The difficulty of switching between browsers in Windows 11 has been controversial since the introduction of the operating system. Microsoft has made the appropriate changes compared to previous design choices for each type of extension and protocol associated with the browser separately and not generally as in previous systems.

The company explained this as a way to offer more customization, but most of us saw this as another problem for the use of alternatives and for respect the free choice of the user. This is because all browser extensions and protocols open in Microsoft Edge by default, as well as other applications and system tools that target the browser and cannot be changed.

Needless to say, the choice of browser in Windows has been going on for decades. Now, as with Internet Explorer, the allegations are the same: Microsoft uses a huge share of Windows on desktops to encourage the adoption of your browser (and other services and applications) through so-called “dark patterns” or other techniques that, through their actions or inactions, make it difficult to use third-party solutions.

As well as blocking legal applications like MSEdgeRedirect, which allowed you to choose your browser precisely, or with warnings about Google Chrome, which are at least controversial.

Change browser in Windows 11

Microsoft has recently made it easier to switch browsers with KB5011563, but some of its competitors say that’s not enough. One of them was Mozilla, responsible for Firefox, which, while acknowledging the improvements, is asking for it Microsoft is doing more to respect browser selection default in Windows 11:

“Microsoft’s changes, which improve the default browser settings, are a step in the right direction. However, more can be done to respect the choice of the default browser in Windows. Users should be able to easily and easily set defaults, and all operating systems should be able to offer official support so that developers can set them as defaults. ”.

“In practice, we would also like to see progress in reducing the number of steps required to set a new browser as the default and to open and make APIs available to set the default settings used by other browser applications. Microsoft ».

Mozilla comes to ask for a browser selection window, which Microsoft already had to implement when regulators threatened sanctions. And also that users can choose the browser they want to open from other Windows applicationsas in Windows 11 with widget links.

You already know our opinion. Microsoft Edge is a great browser (the best Microsoft has ever made) and you don’t need the tricks, dark patterns, or any non-transparent techniques used by the Redmond company to take advantage of – improperly – the market to increase its adoption rate. share windows.