Is there a browser other than Edge that is set as the default browser? Then from now on Microsoft will respect your decision for links that you open via the Windows system functions.

The changes were previously tacitly communicated in the release notes of a Windows 11 beta update that has been available via the Insider channel since late August. It says, “Windows system components use the default browser for opening links.” That means if you replace Edge with Chrome or Edge as the default browser in Settings, Windows will respect that choice.

Now, for example, if you type “ITdaily” in the Windows search bar, you can also search the web. You will then be automatically redirected to Bing and Edge. This will soon switch to the browser you have set as the default browser. You can achieve this by opening the settings and clicking on Apps > Default Appsopen the window for your favorite browser and Set Default click.

Aggressive Marketing

That sounds like a small change in Windows, but for Microsoft it feels like mixing a whole bottle of water with the wine. Redmond’s aggressive marketing tricks are now notorious. After all, Microsoft wants you to use their browser, and Windows has made it difficult for competing browsers since the beginning of the World Wide Web.

While it wasn’t even possible to change the default browser in Windows 11 at first, Microsoft has now come back to it. Then you need to set the preferred browser for each file type separately to increase the chances of accidentally leaving Edge somewhere. Not only the Windows system functions are to blame for this, the Office apps are also happy to join in.

Only in Europe

It remains to be seen when the changes will be available to all Windows 11 users. The update is in the testing phase, so Microsoft may still change its mind. The adjustments for the Windows system components also only apply to users in the European Economic Area.

Whether this has anything to do with Microsoft’s antitrust investigation remains speculation, but the timing is certainly noteworthy. Microsoft also announced a few days ago that it would separate teams from Office subscriptions. Any good will can only help the cause of Microsoft.