Windows 11 Got Better After Removing Annoying Feature
Microsoft has succumbed to the many complaints from users. As a result, Windows 11 has now become a lot more usable because an annoying feature is gone.
Every tech giant has ways of promoting its own products. So is Microsoft. According to a report by Tom Warren of The Verge, Microsoft appears to be eliminating the changes in Windows 11 that made it more difficult to switch default browsers. With a new Insider build, you can now switch from Edge to Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser with a single button. This instead of tediously changing the default for each type of link.
Windows 11 got better
This ‘obligation’ was found to be very annoying. The change only applies to internal links loaded outside of a browser. Currently, when you click on such a link, a dialog box opens giving you the option to switch browsers. But your preference is not saved. You can, but you have to check the “always use this app” box. Worse, you have to set the default for multiple types of web files, including HTM, HTML, HTTP, and HTTPS. Each time, a message will appear asking you to reconfirm your preference. So you are discouraged from doing this.
Solution
In the latest build you can set your default browser with a single button. “In the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22509 released Wednesday on the Dev Channel, we streamlined the ability for a Windows Insider to set the ‘default browser’ on apps that register for HTTP:, HTTPS:, .HTM, and .HTML,” says Microsoft VP Aaron Woodman.
Shortly after Windows 11 came out, a storm of criticism erupted. Microsoft said it had made changes to give users more granular control. That led to complaints from other browser makers, including Brave, Opera, Firefox and Chrome. “We condemn this Windows 11 approach, because choosing a default browser has many implications for individuals and their privacy. Users should be able to choose freely,” said a Brave spokesperson.
