Microsoft has its own browser, Microsoft Edge, and while most users struggle due to constantly being asked about their default browser choice, the company is changing its tone in Europe. The company doesn't ask Windows 11 users to change their default browser.
Microsoft Allows Users to Change Default Browser in Windows 11 from Edge to a Different Type of Browser
According to the story by Digital Trends, Microsoft is making it much easier for users of Windows 11 to be able to change their default browser. However, this still doesn't entirely remove Edge from the user's computer.
So far, Microsoft Edge still loads whenever the user tries to open up certain types of files since it's linked to the Windows setting. However, users will be able to change this default through the Windows settings.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23531 Latest Note Version Shows How the EEA Behaves Differently
The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23531 latest note versions show how the European Economic Area (EEA) behaves differently. So far, Windows system components will automatically open links directly on the browser set on default.
For users in the EEA, they would be able to choose Google Chrome as the first choice of their system preference and Microsoft would respect that decision without pushing them to change their choice for default browser.
Microsoft Edge Comes with New Features Like Bing Sidebar and Bing Chat
The article by Digital Trends noted that although Microsoft Edge isn't really a bad choice, users should still be able to choose. So far, Microsoft has been busy when it comes to adding new features to make Edge able to compete with other browsers.
Some of the new features include the Bing sidebar, which gives users access to Bing Chat without the normal browser flow ever being interrupted. However, there's actually a lot of similarity between Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
Microsoft Edge Uses the Google Chrome Base Code and Allows Users to Install Chrome Extensions
It was noted that Microsoft Edge uses the Google Chrome base code and also has the ability to install certain Chrome extensions. The browser also makes it easy for users to be able to bookmark certain things online, making it easy to transition.
So far, Microsoft has long been trying to replace its previous Internet Explorer with something much faster and provides a better experience. However, despite the upgraded Edge compared to Internet Explorer, there are still other browsers that other users might want to check out.
No Confirmation was Given Regarding Whether Microsoft Needed to Do This Due to EEA Laws
Digital Trends announced that Microsoft would be upgrading the browser and adding new changes continually as it tries to compete with larger web browsers. However, since Microsoft is only more lenient when it comes to default browsers in the EEA, this could be because of local law.
Should there not be any legal requirement in the EEA, Microsoft should still give users a choice on whether or not they want to use the Edge browser for every link coming from their computer.
