Microsoft quietly made changes to the way you can swap out default browsers in Windows 11, but not everyone is happy. The folks who make Firefox recently told Microsoft that “more can be done,” and now, Vivaldi has some things to say too, mentioning that Microsoft should make it easy for all users to use other browsers (via Neowin.)
The statement aimed towards Microsoft’s efforts comes in an article published in The Register. There, Jon Von Tetzchner, who is the Vivaldi boss, mentioned that Microsoft only made it easy to switch default browsers in one click to avoid lawsuits. In a stronger message, he also mentioned that Microsoft needs to stop abusing its powers. He said:
Microsoft should make it as easy for all users to use other browsers, as it is to use Edge, and stop abusing their power to push Edge onto users [. . .] They continue to try to make it harder to switch to and use other browsers. We look forward to the EU following up on this malpractice
In another statement, Tetzchner gets into how only technical users realize they need an optional update to swap out default browsers with one click. In his own words.
This should apply to all users, not just the ones who are technically competent enough to realize that they need to install an optional update, and know how to actually do so. It should be installed for all users.
Microsoft is always listening to feedback, and the original changes it made to switch browsers in one click are appreciated. However, certain file types might still be associated with Edge even after swapping out to another browser, which Mozilla had issues with. It’ll be interesting to see how Microsoft reacts, and if any changes will be coming in the future.
