Microsoft admits intentionally making it difficult to switch browsers in Windows 11

Things came to a climax when Microsoft decided to block a third-party method of helping to change the default browser in Windows 11. This decision directly affects EdgeDeflector, the current most popular tool with thousands of users. hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, and immediately sparked a huge wave of controversy. Although no official statement was made at the time, there were many opinions that Microsoft was intentionally making it difficult to switch browsers on Windows 11.

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Now, after a lot of criticism, Microsoft has finally admitted that they are making the browser switch in Windows 11 more difficult on purpose. In an interview with The Verge, a company spokesperson emphasized that:

Windows openly allows third-party applications and services to run on the platform, which includes various web browsers. At the same time, Windows also provides certain end-to-end user experiences in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Loading the search experience from the taskbar is one of the examples of end-user experiences. to-end is not designed for redirects. If we detect improper redirect behavior, we issue a 'fix.

From the above statement, it can be easily understood that Microsoft is referring to its update as a "fix", implying that the company will actively take measures to block any attempts to "convert". wrong direction" next. Which specifically here is from Edge to other third-party web browsers.

Not only is it frustrating for web developers, this move by Microsoft is also clearly affecting the experience of users, who won't be able to completely and easily move away from Edge once the block becomes available. .

Windows 11 users will have to go through a 'harsh' process to change their default browser from Edge to another platform. While some might argue that the current Edge is good enough, this argument is fundamentally irrelevant. Simply because it goes against Microsoft's previous statement about building a 'free, democratic' platform for the community of creators, and ensuring the rights of users.

Now, Microsoft openly admits that it doesn't want users to modify the end-to-end experience of its own making. This will certainly make it difficult for users who just want to use the web browser they want.

David Pac

Update 18 November 2021