Windows Weekly – Edge Game Assist is an IT Headache!

Working at a managed service provider (MSP), I deal with Microsoft on a regular basis. This is mainly because Microsoft causes more problems than they solve on a regular basis. I definitely have a career because of Microsoft, so I both thank and curse Microsoft every day as a result.

On this subject, I am definitely cursing Microsoft.

Microsoft recently introduced Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an in-game browser version of the Microsoft Edge browser which is supposed to allow gamers the ability to browse the web without having to leave their game window. Sounds like a great idea for gamers, right? Nothing like checking a playthrough guide for the game you’re trying to finish without having to alt-tab out of the game screen.

Here’s the problem – Game Assist installs automatically on any Windows computer which has Edge installed. Which is every Windows computer. Including servers.

On top of that, servers are usually locked down for security purposes, and understandably so. This, however, causes Game Assist to crash. Repeatedly. As a result, the security software normally running on business/government class devices like servers flags Game Assist as malware. If you uninstall Game Assist to resolve the issue, Edge re-installs it with the next update. Rinse, repeat.

Thanks, Microsoft!

Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell discussed the joy of Microsoft Edge Game Assist during the July 23rd episode of the Windows Weekly podcast.