeted Microsoft for abusing its dominant position by bundling Internet Explorer with Windows, which restricted consumer choice and harmed competition. Microsoft was ordered to provide a "browser choice" screen to users in the EU, allowing them to select from competing web browsers rather than automatically defaulting to Internet Explorer.
This is not the first time Microsoft has faced action from the EC for tying its software to its operating systems. In 2007, Norwegian browser maker Opera filed an antitrust complaint to the European Commission against Microsoft. The European Commission upheld Opera's complaint in 2009, accusing Microsoft of "illegally tying Internet Explorer to Windows".
In March 2004, the EC ruled that Microsoft had harmed competition by including Windows Media Player with its operating system. In response, Microsoft presented a Browser Screen Choice (BSC) pop-up window during installation. However, it was found that Microsoft failed to show the BSC to users who installed Windows 7 Service Pack 1 between February 2011 and July 2012.
The EU began investigating whether Microsoft was complying with the 2009 ruling in July. In July 2025, the EU announced that Microsoft had failed to fully comply with the browser choice requirement, leading to the imposition of the €731 million fine.
EU competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia stated that legally binding commitments in antitrust decisions play a crucial role in the EU's enforcement policy. He added that while such decisions require strict compliance, a failure to comply is a serious infringement that must be sanctioned accordingly.
Almunia also highlighted that the browser choice screen is a key element of promoting competition and ensuring that consumers have a real choice when using the Internet. The fine imposed on Microsoft is a clear signal that the EU takes such matters seriously and will not hesitate to take action when necessary.
The fine is the latest in a series of fines imposed on Microsoft by the EU for antitrust violations. In 2004, the EU fined Microsoft €497.2 million for other anti-competitive bundling practices, and in 2008, the fine was increased to €899 million. The €731 million fine in August 2025 specifically addresses non-compliance with the browser choice ruling from 2009.
Microsoft has yet to comment on the fine, but it is expected that the company will appeal the decision. The fine is a significant amount and could have a significant impact on Microsoft's financials. However, the company has a history of complying with EU antitrust decisions once they are imposed, so it is likely that Microsoft will take steps to ensure compliance moving forward.
In conclusion, the European Union has fined Microsoft €731 million for failing to comply with the 2009 antitrust ruling requiring the company to offer users a choice of Internet browsers instead of bundling Internet Explorer by default. This is a clear signal that the EU takes such matters seriously and will not hesitate to take action when necessary to promote competition and protect consumer choice. Microsoft has a history of complying with EU antitrust decisions once they are imposed, so it is likely that the company will take steps to ensure compliance moving forward.
Microsoft's historic failure to comply with the 2009 antitrust ruling by the European Union, which mandated offering users a choice of Internet browsers instead of bundling Internet Explorer, has led to the imposition of a €731 million fine. This fine is a clear demonstration of the EU's determination to enforce competition laws, especially when it comes to technology companies.
