Microsoft has found another way to push us towards the Edge browser. Links sent from Outlook or Teams open in Edge.

Microsoft makes no secret of wanting to make Ede the largest browser. And if that doesn’t happen automatically, then Redmond doesn’t shy away from using crude means. In a blog, Microsoft announces that Outlook will soon only open links in emails in Edge. Teams will follow suit at a later date.

It doesn’t matter at all which browser you’ve set as the default application, Outlook and Teams will blatantly ignore your preference. Microsoft’s explanation is that Edge can create a “unique user experience” where the email and the content of the link appear side-by-side. This way, you no longer have to switch between browser and Mail app, a frustration we all experience on a daily basis.

Butting edge

However, according to comments on Reddit, users don’t seem to be embracing this marketing pitch. The adjustments are mainly seen as a trick to turn Edge back on. Fortunately, there is a way to get out of this, but this has to be set up manually for each account. under File > Options > Advanced > Processing Link A new line will appear where you must specify whether you want to open links in Edge or your preferred browser.

While Edge is a more than decent browser, Microsoft needs to learn that such aggressive marketing backfires. When Windows 11 launched, Microsoft made it harder to change the default browser back, a decision it has since reversed. With the launch of Bing Chat, Microsoft tried again by prioritizing Edge users on the waitlist. Now that this has also turned out to be insufficient, Outlook and Teams are used to give Edge a boost.