Microsoft is facing an antitrust investigation from the European Commission about failing to stick to an agreement made three years ago.
Microsoft had promised to display a screen which gave users a choice of other internet browsers as alternatives to Internet Explorer. However, this screen has not been available since February 2011.
According to the BBC, the EU competition commissioner, Joaquin Almunia said that this ‘technical error’, as Microsoft has called it, has meant that up to 28 million customers might not have seen the option screen.
Microsoft has said that computers with Windows 7 (the original version), Windows XP and Windows Vista had the screen but the browser choice screen (BCS) was omitted from update packs for Windows 7 due to a technical hitch.
Microsoft commented: “While we have taken immediate steps to remedy this problem, we deeply regret that this error occurred and we apologise for it."
Despite the company’s expression of regret, Almunia has said, according to the BBC: “Needless to say, we take compliance with our decision very seriously.
"If the infringement is confirmed, there will be sanctions."
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