Engadget Logo Engadget Japanese version Microsoft withdraws "difficulty switching default browser other than Edge" of Windows 11

In Windows 11, Microsoft makes it extremely difficult to reset another company's browser to the default once the user has made their Edge the default browser. However, in the latest test build, it is reported that Chrome, Firefox, etc. have been changed so that they can be set as default with the touch of a button.

Earlier this week, Rafael Rivera, the developer of the well-known Windows app Ear Trumpet, reported on Twitter that there are new changes to the test build of Windows 11. In the current regular version, it takes time to manually change each file extension such as HTML and HTM, but in the latest test version, you can switch the default browser with one click like Windows 10 "Set Default" It is said that a button is prepared.

MS has stated that this change was intentional and is currently being tested. Aaron Woodman, Vice President of Windows Marketing, said, "In Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22509 released on the Dev channel on Wednesday, the ability to set the" default browser "to an app that registers with HTTP :, HTTPS :, .HTM, .HTML. Was rationalized. " "The Windows Insider Program continues to take on new challenges based on customer feedback and testing," he added.

Initially, MS stated that it would make it difficult to switch between default settings, "we are providing customer feedback for more detailed customization and control." However, competing browser companies have been dissatisfied with this change, leading to criticisms such as Mozilla and Brave, as well as Google's Chrome and Android director Hiroshi Lockheimer and others as "a deprivation of users."

It is not clear when this test feature will be implemented in the official version and provided to all users. The Verge expects to debut with a major update next year (2022), but MS hasn't announced its release date at the time of writing, and if it does, it's likely to be ahead.

Anyway, it's encouraging that MS is listening to criticisms and user feedback about Windows 11 changes. Recently, Microsoft Edge has announced that it will include a shopping postpaid service feature as standard, and has received a lot of criticism for tests that warn users to discourage Chrome downloads.

MS has also been fined twice in Europe in 2008 and 2013 for violating antitrust laws on Windows web browsers. Behind this change in policy may have been the lack of hate in public opinion and the danger of being punished by public institutions again.

Source: The Verge