Microsoft Edge Has Hijacked my Opera

AaronAF

AaronAF

I just checked the Opera forum here for Microsoft Edge, hoping to find topics about Edge's coercing its app onto my computer, which has Windows 10. I am a long time user of Opera, and like it very much, especially its speed dial and bookmarks features. I also like that Opera warns me when my device memory is being swamped and guides me to ways i can fix the problem.
Now, suddenly after I responded to Opera's popup to update it, I received a message that the update failed! The first time this has happened. When I tried again, the following image filled my screen:
link text.
I want to make sure I understand the importance of following the instructions, and what would be the consequences if I decided to ignore them and just minimize that webpage displaying Edge's instructions, and continue using Opera without following those instructions.
I am guessing Opera will have no way of being updated unless I do follow those instructions, because it seems Opera was heavily dependent on the now obsolete Internet Explorer, which Microsoft Edge seems to have replaced; and that I'll eventually not be able to use Opera, if I don't accept Microsoft Edge. Is that the case?
After reading a few negative reviews about Microsoft Edge, I am concerned there is no workaround having to use Microsoft Edge. I did notice a 5-step method of disabling Microsoft Edge that I saw on The Verge (link text); but that advice was 4 years old.
I'd appreciate more information about Microsoft Edge and how it will affect my use of Opera.
Anyone in the Opera community, please advise.