Windows 11 changes how the default settings work –– and people are not having it
The coming of the new Windows 11 is much more complicated than you thought it would be. First, the hardware requirements were annoying, to say the least.
But that is not the only thing. It seems that Microsoft has made setting your default internet browsers in the new Windows 11 much harder than it needs to be.
The process of setting the default browser and apps is so user-unfriendly that users are not having it. Mind you, even the most tech-savvy users are upset with how the process will be set up.
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Microsoft makes it difficult to change default settings in Windows 11
Early this year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, said during an interview that Windows 11 is designed to offer “the most choice.” Yet, a recent preview build says otherwise.
Now, Microsoft is changing the way to set up default apps in Windows 11. Needless to say, the company is making it a lot harder than it needs to be.
Users are now upset about how the company has complicated the browser choice. But, coming from a company that had its fair share of browser antitrust issues in its previous OS versions –– this should not come as a major surprise.
Related: Microsoft 365 has a hidden feature that allows your boss to spy on you
Microsoft Edge as Windows 11 default browser
As we all know, Microsoft Edge is Windows 11’s default browser. The company’s own Chromium-based browser is set to deliver a user experience close to Google’s Chrome or Brave Browser.
Also read: The Fastest Browser for Android: 17 Android Browsers Tested
That should be enough–especially for users who are used to Chrome. Users should still be able to switch to any browser they wish. Good thing, Microsoft still lets you do that. It’s only that the company has made it very difficult to switch to another internet browser with Windows 11.
If you want to switch to another browser, you will have to pay close attention to the prompt message asking whether you want to set a new browser as default. The prompt pops up the first time you install the browser and open a link for the first time.
Now, you should tick the ‘Always use this app’ box to make sure the new internet browser becomes the default. And if you miss the ‘Always use this app’ box, Microsoft will not change the default browser for you.
Default apps on Windows 11
Let’s say, you forgot to tick off the box the first time you open Microsoft Edge. You will be sent to a place where most Microsoft users do not want to go.
Competing browsers will invite you to set them as default –– no worries about that, right? Yet, the process to do it involves an exhaustive process.
Technically, Windows 11 brings changes to the way default apps are set. This means you will have to associate files with the default browser manually. The list includes: “HTM, HTML, PDF, SHTML, SVG, WEBP, XHT, XHTML, FTP, HTTP, and HTTPS.”
Additionally, The Verge already tested Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, and Brave on Windows 11. Based on the trial, only Firefox set defaults without needing the user to go to Windows 11 defaults section.
Also, all rival browsers are not happy with the process. In fact, executives from the companies mentioned above have criticized Microsoft’s move for Windows 11.
What’s more?
But that’s not all…
Worse, in Windows 11, the taskbar search widget sends users back to Microsoft Edge –– just like in Windows 10. Microsoft went ahead to explain this new approach which gives users more control over Windows 11 apps:
With Windows 11, we are implementing customer feedback to customize and control defaults at a more granular level, eliminating app categories and elevating all apps to the forefront of the defaults experience. As evidenced by this change, we’re constantly listening and learning and welcome customer feedback that helps shape Windows. Windows 11 will continue to evolve over time; if we learn from user experience that there are ways to make improvements, we will do so,
says a Microsoft spokesperson.
Windows 11 is still in beta right now. Users who have already stumbled into the default browser issues will soon submit their feedback. Hopefully, Microsoft will respond accordingly.
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